What Does Research Say About Depression?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Research suggests that depression doesn’t spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals . Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems.

What are some major research findings about depression?

Teen depression rises with screen time, suicide ideation weighs more on low-income women, potential new target for novel antidepressants -these are some of the latest findings in major depressive disorder research. Scroll through the slideshow above to find concise summaries.

Why research on depression is important?

Studying these contributions is important for at least three major reasons: First, there is substantial evidence that early-life stress (ELS) leads to persistent neurobiological adaptations that resemble findings in depression , leading towards an understanding of the relationship of the pathophysiology of depression to ...

What is the number one cause of depression?

There’s no single cause of depression . It can occur for a variety of reasons and it has many different triggers. For some people, an upsetting or stressful life event, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries, can be the cause. Different causes can often combine to trigger depression.

How do researchers define depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act . Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

What is the findings of depression?

Major Depressive Disorder

Diminished interest or loss of pleasure in almost all activities (anhedonia) Significant weight change or appetite disturbance: For children, this can be failure to achieve expected weight gain. Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia) Psychomotor agitation or retardation.

What is the most serious form of depression?

Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.

What is the most depressed country?

  • August 11, 2021. Read story.
  • India is the most depressed country in the world. August 11, 2021. Read story.
  • August 11, 2021. Read story.

Who is mainly affected by depression?

Depression is most common in ages 18 to 25 (10.9 percent) and in individuals belonging to two or more races (10.5 percent). Women are twice as likely as men to have had a depressive episode, according to the NIMH and the World Health Organization (WHO) .

What are 4 major causes of depression?

  • Abuse. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can make you more vulnerable to depression later in life.
  • Age. People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. ...
  • Certain medications. ...
  • Conflict. ...
  • Death or a loss. ...
  • Gender. ...
  • Genes. ...
  • Major events.

What actually causes depression?

Research suggests that depression doesn’t spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems .

Is oversleeping a symptom of depression?

It’s important to remember that oversleeping is a possible symptom of depression and that oversleeping doesn’t cause depression. But it can exacerbate and worsen depression symptoms, Dr. Drerup explains. “If someone’s oversleeping, they may wake up and feel like they’ve missed out on the day,” she says.

What part of your brain is affected by depression?

The main subcortical limbic brain regions implicated in depression are the amygdala, hippocampus, and the dorsomedial thalamus . Both structural and functional abnormalities in these areas have been found in depression.

What tablets are for depression?

When treating depression, several drugs are available. Some of the most commonly used include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro) , fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine HRI (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

What behavior is most characteristic of someone diagnosed with depression?

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness . Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration , even over small matters.

What are signs of anxiety?

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
  • Having an increased heart rate.
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating.
  • Trembling.
  • Feeling weak or tired.
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.