Causes of Depression in Adults

Depression in adults is a common mental disorder. The disease leaves a person felling hopeless, fatigued and possibly suicidal in severe cases. Depression interferes with all areas of life. Researchers don't known precisely why depression develops. The Mayo Clinic cites biochemical, genetic and environmental factors as possible causes of depression.

Heredity

• For some people, depression is in the genes. People with relatives who suffer from depression are more likely to also get the disorder.

Abnormal Levels of Neurotransmitters

• Neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins are chemicals in the brain that affect mood. While scientists don't know how these biochemicals cause depression, when antidepressants that stabilize serotonin levels are administered, the symptoms are reduced.

Physical Changes of the Brain

• High-tech imaging of the brain provides evidence that depression causes physical changes in the brain. How these changes cause depression is not yet understood.

Hormonal Imbalances

• Hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can affect moods also. Scientists feel that changes in hormonal levels cause depression because twice as many women as men are treated for the disorder.

Personality Traits

• People who are pessimistic or melancholy, or have low self-esteem, are more susceptible to depression.

Environmental Factors

• Some researches think that people who have a serious illness, financial difficulties, or a stressful or demanding career or home life, are more like to suffer form depression.