What causes long term depression?

Mental health professionals think it’s a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Many factors are thought to contribute to depression. These include environmental, psychological, biological, and genetic factors. Chronic stress and trauma have also been linked to this condition.

What is the most common cause of depression in adults?

Risk Factors Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood.

Which individual has the most risk factors for depression?

Age. Major depression is most likely to affect people between the ages of 45 and 65. “People in middle age are at the top of the bell curve for depression, but the people at each end of the curve, the very young and very old, may be at higher risk for severe depression,” says Walch.

What are the effects of long-term depression?

There is plenty of evidence that demonstrates the full range of effects on the body associated with depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with untreated long-term depression are more prone to sleep disruptions, heart disease, weight gain or loss, weakened immune system, and physical pain.

What is long-term potentiation and long-term depression?

Abstract. Long-term potentiation and long-term depression are enduring changes in synaptic strength, induced by specific patterns of synaptic activity, that have received much attention as cellular models of information storage in the central nervous system.

Which situation describes risk for depression?

Stressful life events, including the death of a loved one or financial difficulties. Childhood trauma, like sexual or emotional abuse, or a history of childhood or teenage depression. Family history of depression, other mental health issues, alcoholism or suicide.

What is long term depression?

Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy.

What increases my risk for persistent depression?

Certain factors appear to increase the risk of developing or triggering persistent depressive disorder, including: Having a first-degree relative with major depressive disorder or other depressive disorders. Traumatic or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems.

What are the main causes of major depression?

As with major depression, it may involve more than one cause, such as: 1 Biological differences. People with persistent depressive disorder may have physical changes in their brains. 2 Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. 3 Inherited traits. 4 Life events.

Are You struggling with long-term depression?

For people struggling with long-term depression, they may also face accompanying physical, emotional, social, and economic side effects. These conditions are serious, and if you’re concerned with the problems that long-term depression may bring, your concerns are valid and deserving of care.

What is the definition of long-term depression?

There is no one definition or model for long-term depression. Several different diagnoses may be given depending on your situation. The diagnosis you receive for your long-term depression often depends on how long you have had depression, and the symptoms of depression with which your body and mind present.