Major Risks Factors of Depression

Depression is more likely to affect teenagers and people between the ages of 20 and 30 years. However, that is not to say it cannot affect people outside these age brackets. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has tagged it the number one cause of disability amongst people aged 15 to 44.3 in America.

There are more women suffering from this condition than men, and this is partially because women are more likely to seek treatment.

Below are certain factors that are likely to induce symptoms of depression:

• Medications, like high blood pressure pills and sleeping pills • Chronic illnesses, like stroke, cancer or heart attack • Drug or alcohol abuse • Having a history of mental illness like post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders • Having blood relatives with history of alcoholism, suicide, depression or bipolar disorder • Childhood depression • Traumatic events like sexual abuse, loss of a loved one or child abuse • Experiencing financial difficulties and going through a stressful relationships

Medical Conditions

The National Institute of Mental Health has stated that the medical conditions listed below, can increase the risk of depression.

• People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder – more than 40% • People suffering from cancer – 25% • People suffering from addiction or drug abuse – 27% • People suffering from Parkinson’s disease – 50% • People suffering from eating disorders – 50 to 75% • People who have experienced heart attack – 33%

Medical risk factors of depression

Below are some medical factors that can lead to depression:

• Biochemical Factors. Depression is a psychological disorder that can be triggered by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters can be described as chemicals that help the brain to function properly. Dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are examples of these chemicals and their major function is to regulate all the physiological functions of the brain. However, according to certain experts, some people are more prone to this disease than others.

• Genetic factors. People wi