Depression can be a result of several factors. Our brains produce chemical substances known as neurotransmitters released by nerves in the brain. These neurotransmitters help cells in the brain communicate with each other. One of the factors that can cause depression is the imbalance of these chemicals.

Another factor we have learned from brain imaging research is the physical changes in the brain, impacting several parts of the brain. These brain structures are involved in experiencing emotion, decision-making, reward anticipation, attention, memory, and motivation. Changes in our hormones can have a significant impact on depression.

These changes can be influenced by highly stressful events and even our genetic makeup. People who have 1st-degree relatives that suffer from depression have a higher likelihood of having depression.

Other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic pain, and inflammation can also lead to depression.

Events or circumstances that are emotional, psychological, or physical triggers can bring on or exacerbate depression symptoms.

Some of the triggers include these:

• •Stressful life circumstances, including bereavement, family disputes, and relationship changes.
• •Incomplete recovery after prematurely discontinuing depression treatment.
• •Medical conditions, particularly a medical emergency like a new diagnosis or a chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease.

Depression is more likely to affect some people than others due to the presence of certain risk factors, like:

• •Experiencing certain life events, such as a death in the family, problems at work, relationship changes, money troubles, and health issues. Severe stress.
• •Not having any effective coping mechanisms.
• •Having a close family member who is depressed.
• •Using prescription medications such as corticosteroids, specific beta-blockers, and interferon.
• •Using alcohol or illicit drugs like amphetamines for recreation.
• •Suffering a head injury.
• •Having a neurodegenerative condition like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
• •Having experienced a major depressive episode in the past.
• •Having a long-term illness, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• •Suffering from persistent pain.
• •Inadequate social support.

Your physician might identify you as having depression based on the following:

• •Physical Exam: Your physician might conduct a physical examination and inquire about your health. Sometimes a physical health issue may be the underlying cause of depression.
• •Lab Test: For instance, your doctor might check your thyroid to see if it is functioning correctly or perform a blood test called a complete blood count.
• •Psychiatric Evaluation: Your mental health professional will enquire about your signs, patterns of thought and behavior, and feelings. To assist in addressing these inquiries, you might be asked to complete a questionnaire.
• •DSM-5: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, aka the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, may be used by your mental health professional to determine whether you meet the criteria for depression.

However, 30.9% of patients either do not respond to treatment or do not respond well. About 4 out of 10 people experience a remission of their symptoms within a year, but depression can recur.

Symptom management typically consists of three steps:

• •Support: This can include educating family members and talking about real-world solutions and potential causes.
• •Psychotherapy: It is also referred to as talking therapy and includes options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and one-on-one counseling.
• •Antidepressants: Antidepressants are a standard drug treatment option.
• •TMS Therapy: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that helps improve symptoms of depression. TMS is usually used when other depression treatments fail to provide positive results.