Depression is arguably one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders and the World Health Organisation estimates that there are about 350 million sufferers worldwide (WHO, 2012). Depression is defined as a mood disorder where individuals experience long periods of clinical depression, this makes the sufferer’s ability to function normally each day extremely difficult and also causes great distress for the individual (Davey, 2015). Sutherland (1998) described “feelings of utter despondency, worthlessness, guilt, inability to concentrate and a loss of self-regard” (p. 101) in his own account of depression and suggests that these symptoms can be accompanied by high levels of anxiety. Other symptoms Sutherland (1998) mentions include changes in eating and sleeping patterns, a slowness of speech, thought processing and bodily movement and an increase in negative thoughts. There are various explanations for the causes of major depression and this essay will compare and contrast two of the most dominant explanations which are biological and psychological explanations. The biological factors that will be …show more content…
As a result of these high concordance rates they suggest that depression is more likely to occur in family members than the general population, in addition the higher concordance rate of depression for monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins suggests a genetic basis for depression (McGuffin et al, 1991). Sullivan, Neale and Kendler (2000) found substantial support for the role of genetics, however they also suggest environmental factors also facilitate the development of depression. In fact they suggest due to the complexity of depression it is the interplay of genetics and the environment which causes the development of
Questioning the Incomprehensible Mental illness is defined as health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these) (American Psychiatric Association). There are different types of depression and they effect people differently also. With major depression working, sleeping, eating and spending time with friends and family becomes difficult to do because there is the constant feeling of hopelessness. Seeing that I have family and friends who suffer from depression, I wanted to learn more and see why people who are depressed think the way they do, what goes on inside their head to make them feel hopeless and if medication is the only way to help deal with depression even though for some people medicine doesn’t fully help them. What is the science behind depression and what makes a person’s brain chemistry without depression different from someone who suffer with depression?
“Having anxiety and depression is like being scared and tired at the same time. It 's the fear of failure but no urge to be productive. It 's wanting friends but not socializing. It 's wanting to be alone but not wanting to be lonely. It 's caring about everything then caring about nothing.
Depression can have a wide-ranging negative effect on student’s performance and function in school, it is necessary that the instructor provides multiple of accommodation and teaching strategies to promote these student’s success (Crundwell & Killu, 2010). According to Austin & Sciarra (2010) there are three models of depression: I. Psychodynamic models- Depression among children is viewed in terms of loss that originated from childhood helplessness and the disruption of emotional bonding with the primary caregiver. From this result a lack of self-esteem, meaning that the child has no inner self-worth, depending on outer sources for approval for his or her self- worth; when these (outer) sources are lost, depression arises. II.
Biological Explanations of Depression The biological explanations of depression refers to two factors one being neurotransmitter dysfunction and the other being inherited genes. The biological approach towards the neurotransmitter would explain how depression is associated with low levels of serotonin within the brain which would affect the functioning of the brain. This is associated with maladaptive behavior e.g. anger, mood disorder and anxiety. In terms of inherited genes the biological approach
This TedTalk is used to bring attention to depression and make it a discussion for all. Addressing the problem will then help to begin a change in the
There is much evidence for the causes of depression but not how the different sides fit together. Therefore, research in finding the legitimate, powerful treatment for depression is
Depressive behavior can, and overtime frequently does, elicit negative feelings (sometimes including hostility) and rejection in other people, including strangers, roommates, and spouses Coyne, (1976). Given the recurrent nature of the disorder, it is important not just to treat the acute episode, but also to protect against its return and the onset of subsequent episodes. In conclusion, depression affects the quality of life in an individual. Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, natural, environmental, and psychological factors.
An individual may describe depression as living in a black hole or a feeling of impending doom however some depressed people do not feel sad at all they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic men often feel angry, aggressive and restless (Steger & Kashdan, 2009 ). It is important to note that this disorder comes in many shapes and forms. There are different types of depression which have unique symptoms, causes and effects. Depression makes it difficult to function and enjoy everyday life. There are numerous forms of depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder, or major depression, Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, Minor depression, Psychotic depression, Postpartum depression, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), for the purpose of this discussion one will emphasis on Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, which is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well.
It had had a life of its own that bit by bit asphyxiated all of my life out of me” (230). When I was depressed, I felt like depression is the only force that drove my life, which made me do nothing, think nothing, care about nothing but just feel depressed endlessly. It made me think about 5 years ago before I came to the U.S. when I thought
INTRODUCTION: Many of the students today, normally in the senior high school and freshmen college students, are suffering from depression. With different kinds of pressure that sets them every day can usually lead the person into a depressive state. According to Keith (2016), more than 18 million adults ranging 17 years old and above were found to have symptoms of a depressive disorder. Depression is a serious mental disorder that affects the students in their academic performances.
Depression is a mood disorder that, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, affects 6.7% of the US population. It is a serious illness that can be characterized, and often stereotyped, by perceived laziness, lack of motivation, and loneliness. Those with depression may experience significant changes in their sleeping habits, either sleeping too much or too little. Some depressed people can have suicidal thoughts, but the two are not mutually exclusive. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, states that in order to diagnose major depressive disorder (commonly known as simply depression), 5 or more of the following criteria must be met.
However, in family studies design is still not possible to determine whether behaviour is influenced by genes and mutual environment causes (Sherman et al. 1997). Although family studies design is very relevant to interpret the gene-environment interaction in an individual’s behaviour, which is analysed by comparing high-risk children and low-risk children. A high-risk children is identified by the presence of a psychopathologies in their parent: and low-risk children who are is possible to classify the effects of environment characteristics on individuals variation in genetic risk (Cannon et al. 1990). Participants were classified on genetic risk as having one or two affected parents, a symbolic interaction developed between degree of genetic risk and birth complications in predicting ventricle
Familial social support (family or companions) assumes an imperative part in one's capacity to settle on more advantageous decisions. Social support implies having the capacity to get to individuals that a man can depend upon if necessary ( Lan, 2014) .The help of family and companions amid an emergencies has for quite some time been believed to have a constructive enthusiastic impact on individuals. However, this help has a physical advantage too. Within unpleasant circumstances, individuals tend to encounter higher circulatory strain and heart rates.
Living in 21st century is stressful and depression has become a serious illness that almost 20 million Americans face each year. Depression 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 feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.