Usually a depression has not only exactly one cause, but arises from the interaction of different factors. It is now known that, on the one hand, the messenger substances serotonin and norepinephrine play a role. If too little of them is present in the brain or their signals are not passed on properly, depression develops.
How does depression develop?
On the other hand, there is thought to be a genetic component that is inherited – however, only the predisposition to possibly develop depression seems to be heritable, not the actual expression.
In addition, there are factors that are different for each person, such as social and psychological influences. On average, women are affected twice as often as men.
Recognize causes of depression
Because the causes are so varied, this also means, by implication, that when researching the causes in individual cases, it is necessary to break down exactly which factors in a sufferer’s current situation have probably led to the depression – only then can it possibly be possible to change these factors and help the sufferer in the long term.
How common is depression?
Depression is now so common that it is referred to as a widespread disease. Current figures speak of approximately five to six million depressed people in Germany. It is assumed that over eleven percent of all people in Germany will suffer from depression in the course of their lives. The depressive phase can occur once (in approximately 25-40 percent), there can be several phases of illness, between which the affected person recovers – but there is unfortunately also a chronic course (in 10 to 15 percent).
Suicide as a result of depression
Basically, depression is an illness to be taken seriously, because the sad basic mood can lead to occupational disability or even suicidal thoughts. Thus, the disease becomes life-threatening for the affected person, because as soon as the drive inhibition subsides but the basic depressive mood is still present, the path from suicidal thoughts to a real attempt is not far.
Forty to 70 percent of all suicides are carried out in the context of depression, and almost every patient with major depression has at least suicidal thoughts.
