Pathogenesis (development of disease)
The etiology has not yet been identified with certainty, but there are probably several causes that influence each other. For example, seasonal depression, like major depression, is thought to have a genetic component in addition to psychosocial stress. Furthermore, studies have shown that changes occur in the neurotransmitter system. In particular, there is an altered noradrenergic and serotoninergic activity. In addition, there is a dysregulation (misregulation) between the pituitary gland pituitary gland) and adrenal cortex, which is shown by changes in CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) and cortisol (steroid hormone/stress hormone that is released after stressful situations and activates catabolic (“degrading”) metabolic processes).
Etiology (causes)
Biographic causes
- Genetic burden from parents, grandparents is suspected
- Twin study showed common genetic factors for depressed mood and evening type
- Close relatives with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.
Causes related to the disease
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol (woman: > 40 g/day; man: > 60 g/day).
Other causes
- Drug abuse
