Neurotransmitters

Elevated level of vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2), a protein in the brain that regulates neurotransmitters, has been observed in the brainstems of bipolar disorder patients.

"Neurotransmitters called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and norepinephrine have been implicated in mania."

* Infectious Agents Like Viruses Researchers are observing the role infectious agents may play as a trigger or cause of manic depression. The Borna virus and herpes simplex 2 virus are viruses that are under investigation concerning possible causes of manic depression or bipolar disorder.

* Super-fast Biological Clock?

One interesting theory on the cause of manic depression or bipolar disorder is that there is a super-fast biological "clock" located in the hypothalamus, in the center of the brain, which is actually a tiny cluster of nerves called the supra chiasmatic nucleus or SCN. This regulates a person's daily cycle of life or circadian rhythm and influences sleeping and waking.

Different causes of the depression which taken into account are:

1.Who is most likely to get depressed (SUSCEPTIBILITY)?

Who is most likely to get depressed? The different forms of depression are not necessarily caused in the same way. There are certain factors that make some people more likely to suffer from certain types of depression than others . Sex

Statistics suggest that Women are more likely to suffer from a depressive illness than men. Of course, men also suffer from depressive illness, and their susceptibility may also be due to social factors. Men find that they are unable to find the dominant position simply because they were born male. It is, perhaps, this insecurity which is making them more susceptible to depression. Increase depression in men closely related to increase in alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide.

Heredity

Does depression runs in families? It seems that susceptibility to depression is like any other inherited traits in which some people in the family inherit it and others do not. There is a genetic predisposition to some kinds of depression.

A susceptibility to severe bipolar depression is genetically transmitted, it does not necessarily follow, however , that just because someone inherits the susceptibility, he or she will develop the illness.

Age

Elderly people are particularly susceptible to depression, especially if they lose their self-esteem. They may begin to see themselves as useless- a burden to society and their families.

Loneliness and the loss of a purpose in life make the elderly more susceptible to depressed moods.

Environment

Certain types of everyday situation have been found to be closely associated with depressive illness. Married women form the largest group of people suffer who from depression. Women with low esteem are more likely to marry unsuitable men because they are afraid that nobody else will want them.

Another environmental factor which can contribute to depression is poor living conditions.

2.What will actually make them depressed (TRIGGER) ?

What causes a person who is susceptible to tip over the edge into a depressive illness? In most types of depression it is a stressful incident of some kind which causes stress to the person who is vulnerable.

It is thought that a depressive episode may be caused by some kind of biological or chemical changes in the body which does not appear to be within the control of the sufferer.

They might be triggered by certain foods, by imbalances caused by hormonal changes in the sufferer's biochemistry brought about by the way he or she thinks and feels.

Some sufferers will say that their illness was triggered by events or changes in their life, usually involving some kind of loss or personal threat.

In recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period.

Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.

3.What keeps them feeling depressed (MAINTENANCE)?

In all but some of the most severe forms of depression, it is the sufferer's reaction to the depression and their thoughts about the incidents that caused it which are often important for maintaining it.

Two factors which comes under this category are as follows:

Personality Traits :

A tendency to look on the negative side of things can be a maintenance factor in someone who is suffering from any degree of unipolar depression. So, negative ways of thinking can keep depression going. Find out more on depression and your thoughts.

Environmental Influences These refer to the part played by the situations people find themselves in their jobs, their homes, their relationships. If one of these is unsatisfactory in some way, it will make sufferers feel even more worse and it will be harder for them to think positively in order to help themselves get better.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious illness that affects a person's thoughts, mood, body and ability to function in everyday life.

Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, but depression that is bad enough to require treatment is not the same as feeling sad or "blue" temporarily. Without treatment, depression can severely restrict people's lives and last for months or years.

Depression is a common condition. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that about 10 percent (one in 10) of American adults experience some form of depression. For people with chronic illnesses, the number can be higher. For example, NIMH estimates that about 25 percent (one in four) of people with cancer have depression, and one study of people with multiple sclerosis found that 41.8 percent had significant symptoms of depression. Whether depression occurs alone or conjunction with a chronic illness, a majority of people with depression do not seek medical help. However, the NIMH estimates that therapies available now can alleviate the symptoms of depression in more than 80 percent of people who get treatment.

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Best Wishes and Lot's of Love,

Arthur Buchanan

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