Predisposing factors to depression

Predisposing factors to depression

• Biological theories
  • Genetics
    • Hereditary factor may be involved
• Biochemical influences
  • Deficiency of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine has been implicated.
  • Excessive cholinergic transmission may also be a factor.
• Neuroendocrine disturbances
  • Possible failure within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis
  • Possible diminished release of thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Physiological influences
  • Medication side effects
  • Neurological disorders
  • Electrolyte disturbances
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Other physiological conditions
  • The role of inflammation
• Psychoanalytical theory
  • A loss is internalized and becomes directed against the ego.
• Learning theory
  • The individual who experiences numerous failures learns to give up trying.
• Object loss theory
  • Experiences loss of significant other during first 6 months of life
  • Feelings of helplessness and despair
  • Early loss or trauma may predispose client to lifelong periods of depression.
• Cognitive theory
  • Views primary disturbance in depression as cognitive rather than affective.
  • Three cognitive distortions that serve as the basis for depression.
    • Negative expectations of the environment
    • Negative expectations of the self
    • Negative expectations of the future