Depression is a common disorder that affects all different types of people. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, or where you live. Although depression affects different people in many of the same ways and for many of the same reasons, there is no single factor that makes people become depressed. Most research about depression is on what are the causes of it. Some factors can be from the loss of a loved one, job loss, and serious health problems. While these might explain why some people get depression it doesn’t explain while others don’t. It also doesn’t explain why more people are depressed now, than during times of adversity like the Great Depression.

Depression is a common medical condition with very specific symptoms. The symptoms of depression, as with any other illness, may differ from person to person. Not everyone will have all the same symptoms.

Dysthymic Disorder is characterized by being chronically but not continuously depressed for two years. While depressed, a person experiences at least two of the following symptoms: poor appetite, insomnia, fatigue, and low self esteem, poor concentration and feelings of hopelessness.

The biological theory of depression emphasizes underlying genetic, neurological, or physiological factors that may predispose a person to developing a mood disorder. The evidence that genetic factors contribute to depression is clearly found from studies on twins. For example, if one identical twin has a bipolar disorder, the risk that the other twin will develop the disorder is about 80%. In comparison, the chance of both fraternal twins developing this disorder is about 16%. Currently researchers believe that there is no single gene but rather a combination of genes that produce a risk, or predisposition, for developing depression. Since the genes are involved in regulation of neurotransmitters, researchers are searching for the neurotransmitters that control depression. They do know that abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters can cause disturbances in brain circuits and, in turn, predispose or put individuals at risk for developing depression. One of the types of neurotransmitters, called monamines, are known to be involved in depression. Researchers have took computerized photos of the structure and function of living brains and compared brains of depressed patients with those of indivuals with normal moods. They reported that an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex was about 40% smaller in depressed patients. It was also found to be less active in depressed patients. These studies on the living brains of depressed patients suggest that a faulty brain structure of function, especially in the prefrontal cortex, contributes to the onset and/or maintenance of depression.

• Recurring thoughts of suicide and death.

Major depressive disorder is marked by at least two weeks of continually being in a bad mood, having no interest in anything, and getting no pleasure from activities. In additions, a person must at least four of the following symptoms: problems with eating, sleeping, thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, lacking energy, thinking about suicide, and feeling worthless or guilty.

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