Scientific knowledge about depression

The main types of depression Depression frequently occurs on the background of stress or long-existing severe traumatic situations. Sometimes they occur for no apparent reason. Depression can be accompanied by somatic diseases (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, etc.). In such cases, it is much heavier main course and prognosis of medical condition. However, with early detection and treatment of depression has been a rapid improvement in mental and physical health. Depression can occur as single, different severity disease episodes occur continuously or in repeated relapses. In some patients, the depression is chronic - lasts for years without reaching a considerable gravity. Sometimes depression is limited mainly to bodily symptoms without distinct emotional expressions. At the same clinical and laboratory tests can not detect any organic changes. In such cases, you need to consult a psychiatrist.
Modern ideas about the causes of depression Bio-psycho-social model of depression Modern science considers depression as a disease in the origin of which contribute to different reasons or factors - biological, psychological and social. Biology of depression The biological factors include depression, above all, the specific violation of neurochemical processes (metabolism of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, etc.). These disorders are, in turn, may be genetically determined. Psychology depression Scientific research has revealed the following psychological factors of depression: * A special way of thinking, the so-called negative thinking, which is characterized by a fixation on the negative aspects of life and self, the tendency to see in a negative light surrounding the life and future * Specific style of communication in the family with a high level of criticism of heightened conflict * Increased number of stressful life events in his personal life (separation, divorce, alcoholism family, the death of loved ones)

 * Social isolation with a small number of warm, confidential contacts that could serve as a source of emotional support The social context of depression Growth depressions in modern civilization is associated with a high rate of life, an increased level of stress it: the highly competitive modern society, social instability - a high level of migration, difficult economic conditions and uncertainty in the future. In modern society, cultivated a number of values ​​that doom a person to a permanent dissatisfaction - the cult of personality and physical perfection, the cult of power, of superiority over others, and personal well-being. It makes people hard to survive and hide their problems and failures, deprives them of emotional support and doomed to solitude.