Hi Stenographer,
The current understanding in the aetiology (causation) of depression suggests that are multiple factors contributing to the onset of depression.
These include the neurotransmitters in the brain like the dopamine, nor epinephrine, serotonin, glutamate among others. Then there could be a structural or functional alteration in different structures of the brain. The studies have found hormonal disturbance in the thyroid, prolactinand growth hormones in some of the patients of depression.
Along with these the personality structure of the individual as well as the psychosocial factors could also contribute to depression.
However, I must add here that even now the understanding in the causation of depression is far from adequate.
Answered by
Yatan
, an ibibo Advisor,
at
1:24 PM on February 15, 2008