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Depression Research

Depression is a medical condition that involves more than just feeling blue or sad and can take several forms. Major depressive disorder is one type that may have no clear cause, while postpartum depression is linked to childbirth. Bipolar disorder also involves depression but includes periods of mania. The causes of depression are complex and not fully understood but likely involve genetic and environmental factors such as brain chemistry imbalances, stress, grief, medical conditions, and poor nutrition. Certain risk factors like family history, childhood experiences, gender, and stress can increase one's chances of developing depression. Signs of depression involve outward manifestations a doctor can observe, while symptoms are subjective feelings only the patient experiences like sadness or guilt.

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Klare Miller
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48 views1 page

Depression Research

Depression is a medical condition that involves more than just feeling blue or sad and can take several forms. Major depressive disorder is one type that may have no clear cause, while postpartum depression is linked to childbirth. Bipolar disorder also involves depression but includes periods of mania. The causes of depression are complex and not fully understood but likely involve genetic and environmental factors such as brain chemistry imbalances, stress, grief, medical conditions, and poor nutrition. Certain risk factors like family history, childhood experiences, gender, and stress can increase one's chances of developing depression. Signs of depression involve outward manifestations a doctor can observe, while symptoms are subjective feelings only the patient experiences like sadness or guilt.

Uploaded by

Klare Miller
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What Is Depression?

Everyone experiences times when they feel a little bit blue or sad. This is a normal part of being human.
Depression, however, is a medical condition that is quite different from everyday moodiness. Your paper
may explore the basics or delve deeper into the definition of clinical depression or the difference
between clinical depression and sadness.

Different Types of Depression

There are several different types of depression that are dependent on how an individual’s depression
symptoms manifest themselves. Depression symptoms may vary in severity or in what is causing them.
For instance, major depressive disorder (MDD) may have no known cause or one that’s identifiable in an
individual, while postpartum depression is typically linked to women and childbirth.

The symptoms may also be part of an illness called bipolar disorder. This includes fluctuations between
depression and a state of extreme elation called mania.1 It is a topic that offers many opportunities on
its own, from the definition and cause, to the risks, symptoms, and treatment.

Causes of Depression

The possible causes of depression are many and not yet well understood. However, it is most likely that
depression results from an interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors. Your paper
could explore one or more of these causes and reference the latest research on the topic.

For instance, how does an imbalance in brain chemistry or poor nutrition relate to depression? Is there a
relationship between the stressful, busier lives of today’s society and the rise of depression? How can
grief or a major medical condition lead to overwhelming sadness and depression?

Who Is at Risk for Depression?

Certain risk factors may make a person more prone to developing depression, such as a family history of
depression, adverse childhood experiences, stress, illness, and gender.1 This is not a complete list of all
risk factors, however, it’s a good place to start.

The growing rate of depression in children, teenagers, and young adults is an interesting subtopic you
can focus on as well. Whether you dive into the reasons behind the increase or the treatment options
that are safe for young people, there is a lot of research available in this area and many unanswered
questions to consider.

Depression Signs and Symptoms

The signs of depression are those outward manifestations of the illness that a doctor can observe when
she examines a patient. For example, a lack of emotional responsiveness is a visible sign.2 On the other
hand, symptoms are those subjective things about the illness that only the patient can observe, such as
feelings of guilt or sadness.

An illness such as depression is often invisible to the outside observer. That is why it is very important
for patients to make an accurate accounting of all of their symptoms so their doctor can diagnose them
properly. You may explore these symptoms of depression in adults or how depression symptoms can be
different in children.

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