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Risk Factors for Depression

There are a number of factors that increase a person's risk of developing depression. For some types of depression (for example, bipolar disorder), family history appears to be a risk factor. Medications can be another risk factor, since some drugs (such as digoxin) have depression as a side effect. Similarly, depression is common in people who have substance abuse. There are also some medical conditions that increase the risk of depression, including diabetes and certain other metabolic conditions. Lastly, stress and hormonal factors can sometimes be risk factors for depression.

 

An Overview of Risk Factors for Depression

While depression research scientists are still searching for the exact cause or causes of depression, they do know a number of factors that increase a person's chances of developing depression. These are known as depression risk factors. Some risk factors for depression include:

 

  • Family history
  • Medications
  • Substance abuse
  • Medical illnesses
  • Hormonal factors
  • Stress.

 

Family History

Some types of depression run in families, which suggests that a biological vulnerability to depression can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression). Studies of families in which members of each generation developed bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true. In other words, not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes a vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. It seems that additional factors -- possibly stresses at home, work, or school -- are involved in the onset of bipolar disorder.

 
In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depression is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.
 
Among the people who are prone to depression are those with low self-esteem, those who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, and those who are readily overwhelmed by stress. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness is not clear.
 
(Risk Factors for Depression Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD