26th January 2024

Pathophysiology

The cause is unknown, but depression evolves from a complex interaction of biological, social, and psychological factors.

Factors that increase risk include:

• Chronic comorbidities (e.g., COPD, thyroid disorders)
• Medicines (e.g., corticosteroids, ß-blockers)
• Female sex
• Older age
• Recent childbirth
• Psychosocial issues (e.g., unemployment, bereavement, poverty, divorce)
• Personal or family history of depression
• Adverse early experiences (e.g., childhood physical abuse)
• Past head injury