Facts About Depression

What Causes Depression?
Is There Such a Thing as a Chemical Imbalance?

There are many facts about depression. For instance, over 19 million Americans suffer from a depressive disorder each year. Staggering number, isn't it? What's even more staggering is that only 30% of them seek help or treatment!!

There are many things that cause the disorder. A situational life event may be the cause and, as a result, you've got the blues for a while. However, if you are feeling depressed over a long period of time, you should consider taking a depression test to see if it really is something more serious. You can learn alot about your self and your current if you take a depression test

The important thing to note about taking a self-assessment like those found on-line is that they can not provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Instead, it is another set of data for you to consider as you rule out other things. If a test indicates you are (or might be) depressed, then you should seek a diagnosis from a trained professional.

So, is it more serious? If so, what is causing it?

Facts About Depression

The facts about depression....believe it or not, there really is such a thing as a chemical imbalance in the brain. By learning more about how this works, you will quickly realize three very important things:

1)Its not your fault

2)There is help

2)There is hope

Your brain has four (4) main neurotransmitters that can cause depression. Without getting to technical, neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses in the brain. If these chemicals are out of balance then the nerve impulses won't transmit correctly leading to a depressed state.

The transmitters are called dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and monoamine oxidase or MAO. Each of these transmitters effect different parts of the brain as follows:

Dopamine is linked directly to feelings of pleasure and self-stimulation

Norepinephrine is linked to incoming stimuli, altertness and energy levels

Seratonin balances the dopamine and norepinephrine and directly influences mood

MAO breaks down adrenaline and serotonin

So, what medications do is inhibit the activity of the MAO and/or increases the levels of adrenaline, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The result is a decreased feeling of depression, an increased level of energy and a better mood.

Find out if you a candidate for anti-depressants by going to this depression checklist Also, there are many different types of medications. Learn about the different types, when they are used and their side effects by going to the page specifically about various depression medications, how they work and their side effects.