What physical problems can cause Depression?

Question

What are some illnesses/diseases etc. that can cause depression?

Thank You

Answer 1

Thyroid over or under producing hormones can cause depression. When the patient then gets on thyroid medication the depression will be relieved within a couple of days. Also if you come down with depression you Dr should give you a blood test to see if it your thyroid. That is standard procedure with most Dr.     Also some electrolyte imbalances can cause depression again a simple blood test is needed to rule this out.    I have also seen people with renal failure become confused and depressed. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

A chemical imbalance can cause depression. What's the on set of that imbalance, I'm not sure, might be stress or genetically induced.

Answer 3

What Causes Depression?

There is not just one cause of depression. It is a complex disease that can occur as a result of a multitude of different factors, including biology, emotional and environmental influences. For some, depression occurs due to a loss of a loved one, a change in one's life, or after being diagnosed with a serious medical disease. For others, depression just happened, possibly due to a family history of the disorder.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of depression begins with a physical exam by a doctor. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose depression, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for evaluation.

The doctor bases his or her diagnosis of depression on the patient's report of the intensity and duration of symptoms -- including any problems with functioning caused by the symptoms. The doctor then determines if the patient's symptoms and degree of dysfunction point to depression.

How Is Depression Treated?

The most common treatment for depression includes the combination of antidepressant medicine, including selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, and psychotherapy (called "therapy" for short, or "counseling"). Electroconvulsive therapy, also called ECT, may be used when severe depression is unresponsive to other forms of therapy.

What Is the Outlook for People With Depression?

The outlook for depressed people who seek treatment is very promising. By working with a qualified and experienced mental health care professional, you can regain control of your life.

Answer 4

Illnesses and other situations do not cause depression. Depression in it's real form is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Thats why when sadness lifts ( from an event)  it was NOT depression..People have alot to say but they need to know what they are really talking about first