We still do not know for sure what causes depression. However, research suggests there may be more than one cause and most likely, it is a combination of factors, which leaves some individuals more vulnerable to developing a depressive disorder. The "kindling theory" suggests that the more factors that combine together the more at risk an individual is to developing a major depressive illness.
Some known factors, which contribute to depression, include:
Genetic factors- depression does runs in families.
Medical research demonstrates that people with depression have a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters, the important chemical messengers in the brain.
A history of childhood physical and emotional abuse, trauma, or parental loss is associated with higher rates of depression.
Women are twice as likely to develop depression, which can be associated menstruation, childbirth, and menopause suggesting hormones may play a role.
There are times in life when family and work pressures are higher and during which time people are more likely to get depressed.
Depression can follow significant losses such as the death of a loved one, an unexpected job loss, or retirement.
Depression is also strongly associated with medical illness and chronic disability.
Temperament and personality also plays a role. Those who are more pessimistic and negative in their interpretation of life events, less resilient to change, perfectionist and lack a supportive social network are at greater risk of developing depression.
Some prescription and non-prescription drugs are also known to cause depression by interfering with important brain neurotransmitters.
Depression is also found to be more common in those with low income, are unemployed, unmarried or divorced.
Alcohol is a known central nervous system depressant and prolonged use is associated with a greater incidence of depression.
http://www.cpa-apc.org/Publications/Clinical_Guidelines/depression/clinicalGuidelinesDepression.asp
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