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We all have days or periods of time when we feel down and our disposition is not as happy as normal, which we tend to explain away as being depressed. However, long-term depression is a much deeper mental condition that appears to be affecting an ever-increasing number of people. Furthermore, as medical researchers continue their studies into the problem of depression it is becoming apparent that there can be several physical causes for this condition.

GENETICS

Although the reasons are not yet clear, it has been found that in approaching half the cases of depression there is a hereditary connection. If there is depression in the family history, particularly with a parent being a sufferer, the likelihood of children becoming depressives increases significantly. Thus, in such cases it appears there may be a genetic connection to the illness related to the inheritance of similar brain function or hormonal patterns.

CHEMICAL IMBALANCES

A number of chemical changes and imbalances within the brain have also been identified as potentially connected with a depressive state, although in most cases it is not yet known whether these imbalances are responsible for the depression or whether the condition itself leads to this situation. Three of the most important chemicals in this respect are dopamine, which is believed to impact upon feelings of pleasure; Serotonin, a chemical that controls sexual, sleep and appetite activity and Noradrenaline, thought to affect moods and energy levels.

HORMONAL

Hormonal changes and imbalances can also lead to depression in both genders, although in men it is much more likely to be responsible in increased depression in the older age groups as their testosterone levels begin to decrease.

With women, these hormonal changes are likely to occur more often during their life span. For example, they are likely to suffer from depression during the menstrual cycle and, as is well documented, following the birth of a child there is a likelikely of suffering from post-natal depression, which in some cases can become quite severe. In addition to this some women experience periods of depression when they go through the menopause.

LIFE INFLUENCES

Lifestyle elements can also be s significant contributor to depression. For example, it has been found that people who are prone to obesity are more likely to suffer from depression than others, potentially because of the lowering of their feeling of self worth. Similarly, lack of exercise is another factor that can

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