by Carol Gioia

Created on: January 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Chronic depression is a crippling mental state with many potential physical causes. This serious medical condition affects an individual's capacity to think clearly, saps energy, and creates lethargy, and inability to concentrate.

Here are some of the physical causes of depression divided by category:

Medical

* Acute or chronic illness
* Side effects to certain medications

* Food allergies
* Postpartum depression

All of the above physical conditions require ongoing monitoring and treatment by physicins to mitigate the potential for depression resulting from these medical concerns.

Behavioral

* Improper diet
* Sleep deprivation
* Substance abuse
* Dehydration
* Obesity

All of the above byproducts of poor lifestyle can be impetus for bouts of depression. Behavior modification and life changes will be necessary to effect improvement in the depressed individual.

Environmental

* Overcrowding
* Lack of sunlight
* Isolation and loneliness
* Lack of exercise
* Lack of mental stimulation

Sometimes living conditions bring on depression. All these side effects of poverty are often out of the control of the depressed individual. Many senior citizens fall into this category.

Psychological

Physical causes of depression often have their root in emotional turmoil.

* Grief
* Unresolved anger
* A sense of failure
* Anxiety
* Feelings of hopelessness
* Lingering effects of childhood abuse or neglect

Physical causes of depression often have their root in emotional turmoil.

A person could potentially have one, several, or many of the above listed contributing components to depression. Often, the categories blur and overlap in a ripple effect, with one cause stimulating the creation of another.

Only a complete physical examination by a medical professional can determine correct diagnosis and treatment for depression. Often it is necessary to examine the lifestyle and behavior patterns of the individual in question, in order to determine how to address this debilitating condition. Often a combination of medication and therapy will be required.

Proper diet, adequate liquids and plenty of fresh air and exercise are the best defense to ward off or alleviate depression. When nothing seems to help, however, it is time to examine possible physical causes.

If you or a loved one are exhibiting signs of depression, i.e. feelings of hopelessness, lack of appetite, inability to sleep, anxiety or agitation, negative thoughts, and no matter what you do, the mood continues or escalates over time, a complete medical check up is in order to determine if underlying physical causes are at the root of the depression.

Source: Kaiser Permanente Medical Handbook (2007 edition)

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