How Science Is Helping With The Definition of Depression

People define depression in a variety of ways. Some define it based on its symptoms while some define depression based on science. Also, the definition of depression varies from people to people.

Contrary to what most people believe, depression is more than just feeling of being worthless and unimportant, as well as being down, sad and gloomy. Depression affects the body, mood, appetite, thoughts, and all other aspects of a person’s life, including emotional and physical aspects. It can either be mild or moderate, and can be classified as a major depression, bipolar disease or manic-depressive illness and dysthmia.

A person develops depressive symptoms when subjected under a stressful or tense environment. At first, he or she would feel bouts of anxiety, and persistent occurrence of which eventually leads to depression.

Although it is considered a mental disorder, it doesn’t mean that the person suffering is going insane or crazy. The symptoms are merely manifestations of the effects of a stressful situation that the person has been under. However, depression that is left untreated can develop into a bipolar disease or into a more serious mental illness.

While there is really no perfect definition for depression, this mental disorder can be well explained by science. There have been many extensive studies done to better understand how a person’s brain functions and how neurotransmitters can be responsible for the development of depression.

Such studies showed that the disturbances in some parts of the brain’s limbic system, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, are the ones responsible for the changes in the mood and behaviour of a certain individual. Depression statistics suggest such disturbances are brought about by sudden changes or exposure to a tense environment.

Depression has also been associated with the three main brain neurotransmitters that are related to the changes in a person’s mood and appetite: the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine; all of which are responsible for the transfer of the countless messages and stimuli that the body receives. And since these neurotransmitters move at a fast speed, the brain can easily and instantly react to pain and worries.

Science has also studied the genetics of depression to put an end to the many speculations on whether the disease is hereditary or not. While this may be true for some types of depression (such as manic depression, depression), in general, it is not really hereditary. People of all ages and of all types are at risk.

The scientific definition of depression can probably confuse you and can make your understanding about depression a bit more complicated. Although there is really no right or wrong definition of depression, what’s probably more important is to be aware of the factors that trigger the disease, how it develops, and how it can be treated. For most health professionals, depression requires long-term treatments, including taking antidepressants and undergoing therapy sessions. But no matter what type of treatment is taken, it is always important to immediately address the onset of symptoms to prevent the illness from worsening and developing into a more serious disease.

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