Many things can contribute to clinical depression. Sometimes, a number of factors seem to be involved, while for others a single factor appears to trigger the illness. In some cases, people become depressed for no apparent reason. Regardless of the factors involved, clinical depression needs to be diagnosed and treated. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause, or contribute to, clinical depression.
Women are twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression.
While the reasons for these are still unclear, they may include the hormonal changes women go through during menstruation, Pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Other reasons may include the stress of the many roles and responsibilities women have, including homemaker, mother, employee and spouse. And, in some cases, being a victim of abuse, of poverty or of low self-esteem may contribute to an increased risk of clinical depression. Clinical depression is more likely to occur with certain illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and hormonal disorders. Co-occurring depression can often be treated in addition to the physical illness.