Therefore, for a proper diagnosis, it is important to have a thorough medical examination to rule out other disorders. If the symptoms are caused by depression, they will improve with the right treatment. Sometimes a person can have depression and another illness such as Alzheimer's disease at the same time. Even in such a case, treating the depression can relieve unnecessary suffering. There are many causes of depression.
Some people become depressed for a combination of reasons.
For others, a single cause appears to trigger depression. Some become depressed for no apparent reason. Regardless of the cause, depression needs to be diagnosed and rated. Strokes, certain types of cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders are examples of illnesses that may be related to depressive disorders. Some medicines cause depressive symptoms as side effects.