Research Paper on Depression

Depression

“19 million people are affected with depression any given year” (Johnson 343). Depression affects people of all races, ages, and sexs. There are three main types of depression: Dysthymia, major depression, and Bipolar Disorder. Depression is an illness that affects the mood thoughts and physical functions of diagnosed individuals. At its lowest state depression creates a downhearted mood that could be followed by a major event, such as the death of a loved one or unrequited love. Although some cases are minor depression can not be ignored, many people will be diagnosed with depression at least once in their life. In order to understand depression we must understand the causes, symptoms, and the treatment of it. Depression is very widespread and should be taken seriously.

No one knows the main cause of depression, because the causes vary greatly. “Depression is known to be genetically linked because it runs in families” (Johnson 343). One cause of depression is heredity. The main depression that is linked with heredity is Bipolar Disorder. In some cases of bipolar disorder, the region it is linked with is chromosome 18 and chromosome 21. Some depressions can be seasonal. “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) typically afflicts sufferers during the dark, winter months” (Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection).Another cause of depression could just be your surroundings, sometimes the weather, and amount of light can trigger depression. Depression is a very widespread condition, the causes of it are very widespread also.

Depression has many different symptoms; however, the symptoms aren't as widespread as the causes. “Symptoms that characterize a depressive state are: feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness; a persistent sad or anxious mood; restlessness or irritability; a loss of interest in activities that were once considered pleasurable; difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions; sleep disorders...etc” (Johnson 343). Depression has many symptoms, they vary from moods to actions. Many people who have depression experience at least five of the symptoms listed. People who have depression feel it in different ways. “Flexman emphasizes the recurring nature of his own depressive symptoms, and it is common for those who have any of the various forms of depression to explain