Depression Depression is one of the most common medical illnesses of our time, and yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. It is estimated that as many as one out of every five people will suffer a major episode of depression at some time in their life. Depression is a medical illness as real as high blood pressure or diabetes. It is a result of an actual imbalance of neurotransmitter, which are chemicals needed …showed first 75 words of 1288 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1288 total…and the limbic system, anything that alters its function is likely to affect one's emotional state. Sex hormones, particularly the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are often implicated in depression. Depressive symptoms are common among women who are premenstrual, pregnant, postpartum, or premenopausal. Genetic Factors Depression tends to run in families, so genetics may be a factor: however, the role genetics plays are not clearly defined. Not all children of depressed parents suffer from depression.