A person who appears depressed

Causes of Depression

A variety of factors contribute to depression, including environment, genetics, brain chemistry, and more. Understanding them leads to effective treatment.
A depressed young man.
Is there a Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Scrolling
The Link Between Social Media and Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman talking to doctor
Menopause and Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Breakup depression
Breakup Depression: Symptoms, Coping, and More
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Depression is linked to borderline personality disorder.
Depression: Causes and Risk Factors
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Sad woman sitting on bed
Sadness vs. Clinical Depression: Definition, Symptoms, and Treatment
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Depression is more than just sadness.
Why Some People Are More Prone to Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman looking off into the distance
The Role of Cortisol in Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
woman standing on a rock formation
The Relationship Between Estrogens and Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Holding hands with a grieving friend
Grief vs. Depression: Which Is It?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Avoidant personality disorder can lead to isolation.
Avoidant Personality Disorder: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD
DNA-molecule illustration
Can Genetics Cause Depression?
Medically reviewed by Aron Janssen, MD
Why depression is more common in women
Why Depression Is More Common in Women Than in Men
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Upset man in therapy
How Abreaction Relates to Dissociation and Trauma
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Sad woman sitting on sofa
How Can a Person Be Depressed for No Reason?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Concerned young woman talks with friend in coffee shop
Is It Your Fault That You're Depressed?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Depressed older man
How to Deal With Depression After Retirement
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Sad teenager listening to music in a bar
Self-Injury: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Chemistry of depression
The Chemistry of Depression - Neurotransmitters and More
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Marking missed period on calendar
Can Depression Make Your Period Late?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Hippocrates, polychrome majolica, detail, cloister of Old Cemetery, Padula charterhouse (Certosa di San Lorenzo), Padula, Campania, Italy
The History of Depression and Treatment
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Senior woman holding pills in hand
10 Drugs That Can Cause Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD