Depressive disorders are serious illnesses that affect a person's mood, concentration, sleep, activity, appetite, social behavior, and feelings. Depressive disorders come in different forms, the most common being major depression (unipolar depression). The symptoms and issues that come with unipolar depression are the same with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Major depression, the leading cause of disability in the U.S., affects over 9 million adults in a given year. Despite the disabling effects of depression, it is highly treatable.

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DICK CAVETT: I think I said this in "People" magazine, and so many people said they could identify with it, when you've got it, if there were a magic wand across the room on the table that would make you happy and give you everything you want, it would be too much trouble to cross the room and pick it up.

What are the causes of depression?

According to the NAMI, "There is no one single cause of major depression. Psychological, biological, and environmental factors may all contribute to its development. Whatever the specific causes of depression, scientific research has firmly established that major depression is a biological brain disorder."

The Big "Three" Transmitters

Norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are three neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that transmit electrical signals between brain cells) thought to be involved with major depression. Scientists believe that if there is a chemical imbalance in these neurotransmitters, then clinical states of depression result. Antidepressant medications work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters or by changing the sensitivity of the receptors for these chemical messengers. Medication works on these messengers to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

Is there a Predisposition to Depression?

Scientists have also found evidence of a genetic predisposition to major depression. There is an increased risk for developing depression when there is a family history of the illness. Not everyone with a genetic predisposition develops depression, but some people probably have a biological make-up that leaves them particularly vulnerable to developing depression. Life events, such as the death of a loved one, a major loss or change, chronic stress, and alcohol and drug abuse, may trigger episodes of depression. Some illnesses and some medications may also trigger depressive episodes. It is also important to note that many depressive episodes occur spontaneously and are not triggered by a life crisis, physical illness, or other risks. It is believed that if someone seems depressed for "no reason", then there may be a chemical imbalance.

Industry Fact-of-the-Day: According to the National Institute of Mental Heath, Major Depressive Disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44, affecting approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. (BHC Journal, April 14, 2009)

But there is hope! IF YOU ARE SEVERELY DEPRESSED NOW PLEASE GET PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY!

If you are feeling suicidal please call 1-800-784-2433