Posted by Mal on September 27, 2002, at 10:13:46
In reply to Re: Situational depression??, posted by madison88 on September 26, 2002, at 14:47:32
OK, a better response to your idea:
Assuming the cognitive behaviorial psychologists are right, maybe brain chemistry (in a person with no situational reason for depression) gets messed up when the person thinks ultra negative thoughts or worries about the worst case scenarios. I consider myself to be a realist, not a pessimist, so I don't really think this idea fits me.
I have also read posts about physical illnesses or pain precipitating depression. Maybe illness or pain plus "negative thought patterns" equals altered brain chemistry resulting in depression? If the patient doesn't know of the illness, or if the pain is low-grade, they would perceive no situation to be depressed about. Just a thought...
But as you mentioned, I think genetic predisposition to chemical imbalances in the brain play a role in the development of symptoms. And what about hormones? They affect mood, and if they were imbalanced they could cause depression in a person with no situational depressive stimulus...
What do you say?
poster:Mal
thread:1147
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1155.html