Posted by Ted on October 25, 2000, at 20:48:59
In reply to Questions about depression and heritability, posted by Shell on October 24, 2000, at 22:51:24
Just before and following my hospitalization for bipolar disorder, I read about 10 books and *100s* of web articles on the topics of depression and bipolar disorder, and research into their cause, and formed my own theory based upon the data I read.
Suspected Causes:
1. Genetic (100% inherited from a parent)
2. Situational (abusive parent, teasing, divorce...)
3. Enviromental (toxin or allergy or virus ...)Ted's theory:
Genetics provides a predisposition to depression and bipolar disorder. However, a situational trigger is needed to cause the trait to be expressed. In "normal" people, an embarrasing or humiliating incident will cause situational depression to occur. However, for the normal person, recovery comes fairly rapidly (hours, days, weeks) and they are able to go on with their lives. For the genetically predisposed, the individual ends up in a downward spiral of depression, fed by memories and feelings of guilt, humiliation, shame, etc. Depending on the severity & duration, the individual may recover only to have another situational trigger. Eventually, with enough duration, the pattern of depression & bipolar disorder turns biochemical.
Studies have been done where laboratory rats are shocked whenever they approach a food dish. (not serious shocks, just mild). After a period of time, the rat shows signs of depression: avoidance, isolation, etc. even when the shock is removed AND the rat knows the shock is removed. Biochemical analyses show that the levels of serotonin & norepinepherine are decreased in the rat's brain. This experiment shows how a situational affect will have a biochemical effect.
I believe this happens in humans as well: it is only a matter of time. CNPs don't have this problem because their depressions are short-lived. We, OTOH, are susceptible to permanent changes which will not fix themselves and we must use medication to force chemical balance in our brains.
Remember, other than the rat studies, this is only Ted's theory and is not necessarily fact (but I think it sounds good). :-)
Ted
poster:Ted
thread:1590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001011/msgs/1615.html