- Question
What is the etiology of depression (Major Depressive Disorder)?
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a lack of pleasure in familiar activities, a sad mood, and cognitive/somatic changes that limit functioning. Psychologists use three different approaches while explaining the etiology (origin) of depression: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural.
Depression has a biological etiology
Recent developments, including the sequencing of the human genome and the advancement of brain imaging technologies, allowed psychologists to explain depression from a biological perspective. This school of thought argues that biological factors such as genetics and hormone/neurotransmitter levels cause depression.
Depression has a cognitive etiology
Cognitive models of depression began emerging in the 1950s with the work of Beck. Cognitive etiologies focus on cognitive factors (thoughts and beliefs) in explaining depression. Empirical studies have shown that people with depression have negative thoughts and display learned helplessness/hopelessness.
Depression has a sociocultural etiology
Social psychologists argue that sociocultural factors cause depression. These include socioeconomic stresses and social isolation, cultural diversity, sociopolitical discourses, and inequities. The biosocial approach combines biological make-up and sociocultural conditions.