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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.
Supporting arguments · 3
- High cortisol hormone levels cause depressionThe cortisol hypothesis states that depression results from the cessation of neuron birth in the hippocampus and other neural networks related to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Cortisol appears to be the reason for this lack of neurogenesis.
- Genetic predisposition explains the etiology of depressionGenetic researchers argue that there is an increased chance of developing depression based on one’s genetic makeup. This genetic predisposition results from specific genetic variations that are inherited from parents. Many twin, family, and adoption studies support this view.
- Low serotonin levels in the brain cause depressionSerotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, and cognition. The serotonin hypothesis states that depression results from a chemical imbalance in serotonin levels. The success of serotonin-increasing drugs in treating depressive symptoms supports this hypothesis.