Causes of Depression
Chemicals involved with depression
Depression is greatly influenced by abnormal values of certain natural chemicals in the body. Most of the chemical imbalances happen in the brain. The chemicals in the brain are called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are made by nerve cells and they facilitate the communication of different cells in the brain.
Serotonin - Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is regulates the way we feel on a daily business. Serotonin is believed to be the chemical that makes one feel good. In depressed people, the brain may not make enough serotonin. This can cause sadness, aggression, loss of appetite and low energy.
Norepinephrine - Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is very similar to adrenaline. It is produced to regulate activeness and arousal. High amounts of this chemical can lead to hostile behavior. If it is too high and there is too low serotonin to balance it out, it can lead to long term aggression.
Cortisol - Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in response to fear, stress and anger. In a normal healthy person free of depression, cortisol will increase in the morning and as the day progresses, it steadily decreases. In a depressed person, cortisol may peak earlier in the day and it may not level off or decrease as the day goes on.
