Physiological Contributors to Teen Depression and Adults – Part One

The field of psychology is still developing, as noted by the psychologist Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania. He makes this point to emphasize that psychology has been focused on repairing damage whereas it could also include building strength. Seligman began his career with a strong interest in depression, which later developed into his theory of learned helplessness and positive psychology.

Physiological Contributors to Teen Depression and Adults

Psychology is a science, although in a way it’s hard to see it as one. It’s a field that’s still a little fuzzy; the field is still in many ways in its early stages. This doesn’t mean that psychology hasn’t made some great advances – it has! But there are still many unknowns to resolve.

For instance, with depression, only 10 years ago, this diagnosis was still severely stigmatized. It was a frightening diagnosis to many socially and it was often treated with strong psychotropic medication. Although, the understanding of teen depression treatment has gotten better, there are still some advances to make, particularly in the physiological contributors to teen depression and adults.

Holistic Care

It could be argued that psychology is leaving out the physiological and biological contributors to depression, that it lacks a holistic view. According to The Free Dictionary holistic care is: “a system of comprehensive or total patient care that considers the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the person; his or her response to illness; and the effect of the illness on the ability to meet self-care needs.” Essentially, holistic care takes into about the whole person. It not only considers the physiological and physical aspects of depression, but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual facets to mental illness.

For instance, factors such as sleep, stress, diet, exercise, environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances can all play a role in the development of depression.

Factors

The following is a list of some underlying factors of depression to consider:

Alcoholism

A long-term addiction to alcohol can deplete essential nutrients and amino acids that are necessary for proper brain functioning.

Candidiasis

This is a physical illness in which there is chronic overgrowth of yeast in the belly.

Chronic Pain

The experience of ongoing physical or emotional pain can be a significant factor in the development of depression.

Dietary Imbalances

When there is an excess of sugar and caffeine in one’s system, the imbalances that this produces can contribute to depression.

Environmental Factors

When there is chronic intake of toxins into the body, such as solvents and heavy metals, including aluminum, cadmium, and lead, the body and mind are compromised.

Food and Chemical Sensitivities

Certain unaddressed allergies such as to diary and to wheat can also influence the holistic system of the body.

Hormonal Imbalances

Stress upon the endocrine glands can affect hormone levels and have a significant impact on one’s mood.

Hypoglycemia

This is a condition of low blood sugar that can lead to mood swings and depression.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid hormone levels are low, they can cause depression and exhaustion.

The way that the field of psychology currently manages mental illness is, for the most part, strictly from a psychiatric perspective. Although it takes into account the chemicals in the brain and the brain’s functioning. It rarely considers the above physiological contributors.

Conclusion 

The second part of this two part series will conclude this list with 11 more physiological factors that may have an influence on the development and presence of depression.

Reference:

Strohecker, J & Strohecker, N. (1999). Natural healing for depression: Solutions from the world’s great health traditions and practitioners. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam, Inc.

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Physiological Contributors to Teen Depression and Adults – Part One

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Lucy Nguyen

Lucy Nguyen, LMFT
Clinical Reviewer

Lucy Nguyen is the Executive Director at Paradigm Treatment, overseeing all clinical treatment programs across the organization's southwestern region. Her extensive experience includes working with young adults in private practice, serving as a therapist for children and teens with emotional and behavioral needs, and acting as a behavior interventionist for teens with developmental disorders. Lucy integrates cognitive-behavioral approaches with mindfulness and compassion in her work, and she is also EMDR-trained. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine.

The field of psychology is still developing, as noted by the psychologist Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania. He makes this point to emphasize that psychology has been focused on repairing damage whereas it could also include building strength. Seligman began his career with a strong interest in depression, which later developed into his theory of learned helplessness and positive psychology.

Physiological Contributors to Teen Depression and Adults

Psychology is a science, although in a way it’s hard to see it as one. It’s a field that’s still a little fuzzy; the field is still in many ways in its early stages. This doesn’t mean that psychology hasn’t made some great advances – it has! But there are still many unknowns to resolve.

For instance, with depression, only 10 years ago, this diagnosis was still severely stigmatized. It was a frightening diagnosis to many socially and it was often treated with strong psychotropic medication. Although, the understanding of teen depression treatment has gotten better, there are still some advances to make, particularly in the physiological contributors to teen depression and adults.

Holistic Care

It could be argued that psychology is leaving out the physiological and biological contributors to depression, that it lacks a holistic view. According to The Free Dictionary holistic care is: "a system of comprehensive or total patient care that considers the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the person; his or her response to illness; and the effect of the illness on the ability to meet self-care needs." Essentially, holistic care takes into about the whole person. It not only considers the physiological and physical aspects of depression, but also the emotional, psychological, and spiritual facets to mental illness.

For instance, factors such as sleep, stress, diet, exercise, environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances can all play a role in the development of depression.

Factors

The following is a list of some underlying factors of depression to consider:

Alcoholism

A long-term addiction to alcohol can deplete essential nutrients and amino acids that are necessary for proper brain functioning.

Candidiasis

This is a physical illness in which there is chronic overgrowth of yeast in the belly.

Chronic Pain

The experience of ongoing physical or emotional pain can be a significant factor in the development of depression.

Dietary Imbalances

When there is an excess of sugar and caffeine in one’s system, the imbalances that this produces can contribute to depression.

Environmental Factors

When there is chronic intake of toxins into the body, such as solvents and heavy metals, including aluminum, cadmium, and lead, the body and mind are compromised.

Food and Chemical Sensitivities

Certain unaddressed allergies such as to diary and to wheat can also influence the holistic system of the body.

Hormonal Imbalances

Stress upon the endocrine glands can affect hormone levels and have a significant impact on one’s mood.

Hypoglycemia

This is a condition of low blood sugar that can lead to mood swings and depression.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid hormone levels are low, they can cause depression and exhaustion.

The way that the field of psychology currently manages mental illness is, for the most part, strictly from a psychiatric perspective. Although it takes into account the chemicals in the brain and the brain’s functioning. It rarely considers the above physiological contributors.

Conclusion 

The second part of this two part series will conclude this list with 11 more physiological factors that may have an influence on the development and presence of depression.

Reference:

Strohecker, J & Strohecker, N. (1999). Natural healing for depression: Solutions from the world’s great health traditions and practitioners. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam, Inc.

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