Causes – Seventeen Biological Triggers of Depression

There are as many specific causes of depression as there are people who suffer from it. Biological triggers are many. Consider these seventeen questions about your husband's health.

(From The Freedom from Depression Workbook, Les Carter, and Frank Minirth. ISBN 13: 978-0-8407-6207-8)

1. Has he had major surgery in the past year?

2. Does he have a history of cardiac problems, or is he in a high-risk group for heart problems? (Heavy smoker, overweight, high blood pressure etc.?)

3. Does he suffer from ongoing physical discomfort caused by a chronic disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis?

4. Has he had recent problems with his gastrointestinal system?

5. Does he suffer from abdominal pain, headaches, backaches, or chest pains?

6. Has he been taking medications that have known side effects of sedation or excitability?

7. Does he regularly use alcohol, marijuana, or other mood enhancing drugs?

8. Is there a history of liver or kidney disease in his family?

9. Does he experience an eating disorder? (Anorexic habits, purging, binge eating, etc.)

10. Does he have chronic sinus problems requiring the frequent use of decongestant medications?

11. Is he taking blood pressure medicines, diuretics, or major pain relievers?

12. Has he suffered from a major viral infection such as mononucleosis or pneumonia?

13. Has he been diagnosed with an endochrine disorder such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome?

14. Does he have a major disease such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, cancer, Parkinson's disease, or muscular dystrophy?

15. Has he suspected the growth of tumors or has he had a recent head trauma?

16. Has he ever been diagnosed with epilepsy?

17. Has he been treated in the past year with steroids?

(Women should ask: Am I taking birth control medication?)

Carter and Minrith go on to say, "This series of questions is not exhaustive, but it demonstrates that depression is often linked to factors other than emotional stress. When we learn that a physiological problem is strongly featured in a person's struggle with depression, we will insist first that it be given due attention before proceeding with the typical psychotherapeutic approach to treatment. Understand, psychotherapy is usually very necessary in treating depression, but it can often stall if underlying physical problems are not resolved." p 12

Being overweight can make depression worse.

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