Depression risk factors: who is more likely to have depression

What depression is

Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is different: it can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working (NIMH). It is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States (NIMH). The most common types are major depression and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), whose symptoms are less severe but last longer, usually for at least two years (MedlinePlus).

Who is more likely to have depression

Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, race or ethnicity, income, culture, or education. Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role (NIMH). In some cases, there is no clear cause (MedlinePlus). Things the sources name:

• Family history. You may be at a higher risk of depression if you have a close relative who has it or another mental health disorder (MedlinePlus).
• Trauma and stress. Going through trauma or stressful life events may raise your risk even more (MedlinePlus).
• Being a woman. Depression is more common in women, often due to the physical and hormonal changes women have during menstruation, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and menopause (MedlinePlus). Men can also be depressed, and because men may be less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek help for their negative feelings, they are at greater risk of their depression symptoms being undiagnosed and undertreated (NIMH).
• Chronic illness. Depression can occur with other mental disorders or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa (NIMH).
• Medicines. Sometimes medications taken for an illness cause side effects that contribute to depression symptoms (NIMH). Certain medicines and medical conditions, such as viruses or thyroid disorders, can also cause symptoms that look like depression, which a provider can rule out with a physical exam, interview, and lab tests (NIMH).

NIMH notes that depression is linked to other health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and that it is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (NIMH).

Depression at different ages and life stages

• Older adults often feel sadness, grief, or other less obvious symptoms, and may report a lack of emotions rather than a depressed mood. Older adults are also more likely to have other medical conditions or pain that can cause or contribute to depression (NIMH). The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a questionnaire made for older adults.
• Pregnancy and after birth. Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth and is more than the "baby blues" many new moms experience (NIMH). See the perinatal depression risk check.
• Around menopause. Perimenopausal depression affects some women during the transition to menopause (NIMH).
• Children and teens. Children may be anxious or cranky, pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that a parent may die. Older children and teens may get into trouble at school, sulk, be easily frustrated, feel restless, or have low self-esteem (NIMH). See the teen depression screening check.

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms include a persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities; fatigue; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; sleeping too little or too much; changes in appetite or weight; aches, pains, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause; and thoughts of death or suicide (NIMH). Depression can also show up as more anger or irritability, withdrawing from family and friends, or more use of alcohol or drugs (NIMH). To be diagnosed with depression, a person must have symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks, and one of them must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities (NIMH). The PHQ-9 depression screening asks about these symptoms over the last 2 weeks.

Lowering your risk and getting help

Most cases of depression can't be prevented, but healthy lifestyle changes can have long-term benefits for your mental health, such as getting regular exercise, having a consistent sleep schedule, and controlling stress (MedlinePlus). If you think you have depression, talk to your health care provider or a mental health provider; it's important to get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem (MedlinePlus). Most people with depression benefit from mental health treatment (NIMH).

The 988 Lifeline is free and confidential and available 24/7 (988 Lifeline).

NIAMS lists depression or anxiety among the conditions people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often have. See eczema risk factors (NIAMS).

Common questions

Does depression run in families?

It can. Having a close relative with depression or another mental health disorder may put you at higher risk (MedlinePlus), and genetic factors are among those research links to depression (NIMH). A family history does not mean you will have depression.

How does depression show up in older adults?

Depression can happen at any age (MedlinePlus). Older adults often feel sadness, grief, or other less obvious symptoms, and may report a lack of emotions rather than a depressed mood. They are also more likely to have other medical conditions or pain that can cause or contribute to depression (NIMH).

Can a medicine cause depression?

Sometimes medications taken for an illness cause side effects that contribute to depression symptoms (NIMH). Talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medication (NIMH).