Biological Explanation Of Depression

Depression can be explained at the Four Levels of Explanation. The biological level relates to the chemical processes underlying behaviour. The major effects that depression has at the biological level are headaches, insomnia, change in appetite and an imbalance of neurotransmitters. Basic process refers to the processes underlying behaviour; physiological effects can take place such as thoughts of death and suicide, feeling unhappy and a sense of helplessness. The Person level of explanation shows symptoms of lack of concentration, motivation and introversion. As well as this, the person level can affect the emotional expression a person shows when the mental illness depression is present. The Socio Cultural level of explanation refers to …show more content…
Depression generally takes a toll on the limbic system and the function of neurotransmitters and neurons. The limbic system regulates activities like emotion, physical and a sexual drive, as well as this the stress response is also influenced. Because of the effect depression has on the brain, it affects the entire body. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, can alter the pain threshold, making it increasingly more sensitive. Serotonin can also affect sleep and the sex drive. Studies show that a chemical imbalance in specific areas of the brain, these imbalances affects the body and brain causing problems in everyday life. Serotonin carries signals along and between nerves, it is responsible for maintaining mood balance ensuring that is does not increase or decrease too much, a deficit of serotonin leads to depression. (medical news today, …show more content…
Genetics of a family can influence the probability of a person having depression (Goldberg, 2014). Studies show that depression often runs in families (Goldberg, 2014). Although people with no history can have depression it is more probable for a person with past family history of depression for suffer from depression. There is a selection of links to depression from other medical illnesses. Medical illnesses such as brain trauma, Parkinson’s, disease, strokes and diabetes can lead to the development of depression (Ackerley, 2015). Life events can also lead to the suffering and development of depression. A death of a loved one or life changes or even a series of events can contribute to depression forming (Nemade, 2007). Abuse can also be a major factor that can increase the chances of depression forming (Nemade, 2007). Personality traits can be an influential on the development of depression (Goldberg, 2014). Personality traits like being anxious, self-critical, irritable and socially avoidant can increase the chances of depression developing, this is due to the fact that the depression traits are similar to the ones listed. Depression would simply increase the influence that these traits would have on someone lives (Nemade, 2007). All these factors are based on the person