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Risk Factors for Depression

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Risk Factors for Depression

A risk factor is something that raises a person's chances of getting a disease or health problem. A person can have depression with or without the risks below. The more risks a person has, the greater the chances are.

Mental Illness in The Family

Having family members with depression raises a person's risk. This is also true for those with a spouse or partner with mental illness.

References

  • Depressive disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/mood-disorders/depressive-disorders.
  • Depression in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/depression-in-children-and-adolescents.
  • Depression in older adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/depression-in-older-adults.
  • Depression (mild to moderate). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/natural-alternative-treatments.
  • Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
  • Ellison CG, Flannelly KJ. Religious involvement and risk of major depression in a prospective nationwide study of African American adults. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2009;197(8):568-573.
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116638/Major-depressive-disorder-MDD. Updated August 23, 2018. Accessed October 8, 2018.
  • Williams DR, Gonzalez HM, Neighbors H, et al. Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(3):305-315.
  • 11/6/2014 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116638/Major-depressive-disorder-MDD: Mars B, Heron J, Crane, C, et al. Clinical and social outcomes of adolescent self harm: population based birth cohort study. 2014;349:g5954.
  • 1/4/2016 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T906140/Depression-in-children-and-adolescents: Creech SK, Hadley W, Borsari B. The impact of military deployment and reintegration on children and parenting: a systematic review. Prof Psychol Res Pr. 2014;45(6):452-464.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.