Depression: Your Questions Answered Q1. Is depression an illness of the brain or a psychological problem? A. In psychiatric illnesses there are indisputably both biological and psychological causes. However, when evaluating a depression it is not helpful to search for biological or psychological causes exclusively but to consider both. This gives a broader understanding of patients, their psychological life, the onset and development of their disorder. Q2. What is the relationship between life events and depression? A. Any "unpleasant" life event can cause worry, sadness, anxiety or physical malaise in any person. In these cases, within certain limits, depression can be considered a normal and comprehensible reaction. However when the depression lasts much longer than it would be logical to expect, when the capacity to work, study, carry on family and social relations is hindered, we are looking at a depressive disorder that must be treated. Q3. Can a disorderly lifestyle c...
An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...