Learn More: Depression
Medical Illness Causing Depression
Many general (i.e., other than psychiatric) medical conditions are linked to higher rates of depression. Some conditions may actually cause depression by inducing structural brain damage, altering neurotransmitter mechanisms, or acting as a stressful life event that triggers physiological changes (Fava and Sonino 1996).
The following conditions are thought to be potential causes of depressive symptoms.
Endocrine Diseases:
- Addison's disease
- Cushing's syndrome
- hyperprolactinaemia
- thyroid disorders: hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, hyperparathyroidism
Infectious Diseases:
- encephalitis
- hepatitis
- influenza
- mononucleosis
Neurological Diseases:
- Alzheimer's disease
- brain tumors
- epilepsy
- head injury
- Huntington's chorea
- multiple sclerosis
- normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Parkinson's disease
- stroke
Other Diseases:
- AIDS
- folate deficiency
- lung cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- pernicious anemia
- systemic lupus erythematosus
