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CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Overview: Nature vs. Nurture

Theories of Causation

Different theories explain the causes of depression, emphasizing biological and psychological factors. Both ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ contribute to the disorder, often interacting in complex ways.

Explanatory Models

A high-level view of the primary factors contributing to depressive disorders.

1

BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATION (NATURE)

One leading biological theory focuses on an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
2

PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION (NURTURE)

Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory emphasizing the role of dysfunctional thought patterns.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

These chemicals transmit signals between nerve cells and regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions.

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Serotonin

Essential for mood regulation and anxiety. Deficiency linked with depressive symptoms.
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Noradrenaline

Neurotransmitter regulating alertness and energy levels.
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Dopamine

Key chemical associated with the motivation and reward systems.
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Other Factors

Includes genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances.

Serotonin Deficiency vs. Intervention

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Serotonin deficiency Low levels of serotonin have been linked with depressive symptoms because it affects mood regulation and anxiety.
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Support from antidepressant effectiveness Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin availability in the brain, help improve mood, suggesting serotonin’s role in depression.

Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression

Cognitive Vulnerabilities

Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory of depression emphasizes the role of dysfunctional thought patterns. The psychological model highlights how environmental stressors and early experiences interact with cognitive vulnerabilities to contribute to depression.

Negative Schemas and Distortions

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Negative schemas

Enduring negative beliefs about the self, world, and future, often formed in childhood due to adverse experiences.
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Cognitive distortions

Individuals develop thought patterns, such as catastrophizing (expecting the worst) or black-and-white thinking, which perpetuate depressive thoughts.

Attribution Style Dimensions

Depressed individuals tend to explain negative events in a way that leads to hopelessness, defined by these three factors:

1

Global

Affecting many aspects of life.
2

Internal

The event is their fault.
3

Stable

Unchanging over time.
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Depression Biology & Theory Deck
Term
Biological Explanation for Depression

What is a key biological explanation for depression?

Answer
Explanation

Neurotransmitter imbalance, especially low serotonin levels.

Term
Neurotransmitters Involved

Which neurotransmitters are mainly involved in depression?

Answer
Neurotransmitters

Serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.

Term
SSRI Mechanism

How do SSRIs work in treating depression?

Answer
Mechanism

They increase serotonin availability in the brain.

Term
Genetic Factor

What genetic factor contributes to depression?

Answer
Genetics

Genetic predisposition to mood disorders.

Term
Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Theory

What does Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory focus on?

Answer
Theory

Dysfunctional thought patterns like negative schemas and attributions.

Term
Negative Schemas

What are negative schemas?

Answer
Definition

Enduring negative beliefs about the self, world, and future.

Term
Attribution Style

What is a common attribution style in depressed individuals?

Answer
Style

Explaining negative events as global, internal, and stable.

Term
Environmental Stressors

How do environmental stressors relate to depression?

Answer
Relation

They interact with cognitive vulnerabilities to trigger depressive symptoms.

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🧠 Depression & Cognitive Science Quiz

1. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly linked to depression?

Low serotonin levels are strongly associated with mood regulation problems seen in depression.

2. SSRIs help treat depression by:

SSRIs prevent serotonin reabsorption, raising its levels in the brain.

3. According to Beck’s cognitive theory, negative schemas are:

Negative schemas are long-lasting and contribute to depressive thinking patterns.

4. Which attribution style is common in depression?

Depressed people see problems as their fault (internal), widespread (global), and unchangeable (stable), contributing to hopelessness.

5. What role do environmental stressors play in depression?

Environmental stress triggers depression by affecting cognitive processes shaped by negative schemas.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • GCSE
  • Mental Health
  • AQA