Vol. 35, No. 4, 52. For Your Health.

• Author: by Sukhpreit Sohi, MD Behavioral Health Services Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

Wyoming Bar Journal

2012.

Vol. 35, No. 4, 52.

For Your Health

Wyoming LawyerIssue: August, 2012For Your Healthby Sukhpreit Sohi, MD Behavioral Health Services Cheyenne Regional Medical CenterDepression: Risk Factors and Treatment Options

Depression is a disorder that does not seem to spare any gender or race. It is prevalent in all cultures, races, as well as across all socio-economic statuses. Depression affects nearly 15 million people each year-equivalent to about 5-10% of the U.S. population. However, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of one developing depression over his/her lifetime.

Gender - Women are approximately twice as likely to develop depression than males. Approximately 20-25% of females and 10-15% of males will experience an episode of depression in their lifetime. A number of factors seem to contribute to this, including women having hormonal fluctuations throughout their lifetime. Women may struggle with mood shifts around the time of menstruation. Pregnancy and childbirth can also affect hormonal regulation significantly leading to mood symptoms. Perimenopause is another transition where women can experience another major shift of hormones leading to depression.

Marital Status - Single men and women are more likely to be at risk for developing depression than married people. This can be attributed to a decreased support system and companionship.

Age - Advancing age increases the likelihood of depression, and people above the age of 65 have a greater risk.

History of Mental Illness - People who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder or other mental illnesses are at greater risk for developing mood disorders.

Genetics - People with blood relatives who struggle with mood disorders are more likely to develop similar mood disorders.

Social Isolation - People who have few friends or who are reclusive by nature are more prone to develop depression.

Comorbid Medical Illness - People who struggle with medical illness such as heart disease, diabetes, HIV, cancer, hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin D levels are at a greater risk for developing depression. Chronic pain can also have a significant impact on one's emotional well being. Individuals who have suffered a stroke with resultant neurological deficiences can also...