What causes depression?

Your body contains chemicals that help control your moods. When you don't have enough of these chemicals or when your brain doesn't respond to them properly, you may become depressed. Depression can be hereditary (meaning it can run in families). Some medical problems and medicines can cause depression. Abusing drugs or alcohol can also lead to depression.

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, but it is common in adults who are 65 years of age and older. Retirement, health problems and the loss of loved ones are things that happen to older adults. Feeling sad at these times is normal. But if these feelings persist and keep you from your usual activities, you should talk to your doctor.

What is depression?

When doctors talk about depression, they mean the medical illness called major depression. Someone who has major depression has symptoms like those listed in the box below nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer. There is also a minor form of depression that causes less severe symptoms. Both have the same causes and treatment.

If you're depressed, you may also have headaches, other aches and pains, digestive problems and problems with sex. An older person who has depression may feel confused or have trouble understanding simple requests.