Are There Any Environmental Causes Of Depression?

Dr. Gary Small answers the question: 'Environmental Causes Of Depression?'

By
Gary Small, M.D., Director, UCLA Center on Aging; Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA
February 27, 2008, 3:12 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Are there any environmental causes of depression?

Answer: A variety of factors can lead to depression. Certainly genetics are important -- if we have a family history of depression, that increases our own risk. But the environment is important as well. We know that everyday stress can contribute to depression.

We also know that even environmental toxins can affect mental state and could be an underlying contribution or cause to depressive symptoms. So, it's a good idea to really search the environment to see if there is some kind of a triggering psychological or physical event that may be contributing.

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