- Depression can be inherited i.e., the chance of a person having the condition increases considerably if one or more family members have it.
- Environmental factors like the death of a parent can cause a depressive episode.
- Physical illnesses like cancer, heart disease and Parkinson's disease may be associated with depression.
- Depression can also be a side effect of certain drugs used to treat hypertension.
- Some people have personality traits that make them more susceptible to depression. These people view themselves as losers and have a negative attitude towards themselves.