MHP 1

Assignment # 1
Asna Anwer
05-171211-202
Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University Karachi Campus

Course: Mental Health and Psychopathology - I
 Write a detailed note on the Etiology, Prevalence, and Prognostic Factors of spectrum
of “Depressive Disorders” as outlined in DSM-5-TR.
A complex combination of genetic, biochemical, psychological, and environmental
factors affects the development of depressive disorders. Key etiological factors
include the following:
 Biological factors:
o Major depression appears to be caused by a combination of genetic,
neurological, hormonal, immunological, and neuroendocrinological systems,
many of which are influenced by how we respond to stresses and how we
receive emotional information.
 Genetic Factors:
o Family history of depression is a phenomenon that involves both genetic and
environmental factors. Those who have a first-degree relative who suffers
from depression are at an increased risk of major depression by 2.5–3 times,
whereas
o Those who experience a highly frightening life event are at an increased risk
of 5–16 times in the months after the incident.
o These genes (5-HT) belong to the serotonin system.
o Deficits in the central 5-HT system have been associated with a variety of
psychological issues and mental diseases, including depression. These
deficiencies include decreased 5-HT concentrations, poor 5-HT transporter
uptake function, altered 5-HT receptor binding, and tryptophan depletion.
o A wide range of physiological processes, including emotions, sleep, circadian
rhythm, thermoregulation, appetite, aggression, sexual behavior, pain
sensitivity, and sensorimotor reactivity are influenced by the neurotransmitter
serotonin
 Environmental Factors:
o Acute life events, long-term stress, and childhood hardship are a few examples
of environmental stressors linked to depression.
o Acute Life experiences: Having to deal with distressing, negative life
experiences is a significant risk factor for depression. Numerous studies have
shown that stressful life events are the primary cause of the majority of major
depressive episodes.
o Chronic Stress: Although less frequently researched, exposure to persistent,
protracted stressful situations is another cause of depression. It can be
challenging to fully explain the mechanisms by which stressors cause their
effects on depression because many studies of the stress-depression
associations have not adequately distinguished between the effects of ongoing
and acute stressors (e.g., Brown and Harris, 1978; Caspi et al., 2003).
 Psychological factors:
Depressive disorders can arise as a result of psychological variables such negative
thought patterns, low self-esteem, and a history of trauma or abuse. High levels of
neuroticism or introversion are examples of personality qualities that may enhance the
risk.
PREVALENCE:
One of the most prevalent mental health issues in the globe is depressive disorders.
Over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, according to the World
Health Organisation (WHO). The prevalence rates differ amongst various populations
and cultures. Although there may be some gender bias in the diagnostic and help-
seeking behaviours, women are typically diagnosed with depression more often than
males. From early childhood to late adulthood, the onset can occur, with young and
middle-aged adults showing the highest prevalence.
PROGNOSTIC FACTORS:
The prognosis for depressive illnesses might vary based on a number of variables.
Prognostic factors for depressive illnesses include some of the following:
a) Symptom Severity: A key predictor of prognosis is the degree to which depressive

symptoms were severe at the time of diagnosis. People with more severe symptoms
may experience a longer and more difficult recovery process.
b) Duration of Untreated Illness: Delays in getting the right care might have a bad
effect on the prognosis. For improved results, early detection and intervention are
essential.
c) Co-occurring Medical diseases: The treatment and prognosis of depressive

disorders might be complicated by the presence of comorbid medical diseases
including chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
d) Social Support: A better prognosis may result from having enough social support
from friends, family, and medical experts. On the other hand, a weak or nonexistent
support system can impede rehabilitation.
e) Treatment Compliance: A good prognosis depends on patients adhering to their
prescribed medicine, counselling, and lifestyle changes. Relapse risk can be raised by
non-compliance with therapy or treatment termination.
f) Resilience and Coping Skills: Personal resilience, the capacity to adjust to stress,
and the presence of efficient coping mechanisms can all affect how depressive
disorders will progress.

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Assignment # 1

Institute of Professional Psychology, Bahria University Karachi Campus

a) Symptom Severity: A key predictor of prognosis is the degree to which depressive

c) Co-occurring Medical diseases: The treatment and prognosis of depressive

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