Etiology of depression and implications on work environment.
OBJECTIVE
We describe the etiology of clinical forms of depression and their interaction with workplace factors.


METHODS
We performed selective literature searches in pertinent research areas and reviewed the literature in the context of clinical experience in several depression programs at Johns Hopkins.


RESULTS
Substantial research exists about the causes of depression. The causes of clinical forms of depression are complex. Genetic factors, several specific brain disorders, gender, as well as life events or circumstances all are involved in the causal pathway. Research addressing how the work environment impacts depression and its role in aggravating or alleviating depression is more limited.


CONCLUSIONS
Research findings about the various causal connections in depressive disorders may provide some guides to treatment as well as to further research on depression in the workplace.
Langlieb
Alan M
AM
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. alangli1@jhmi.edu
DePaulo
J Raymond
JR
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009452:Neuroendocrinology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*