[Enviromental factors related to depressive disorders]
Catalina Teresa Hernández-Benítez1, Alfonso García-Rodríguez, Evelia Leal-Ugarte
1Hospital General de Subzona 33, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Delegación Veracruz Norte, San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, México. catalinahb@hotmail.com.
Background:
As a result of their high prevalence, mayor depressive disorder single episode (MDDSE); major depressive disorder recurrent episodes (MDDREC); and dysthymia are considered an important public health problem. The objective of this paper was to identify and correlate environmental factors in patients with MDDSE, MDDREC and dysthymia.
Methods:
121 patients from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social's Subzone General Hospital of San Andres Tuxtla, at Veracruz, were questioned by history with the risk variables.
Results:
16 of them were diagnosed with MDDREC, 72 with MDD and 33 with dysthymia; in all of those cases, females prevailed. Depressive disorders were observed more frequently in people over 40 years, married, with medium or low educational level, with dysfunctional family environment, victims of family violence and who were the middle siblings. The main comorbidities that arose were gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and hypertension.
Results:
16 of them were diagnosed with MDDREC, 72 with MDD and 33 with dysthymia; in all of those cases, females prevailed. Depressive disorders were observed more frequently in people over 40 years, married, with medium or low educational level, with dysfunctional family environment, victims of family violence and who were the middle siblings. The main comorbidities that arose were gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and hypertension.
Conclusions:
The main risk factors identified for developing depressive disorders were: being female, over 40 years old and being married. The differences obtained in this study, if it is compared with others, are probably due to sample size, selection criteria and ethnic origin.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia


