Who Can Get Depression?

Among those who are prone to depression are people: 

• With close relatives who have had depression,especially recurrent depression episodes or who have had bipolar disorder
• Who have had depression before
• With low self-esteem or self-loathing
• With chronic medical disorders,including thyroid disease,diabetes,and high blood pressure
• Who take certain medications,including oral contraceptives,steroids,and some medications for high blood pressure
• With a loved one who is seriously ill
• Who are alcoholic or drug abusing
• Who are withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction
• Who are going through stressful or traumatic life events

When depression first occurs in those over the age of 60, it:

• May be a predictor of Alzheimer's disease
• May be caused by an undiagnosed general medical disorder before the symptoms of the disorder become evident
• May be a side effect of many drugs that are commonly prescribed for the elderly