Sociological factors can most definitely be stressors. But not all people in oppressive situations end up depressed (although some situations are SO oppressive, like concentration camps, it’s probably near 100%). And that’s the factor here – sociological factors would definitely contribute to repeated stress, but what makes an individual more likely to end up in the psychiatric hospital?

I think that while the EFFECTS of depression are clearly caused by biochemical reactions of the brain, the CAUSE, or triggers, more appropriately, is environmental. One, processes in the brain aren’t activated randomly. Two, depression is linked with many sociological trends very separate from biology.

Is there genetic predisposition? Maybe. Some genes have been identitfied as possible culprits. There is no definitive answer yet as far as I know.

Could depression be learned in someways? Maybe behavior patterns that lead to depression are learned? Definitely possible, but much harder to prove, and therefore more of a intimidating cause to research.

Yes, pharmaceutical corporations that tap into the mental health sector and pharmaceutical corporations in general are driven by profit. But, in theory, there is nothing wrong with creating a drug that lessens the debilitating effects of depression, as long as the drug is safe (FAIRLY tested by FDA, not influenced by the Revolving Door), and people aren’t exploited (over prescribing, misleading marketing).

Nothing more than high-priced snake oil in a tablet proving the ability of the mind to fix itself.

Drug companies have damaged more people suffering from depression than we’ll ever know!