Research: Divorce May Lead to Depressive Episodes

 Posted on September 29, 2014 in Divorce

As per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), a leading organization dedicated to clinical research, treatment, and cure of mental health disorders, at least 6.9 percent of Americans, as of 2012, have endured a major depressive episode within a 12 month period.

It may not be completely clear as to why depressive episodes present, but research conducted by the renowned Mayo Clinic may shed some light as to why some people are prone to major depressive episodes. Research found some reasons individuals may be more prone to depression include:

• Biological changes,
• Brain chemistry alternation,
• Increase or decrease of hormonal balance,
• Inherited traits, and
• Traumatic life event.

Aside from the biological causes, highly stressful events, such as death of a loved one, financial strain or difficulties in a relationship resulting in separation or divorce, may all qualify as a traumatic life event. Although this may be a classic textbook observation, it necessarily does not hold true for all adults.

Recently, the Association for Psychological Science released the findings of a new study, published in Clinical Psychological Science. Findings support that although divorce can significantly increase the risk of a depressive episode for some, others seem to bounce back quickly with little to no long-term symptoms or recurrence of depression.

Lead researcher David Sbarra of the University of Arizona established that up to 60 percent of divorcing individuals who openly acknowledged a previous episode are prone to experience another during the divorce process in stark contrast to those 10 percent without a history of depression who did not. The relevance of this data is essential for clinicians treating patients going through a divorce or other traumatic life events by proactively treating the symptoms.

Divorce in any instance can be a difficult time. If you have decided to petition for the dissolution of your Illinois marriage and believe the stress could trigger a major depressive episode, contact an area psychiatrist or psychologist immediately to address your concerns.

As for addressing your legal needs, consider contacting the qualified Arlington Heights attorneys of A. Traub & Associates. Our skilled team of legal professionals will take a compassionate but effective approach to quickly reach a fair and equitable dissolution that best suits your needs. Our firm is diligent and dedicated to minimizing the level of emotional risk often associated with divorce as well as offering a cost-effective strategy that will not tax your financial stability. Contact our office at 847-749-4182 for more information.