QUESTION:

Hello doctor:

My daughter was diagnosed with "biological" depression. I can't seem to find any information on the Internet specific to this diagnosis. I would like to read more about the differences between biological and psychological or physical depression. Would you be so kind as to steer me in the right direction?

Thank you very much.

ANSWER:

They are actually arbitrary terms. There really is no difference between "biological" or "psychological" depressions. The body's function changes either way. Biologically based depressions affect the psychological functioning, and depressions triggered by psychological factors affect biological functions.

The definition of depression - or any other psychiatric diagnosis - does not depend upon the cause. The key factor to remember is that cause doesn't matter in regard to initial management of a depression - it needs to be treated. I believe it needs to be medically treated ASAP! Counseling can help many types of depression over time, but physical damage occurs during this time, and the risk of suicide is maintained. Most patients that I treat get over their depressions in less than one week (I believe the reason many individuals take longer is their comorbidities are not being adequately treated).

Generally when an individual is diagnosed as having a "biological depression" they are referring to a physical problem that isn't based on a psychological cause or stress. BPD dysphoria, bipolar, and hypothyroid induced depressions often fall into this category. I strongly recommend you look at the screening test I use for my patients to give clues as to all the diagnoses that may be contributing to the problem.