What, specifically, causes the fatigue experienced while depressed?

whirlpool

Anyone know exactly what, specifically, causes the fatigue experienced while depressed?

I can think of a few possible reasons but I'm just wondering if there's a medical explanation.

Valmont

I think that is very hard to answer. First of all we have to assume we can tell that the experience of fatigue is a direct result of the individual feeling depressed in the first place; I'm not sure there is any way to determine this conclusively. Secondly, if we accept for a moment that depression is a medical condition we have to acknowledge that we do not know anything conclusive about its pathophysiology. I say this knowing there are numerous plausible-sounding hypotheses about this phenomenon but the important thing to note is that they are all just speculative.

sheesh

Anxiety is often associated with depression it can lead to lack of sleep or reduce the quality of sleep so the individual is less well rested.

depression can also affect motivation so the 'get up and go' a person has is reduced this could be also described by some people as tiredness

Torakx

Or if a person suffers from candida albacans, it will also cause chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
You should see when I let my diet slip.
I am constantly sleepy.
I guess if someone was very nervous you could say adrenal fatigue might be a factor.

Is there any reason to think that emotions and thoughts can cause strong fatigue?
Do neuro scientists work closely with psychologists to find this out?
Maybe there is a field in either or, that focuses on things like this?

cindian60

Hi
I sympathise with anyone suffering with depression and its symptoms, causing great difficulty to cope in life. Yes your sleeping patterns most probobly are interrupted, varying from not being able to sleep at night and then moving into sleep in the early hours, lasting during the day, thus creating a cycle of neg sleeping patterns - leaving you feeling out -of-sync with life in general, not motivated (thus not generating increased energy levels in the body) - the original reasons (for example Stress) for not sleeping should be looked at and hopefully treated before it becomes a repeated habit. If the patterns becomes a habit, most certainly you are going to feel deprived of rest and sleep, and on it goes...... The whole body system gets clogged and blocked, needing to be cleared and re-energised and balanced. this can be done by any therapist who works on the energy centers in the body (Chakras).

Depression is a condition believed to be caused by abnormalities in mood regulating chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as mental performance, emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters. They are the brain's chemical messengers.Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good, we feel more directed, motivated, and vibrant. UNFORTUNATLEY, IF THE NEUROTRANSMITTERS LEVELS ARE INADEQUATE THESE ENERGISING AND MOTIVATING SIGNALS ARE ABSENT AND WE FEEL MORE STRESSED, SLUGGISH AND OUT-OR-CONTRO....

Also, in addition to Psychological causes for depression, there is a huge variety of potential chemical imbalances which might take place in the brain (which might accout for increased tiredness with depression) - from deficient Serotonin to deficient or excess Dopamine levels (chemicals). Zinc/Copper imbalance and methylation disorders .

There is also a possibility of imbalances of;
Essential fats incl Omega 3
Vitamin D
Homocysteine levels (Amino acids)

Hope this helps...
Caroline