Poverty and social isolation often increase the risk of developing psychiatric problems. Childhood abuse (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect) increases the risk of developing depressive disorders later in life; impaired family functioning, such as a parent (especially the mother) suffering from depression, severe spousal conflict or divorce, loss of both parents or other conditions that impair family functioning are risk factors for developing the illness. In adulthood, there is a strong association between stressful life events and major depressive episodes. In particular, first episodes are more likely to be triggered by stressful life events than by relapses.
The relationship between life stressful events and social support is controversial, whether a lack of social support causes an increase in stressful events that leads to depression or whether a lack of social support directly triggers depression. Discordant neighbourhoods caused by crime or illicit drugs are a risk factor for morbidity, while harmonious and pleasant neighbourhoods are a protective factor against depression. Although a variety of factors intermingle, poor working conditions, especially strenuous work with little autonomy, may be associated with depression.
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