VELAMMAL VIDHYASHRAM

MAMBAKKAM

SENIOR SECONDARY
CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
BIOLOGY (044)
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT REPORT
ON

DEPRESSION
2024 - 2025
NAME –
B.G. YESHVANTH

ROLL NO – 18

CLASS – XII

SECTION – E
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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this BIOLOGY Investigatory Project on the topic EVOLUTION

has been successfully completed by B.G. Yeshvanth of class XII (BIOLOGY – 044),

Roll. no…………………. at Velammal Vidhyashram, Mambakkam for the partial

fulfillment of this project as a part of Senior Secondary Certificate Examination-

SSCE, CBSE, New Delhi for the academic Year 2024– 2025.

Date: …………….

Signature of Principal Signature of the Guide

Name: Mr. KURMA RAO REPAKA Name: Dr. J. HELAN CHANDRA

Submitted for SSCE 2024-2025, BIOLOGY Practical examination on ………………….

Signature of the Signature of the

Internal Examiner External Examiner

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success of any project depends largely on people associated with it. I would
like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the enthusiasm of all these
personalities.

I hereby express my heartfelt thanks To our Principal Mr. KURMA RAO REPAKA
and Vice Principal Mr. C. RAMAIYAN for having given this opportunity to do the
project.

I extend my sincere gratitude to my Biology teacher Dr. J. HELAN CHANDRA for

the valuable guidance offered to me. Her wholehearted encouragement and
constant stimulant inspiration and advice enabled me to complete the project
successfully.

I am also thankful to all our Teaching Staff and Non Teaching Staff for their help
during my course of study.

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to my Parents for their

encouragement and support. Last but not the least I am thankful to the Almighty.

B.G. YESHVANTH

XII - E

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 INDEX

S.No Contents Page No

1 1. Introduction 6

2 2. Depression risk factors 7

3 3. Grief vs depression 10

4 4. Depression rate in India 12

5 5. Depression rate around the word 13

6 6. Depression symptoms in children and teen 13

7 7. Depression symptoms in older adults 15

8 8. Types of depression 15

9 9. How common is depression? 17

10 10. How biology is related to depression 17

11 11. Can certain drugs cause depression 18

12 12. Depression cause 18

13 13. Dealing with chronic illness and depression 19

14 14. What chronic condition triggers depression 20

15 15. Treatment 21

16 16. Conclusion 22

17 17. Reference 22

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 LIST OF FIGURES

S.No Figure Page No

1 1. Depression risk factors 8
2 2. Depression rate in India 12
3 3. Depression symptoms in children and teen 13

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1. INRODUCTION:

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized
by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities once
enjoyed. Unlike everyday mood swings that may fluctuate in response to daily stressors, clinical
depression involves prolonged and severe symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning
and quality of life. It often persists for weeks, months, or even years without significant
improvement.
Everyone experiences sadness and unhappiness at GB point in their lives. Clinical Depression,
however, is more intense and of longer duration than typical sadness or grief, which interferes
with a person's ability to engage in daily activities. The symptoms of depression can include: loss
of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, major changes in appetite (either
significantly reduced or increased), sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little), fatigue, a
feeling of worthlessness or hopelessness, problems with concentration and making decisions, and
thoughts of suicide.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of
it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with
depression feel better with medic location, psychotherapy or both.

1.1. IMPORTANCE:

Important to know that depression is not a weakness or character flaw. It's a chemical
Imbalance in your brain that needs to be treated. If you have one episode of depression, you are
at risk of having more throughout life. If you don't get treatment, depression can happen more
often and be more serious.

1.1.1.Understanding Depression:
Depression affects approximately 264 million people worldwide, with an estimated 17.3 million
adults in the United States experiencing at least one major depressive episode in 2019. It is a
leading cause of disability globally and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease,
impacting individuals, families, and communities across all age groups and socioeconomic

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backgrounds. While occasional feelings of sadness or low mood are a normal part of life,
depression symptoms are more persistent, severe, and disruptive to daily functioning. Unlike
typical emotional fluctuations, depression symptoms interfere significantly with relationships,
work, and daily activities, lasting for weeks, months, or even years without improvement. Major
depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common type of depression, characterized by persistent
depressive symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Other types include persistent
depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, postpartum
depression, and psychotic depression..
Individuals with bipolar disorder also display symptoms of depression. Bipolar disorder is a
severe illness in which moods swing between ‘up’ states and ‘down’ states. Bipolar ‘up’ states,
called mania, are characterized by a euphoric (joyful, energetic) mood, hyper-activity, a positive,
expansive outlook on life, grandiosity (a hyper-inflated sense of self-esteem), and a sense that
anything is possible. A person in the ‘down’ state of bipolar disorder experiences one or more of
the depressive symptoms mentioned previously.

2. DEPRESSION RISK FACTORS:

Depression risk factors are multifactorial and may include:

 Genetic predispostion
 Brain chemistry and structure
 Trauma
 Medical conditions
 Certain conditions
 Family history of depression
Depression, especially in midlife or older age, can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses,
such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are often worse
when depression is present, and research suggests that people with depression and other medical
illnesses tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses.

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Sometimes a physical health problem, such as thyroid disease, or medications taken for a
physical illness cause side effects that contribute to depression. A health care provider
experienced in treating these complicated illnesses can help work out the best treatment strategy.

Fig: 1 . Depression Risk Factors

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2.1. SYMPTOMPS FOR DEPRESSION:

During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable,
empty). They may feel a loss of pleasure or interest in activities. A depressive episode is
different from regular mood fluctuations. They last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least
two weeks. Depression can cause difficulties in all aspects of life, including in the community
and at home, work and school. A depressive episode can be categorized as mild, moderate, or
severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the
individual’s functioning.

2.2. PATTERNS FOR DEPRESSION:

There are different patterns of depressive episodes including:

 Single episode depressive disorder, meaning the person’s first and only episode.
 Recurrent depressive disorder, meaning the person has a history of at least two depressive
episodes.
 Bipolar disorder, meaning that depressive episodes alternate with periods of manic
symptoms, which include euphoria or irritability, increased activity or energy, and other
symptoms such as increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, increased self-esteem,
decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and impulsive reckless behaviour

2.3. IN FEMALES:

 Depression is nearly twice as common Trusted Source in females than males, according
to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 Researchers do not know why depression appears to be more common in females.
However, a 2021 study proposes that the difference may be due to disparities in reporting.
Researchers found that females were more likely than males to report and seek treatment
for depression symptoms.
 Some research Trusted Source suggests that exposure to gender discrimination increases
the risk of depression.
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2.4. IN MALES:

 According to data from the National Health and Nutrition study, which relies on self-
reports of mental health symptoms, 5.5%Trusted Source of males report depression
symptoms in a given 2-week period, compared with 10.4% of females.
 Males with depression are more likely Trusted Source than females to drink alcohol in
excess, display anger, and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder.
 Having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities.
 Displaying abusive or controlling behaviour in relationships.

3. GRIEF VS DEPRESSION:

 Grief and depression can look and feel similar in many ways.
 Grief and bereavement are intense emotional reactions to a significant loss. Clinical
depression is a formal mental health diagnosis that involves symptoms like sadness,
trouble focusing, and lack of motivation.

3.1. SIMILARITIES BETWEEN GRIEF AND DEPRESSION:

 For example, both grief and depression can cause deep feelings of sadness and low mood.
You might find yourself crying a lot, becoming irritable, and experiencing a lot of
emotional distress during grieving times or when experiencing depression.
 Emotional pain is one of the main things that grief and depression have in common. Both
depression and grief can also cause changes to your appetite and sleeping patterns. You
may find yourself not wanting to do much or having a difficult time getting up from bed,
for example.
 Anger outbursts may also be present in both grief and depression. You may feel resentful
about your loss experience or find yourself short of temper when you live with depression.

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  In sum, low mood and its consequences are some similarities between grief and
depression.

3.2. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GRIEF AND DEPRESSION:

 It can be very difficult to distinguish between grief and depression. The main difference
is that depression tends to last longer and symptoms may impact all aspects of your life.
 Grief is an emotional response that tends to decrease with time and often doesn’t require
professional support, while depression lasts longer and symptoms may intensify and
linger without treatment.
 Grief is classified as an intense emotional response, while depression is a formal mental
health condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
 The cause of both experiences may also differ. Grief is directly associated with loss.
Depression may sometimes be linked to a significant loss but often has other complex
contributing factors too, like your genes, early experiences, trauma, and environmental
influences.
 Grief may also come in waves, particularly after a few days have gone by. You might
find yourself able to enjoy and feel pleasure some days — for example, catching yourself
laughing with friends while you remember a lost loved one — and feel completely
hopeless and joyless the next.
 There’s no deadline for grief. Often, it may last months although the tendency is to have a
lesser effect on your life as time goes back.
 Depression may also manifest in waves but symptoms tend to be more persistent and
intense, appear every day, and linger for 2 or more weeks. When left untreated,
symptoms often worsen and impact many aspects of your life.

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4. DEPRESSION RATE IN INDIA:

 The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and The
National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) conducted the last comprehensive Mental
Health Survey in India in 2015. Several other smaller-scale surveys have been carried out
by organisations such as UNICEF and Deloitte. However, these do not provide a
complete image of depression rates across the country.

 The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare recently announced the launch of a new
Mental Health Survey, the first in eight years, targeting metropolitan cities in India.
 Depression rates upon the conclusion of this survey, expected between 2024 and 2025.

Fig: 2. Depression rate in India

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5. DEPRESSION RATES AROUND THE WORLD:

 The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered another health crisis: a 25% increase in the
prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. According to the World Health
Organization, the mental health of young people, women and health care workers has
been hit notably hard.
 Depression affects about 280 million people worldwide, and has been cited as the “single
largest contributor to global disability” by the WHO.

6. DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS CHILDREN AND TEENS:

 Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those
of adults, but there can be some differences.

 In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess,

worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweigh

Fig: 3. Symptoms of in teens

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6.1. CAUSES:

There are thought to be many causes of depression. There are most likely many factors,
 Traumatic life event, such as the loss of a loved one or pet, divorce, or remarriage. Any
event that causes distress or trauma, or even just a major change in lifestyle, can trigger
depression in a vulnerable individual.
 Social situation/family circumstances. Unfortunately, there are teens who live in difficult
circumstances. Domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty or other family issues can
cause stress and contribute to depression in a teen.
 Genetics/biology. It has been found that depression runs in families and that there is a
genetic basis for depression. Keep in mind, though, that teens who have depression in
their family will not necessarily get the illness, and teens without a history of depression
in their family can still get the disorder.

6.2. TREATMENT:

The Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC) recommend the
following in the management of teen depression:
 Educating teens and families about treatment options that are available.
 Developing a treatment plan that includes specific treatment goals that address
functioning at home and school.
 Collaborating with other mental health resources in the community.
 Creating a safety plan with steps that should be taken if the teen’s symptoms become
worse or if they experience suicidal thinking.
 Considering active support and monitoring before beginning other treatments.
 Consulting a mental health specialist if symptoms are moderate or severe.
 Incorporating evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy,
interpersonal therapy, and antidepressants.
 Continuing to monitor symptoms and functioning during antidepressant treatment.

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7. DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN OLDER ADULTS :

 Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly.
Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they
may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious
in older adults, such as:

8. TYPES OF DEPRESSION:

8.1. CLINICAL DEPRESSION (major depressive disorder):

 A diagnosis of major depressive disorder means you’ve felt sad, low or worthless most
days for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms such as sleep problems,
loss of interest in activities or change in appetite. This is the most severe form of
depression and one of the most common forms.

8.2. PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (PDD):

 Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two
years. The symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder. Healthcare providers
used to call PDD dysthymia.

8.3. DISRUPTION MOOD (DMDD):

 DMDD causes chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts in children.
Symptoms usually begin by the age of 10.

8.4. PREMENSTURAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD):

 With PMDD, you have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood
symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve
within a few days after your period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with
your life.

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8.5. SEASONAL EFFECTIVE DISORDER (seasonal depression):
 This is a form of major depressive disorder that typically arises during the fall and winter
and goes away during the spring and summer.

8.6. PRENATAL DEPRESSION AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:

 Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression
is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby. The DSM refers to
these as “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.

8.7. ATYPICAL DEPRESSION:

 Symptoms of this condition, also known as major depressive disorder with atypical
features, vary slightly from “typical” depression. The main difference is a temporary
mood improvement in response to positive events (mood reactivity). Other key symptoms
include increased appetite and rejection sensitivity.

9. HOW COMMON IS DEPRESSION?

 Depression is common. Researchers estimate that nearly 7% of adults in the United States
have depression every year. More than 16% of U.S. adults — around 1 in 6 people —
will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.
 However, researchers believe that these estimates are lower than reality, as many people
don’t seek medical help for symptoms of depression and don’t receive a diagnosis.
 Approximately 4.4% of children in the United States have depression.

10. HOW IS BIOLOGY RELATED TO DEPRESSION?

 Researchers have noted differences in the brains of people who have clinical depression
compared with those who do not. For instance, the hippocampus, a small part of the brain
that is vital to the storage of memories, appears to be smaller in some people with a
history of depression than in those who’ve never been depressed. A smaller hippocampus

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 has fewer serotonin receptors. Serotonin is one of many brain chemicals known as
neurotransmitters that allow communication across circuits that connect the brain regions
involved in processing emotions.
 Scientists do not know why the hippocampus may be smaller in some people with
depression. Some researchers have found that the stress hormone cortisol is produced in
excess in depressed people. These investigators believe that cortisol has a toxic or
“shrinking” effect on the development of the hippocampus. Some experts think depressed
people may be simply born with a smaller hippocampus and are thus inclined to have
depression. There are many other brain regions, and pathways between specific regions,
thought to be involved with depression, and likely, no single brain structure or pathway
fully accounts for clinical depression.
 One thing is certain: Depression is a complex illness with many contributing factors. The
latest scans and studies of brain structure and function suggest that antidepressants can
exert “neurotrophic effects,” meaning that they can help sustain nerve cells, prevent them
from dying, and allow them to form stronger connections that withstand biological
stresses. As scientists gain a better understanding of the causes of depression, health
professionals will be able make better “tailored” diagnoses and, in turn, prescribe more
effective treatment plans.

11. CAN CERTAIN DRUGS CAUSE DEPRESSION :

In certain people, drugs may lead to depression. For example, medications such as barbiturates,
benzodiazepines, and the acne drug isotretinoin (formerly sold as Accutane, now Absorica,
Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) have sometimes been linked with depression,
especially in older people. Likewise, medications such as corticosteroids, opioids (codeine,
morphine), and anticholinergics taken to relieve stomach cramping can sometimes cause changes
and fluctuations in mood. Even blood pressure medications called beta-blockers have been
linked to depression.

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12. DEPRESSION CAUSE:

There are several possible causes of depression. They can range from biological to circumstantial

12.1. BRAIN CHEMISTRY:

There may be a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain that manage mood, thoughts, sleep,
appetite, and behaviour in people who have depression.

12.2. HORMONE LEVELS:

Changes in female hormones oestrogen and progesterone during different periods of time like
during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, perimenopause, or menopause may all raise a
person’s risk for depression.

12.3. FAMILY HISTORY:

You’re at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history of depression or
another mood disorder.

12.4. EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAUMA:

Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.

12.5. BRAIN STRUCTURE:

There’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active. However,
scientists don’t know if this happens before or after the onset of depressive symptoms.

12.6. MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

Certain conditions may Trusted Source put you at higher risk, such as chronic
illness, insomnia, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart attack, and
cancer.

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13. DEALING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND DEPRESSION:

 For millions of people, chronic illnesses and depression are facts of life. A chronic illness
is a condition that lasts for a very long time and usually cannot be cured completely,
although some illnesses can be controlled or managed through lifestyle (diet and exercise)
and certain medications. Examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, heart disease,
arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
 Many people with these illnesses become depressed. In fact, depression is one of the most
common complications of chronic illness. It’s estimated that up to one-third of people
with a serious medical condition have symptoms of depression.
 It’s not hard to see the cause and effect relationship between chronic illness and
depression. Serious illness can cause tremendous life changes and limit your mobility and
independence. A chronic illness can make it impossible to do the things you enjoy, and it
can eat away at your self-confidence and a sense of hope in the future. No surprise, then,
that people with chronic illness often feel despair and sadness. In some cases, the
physical effects of the condition itself or the side effects of medication lead to depression,
too.

14. WHAT CHRONIC CONDITIONS TRIGGER DEPRESSION?

 Although any illness can trigger depressed feelings, the risk of chronic illness and
depression gets higher with the severity of the illness and the level of life disruption it
causes. The risk of depression is generally 10-25% for women and 5-12% for men.
However, people with a chronic illness face a much higher risk – between 25-33%. Risk
is especially high in someone who has a history of depression.
 Depression caused by chronic disease often makes the condition worse, especially if the
illness causes pain and fatigue or it limits a person’s ability to interact with others.
Depression can intensify pain, as well as fatigue and sluggishness. The combination of

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 chronic illness and depression might lead you to isolate yourself, which is likely to make
the depression even worse.
 Research on chronic illnesses and depression indicates that depression rates are high
among patients with chronic conditions

15. TREATEMENT OPTIONS:

 Depression is treated much the same way for someone who is chronically ill as someone
who isn’t. Early diagnosis and treatment can ease distress along with the risk of
complications and suicide. Many times, depression treatment can improve your overall
medical condition, a better quality of life, and a greater likelihood of sticking to a long-
term treatment plan.
 When depressive symptoms are related to the physical illness or the side effects of
medication, your doctor may need to adjust or change your treatment. When the
depression is a separate problem, it can be treated on its own. More than 80% of people
with depression can be treated successfully with medicine, psychotherapy, or a
combination of both. Antidepressant drugs usually take effect within a matter of weeks.
You should work closely with your doctor or psychiatrist to find the most effective
medication.

15.1. TO AVOID DEPRESSION:

 Learn as much as you can about your condition. Knowledge is power when it comes to
getting the best treatment available and keeping your sense of independence and control.
 Make sure that you have medical support from experts you trust and can talk to openly
about your ongoing questions and concerns.
 If you suspect that your medication is bringing you down, talk to your doctor about other
possible treatments.
 Talk with your doctor about pain management.

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  As much as is possible, keep doing the things you like to do. You’ll stay connected as
well as boost your self-confidence and sense of community.

16. CONCLUSION :

Depression occurs commonly, causing suffering, functional impairment, increased risk of suicide,
added health care costs, and productivity losses. Effective treatments are available both when
depression occurs alone and when it co-occurs with general medical illnesses. Many cases of
depression seen in general medical settings are suitable for treatment within those settings. About
half of all cases of depression in primary care settings are recognized, although subsequent
treatments often fall short of existing practice guidelines. When treatments of documented
efficacy are used, short-term patient outcomes are generally good. Barriers to diagnosing and
treating depression include stigma; patient somatization and denial; physician knowledge and
skill deficits; limited time; lack of availability of providers and treatments; limitations of third-
party coverage; and restrictions on specialist, drug, and psychotherapeutic care. Public and
professional education efforts, destigmatize and improvement in access to mental health care are
all needed to reduce these barriers.

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17. REFERENCE:

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496741/#:~:text=CONCLUSIONS,occ
urs%20with%20general%20medical%20illnesses.

 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-
20356007

 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9290-depression

 https://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm

 https://www.healthline.com/health/depression#causes

 https://psychcentral.com/health/grief-and-depression#prolonged-grief-vs-depression

 https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/slideshows/the-most-depressed-countries-
in-the-world

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