What Causes Depression?

Learn About the Many Risk Factors for Common Mood Problems

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PLEASE NOTE: We are working on a new PREVIEW video for this course. Meanwhile, we have made several videos in the course free to view before you sign up. Just click on the lectures in the list below.

Clinical depression is one of the most widespread and potentially disabling health conditions of our age. It is caused by multiple factors - none of which seem essential and only a few of which are sufficient to bring about the full condition. A huge body of research examines the various risk factors for depression.

In this course, we look at the various risk factors associated with the mood disorders - particularly major depression. We use an expanded version of the Floating Diamond model presented in the "What Is Depression?" course: The Depression Map. This is based on the model that forms the basis for the presenter's book on the subject, Your Depression Map.

We range from biological and historical causes, through lifestyle and situational factors, to the often-neglected area of meaning. Along the way we look at the literature concerning diet, cognitive vulnerabilities, emotional tolerance, social isolation, exercise, and more.

The course also provides a basic primer in depression biology, investigating the idea that there may be a biochemical underpinning to depression. Although this is almost certainly a part of the picture, the science to back the idea up is often lacking, and researchers increasingly suspect that long-held ideas may not be as useful as was once thought.

Students receive an extensive notes package providing summaries of each lecture. Those taking the course to learn more about their own condition can follow along with an informal inventory of the causes covered.

NOTE: This course does not constitute treatment for depression or any other concern. It is designed for informational purposes only. Anyone with a history of depression should consult a healthcare professional for the assessment and treatment of their condition.

As well, this course does not focus on the treatment or self-care of depression - these are topics to be examined in other courses. Our emphasis is solely on the risk factors.

30 Day Guarantee: Not sure? You don't have to be. We have a 30-day complete money back guarantee, no questions asked. As well, some of the lectures are available for free preview with no payment required, so you can get a feel for the course before you buy.


Your Instructor


Dr Randy Paterson
Dr Randy Paterson

Randy Paterson is the Director of Changeways Clinic, a private mental health center, and author of How to be Miserable, The Assertiveness Workbook, Private Practice Made Simple, and Your Depression Map. He is also the lead author of the Changeways Core Program, one of the world's most widely used group therapy treatment protocols for depression. He presents workshops for professional mental health providers across Canada and internationally.


Course Curriculum


  The Past: Biology and History
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  Depression, Illness, and Substances
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  The External World: Situational and Social Factors
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  Lifestyle-Based Physiological Factors
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  Depression and the Ways We Think
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  The Roles of Emotion and Meaning
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  Course Wrapup
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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