We all feel sad at some point, but some people experience these feelings more intensely over a long period of time and sometimes for no apparent reason. Taking into account the reason or cause of depression we can distinguish two types, exogenous and endogenous depression. The word endogenous means from within, while exogenous means from outside.
Specialists use these terms to differentiate when depression has internal causes, such as biological or genetic, or when its causes are external, such as traumatic or stressful events. This distinction was made because it was believed to have implications for the type of treatment that would be applied. In this Online Psychology article we explain in detail the differences between endogenous and exogenous depression.
What is endogenous depression?
The is one that occurs in people who have a biological predisposition which makes them more vulnerable to presenting depressive symptoms. People with endogenous depression do not know why they feel sad. This type of depression usually occurs due to a series of biochemical changes within the human body, hence its biological nature. There are cases in which the person is affected by this disorder from birth, assuming high levels of stress.
Some of the symptoms related to endogenous depression are:
- Pain in different parts of the body
- Sleeping problems
- Prolonged fatigue
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Irritability
- Very low motivation
- Continuous fatigue
- Very sudden mood changes
- easy crying
- Isolate yourself from social situations
- Decreased sexual appetite
- Lack of concern for personal care
- Disinterest in daily activities or work
- Decreased concentration levels
- Forget routine things
- Not being able to make decisions correctly in time
- pessimistic attitude
What is exogenous or reactive depression?
Reactive depression is characterized by being related to the event or circumstances that cause it. This depression becomes a concern for the person and if it persists for an excessive period of time and the individual does not recover, it must be treated. Finally, the depressive symptoms will decrease and the person will return to normal, either emotionally or behaviorally, that is, it is temporary. If the person does not receive proper treatmentsymptoms may persist and significantly interfere with daily functioning at work, school, and relationships.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Anger: Some people feel angry as a result of that stressful event.
- Anxiety, sadness
- Changes in appetite: eating too much or too little
- Confusion: the person may have memory problems and general confusion
- easy crying
- Hopelessness about life and the future
- Sleeping problems
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Social isolation
- Concern about the future
- In some cases there are suicidal thoughts
- Gastrointestinal disorders
Differences between endogenous and exogenous depression
In summary, endogenous depression is a type of depression that appears to occur for no apparent reason. It appears to be chemical and/or genetic. It is also often accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and inability to enjoy things that are normally pleasurable to the person.
Exogenous or reactive depression, on the other hand, is usually triggered by some type of stressor external, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job or relationship difficulties. While in endogenous depression the world may seem like a dark and sad place because you yourself are dark and sad, in exogenous depression the world is dark and sad because of what is happening in your life. Additionally, exogenous depression tends to be characterized by a lack of certain physical symptoms, such as problems with sleep and appetite.
Depression, whether endogenous or exogenous, is almost always triggered by some life stressor. This means that if a person has a genetic and/or biochemical predisposition to depression, a major life stressor can bring that tendency into existence.
It must be taken into account that some of the depressions considered endogenous really are not. Time is needed to identify the possible event or set of circumstances that triggered depression, and when the necessary time is not available, the association is not found and can be attributed to internal causes (biological or genetic). This has important consequences in the life of the person, who adopts a passive role without carrying out the appropriate treatment that can help her move forward in her case.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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