新视野大学英语视听说教程 4 Unit 1-11

V. Let’s Talk
Script
Hello, everyone. Today I invite you to join me in an exploration off the causes of depression. There ate many factors involved, but I believe some deserve special attention.
Heredity certainly plays a role. .The tendency to develop depression may be inherited; there is evidence that this disorder¹ may run in families.
Physiology² is another factor related to depression. There may be changes or imbalances in chemicals which transmit information in the brain called neurotransmitters. Many modern antidepressant drugs attempt to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters so as to increase brain communication. While the causal relationship is unclear; it is known that antidepressant medications do reliever certain symptoms of depression.
Researchers also study psychological factors. They include the complex development of one’s personality and how one has learned to cope with external environmental factors, such as stress. It is freeqently observed that low self-esteem and self-defeating thinking are connected with depression. While it is not clear which is the cause and which is the effect, it is known that sufferers who are able to make corrections to their thinking patterns can show improved mood and self-esteem.
Another factor causing depression is one’s early experiences. Events such as the death of a parent, the divorce of the parents, neglect, chronic³ illness, and severe physical abuse can also increase the likelihood of depression later in life.
Some present experiences may also lead to depression. Job loss, financial difficulties, long periods of unemployment, the loss of a spouse⁴ or other family member, or other painful events may trigger depression. Long-term stress at home, work, or school can also be involved.
It is worth nothing that those living with someone suffering from \depression experience increased anxiety which adds to the possibility of their also becoming depressed⁵.

Depression-causing Factors	Problem Description	Solution
Heredity	It is inherited and run in families.
Physiology	changes or imbalances in chemicals called neurotransmitters, which transmit information in the brain	Antidepressant drugs relieve certain symptoms of depression.
Psychological Factors	Low self-esteem and self-defeating thinking are connected with depression.	Sufferers who make correction to their thinking patterns can show improved mood and self-esteem.
Early Experiences	Event like the death of a parent, the divorce of parents, neglect, chronic illness, and severe physical abuse can increase the likelihood of depression.
Present Experiences	Job loss, financial difficulties, long periods of unemployment, the loss of a spouse or other family member, or long-term stress may trigger depression.
Living with somebody with depression	This causes increased anxiety, which adds to the possibility of their also becoming depressed.

 

1 disorder   

n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调

参考例句：

• When returning back,he discovered the room to be in disorder.回家后，他发现屋子里乱七八糟。
• It contained a vast number of letters in great disorder.里面七零八落地装着许多信件。

2 physiology   

n.生理学，生理机能

参考例句：

• He bought a book about physiology.他买了一本生理学方面的书。
• He was awarded the Nobel Prize for achievements in physiology.他因生理学方面的建树而被授予诺贝尔奖。

3 chronic   

adj.(疾病)长期未愈的，慢性的；极坏的

参考例句：

• Famine differs from chronic malnutrition.饥荒不同于慢性营养不良。
• Chronic poisoning may lead to death from inanition.慢性中毒也可能由虚弱导致死亡。

4 spouse   

n.配偶(指夫或妻)

参考例句：

• Her spouse will come to see her on Sunday.她的丈夫星期天要来看她。
• What is the best way to keep your spouse happy in the marriage?在婚姻中保持配偶幸福的最好方法是什么？

5 depressed   

adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的

参考例句：

• When he was depressed,he felt utterly divorced from reality.他心情沮丧时就感到完全脱离了现实。
• His mother was depressed by the sad news.这个坏消息使他的母亲意志消沉。