Endogenous means developed from within. When applied to depression, Endogenous means that depressive symptoms seem to be due to genetic factors.
In psychology, the term "endogenous" refers to a process or substance that originates within an organism or system, rather than being introduced from the outside. Here are some examples of how the term is used in different contexts:
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Endogenous depression: This refers to a type of depression that is believed to have a biological basis, with the primary cause being a dysfunction in the brain's neurotransmitter system. The term "endogenous" is used to distinguish this type of depression from other forms that may be triggered by external events or circumstances.
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Endogenous opioids: These are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing pain relief and feelings of well-being. Examples include endorphins and enkephalins.
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Endogenous circadian rhythms: These are biological rhythms that are generated internally by the body, rather than being driven by external cues such as light and dark. The sleep-wake cycle is one example of an endogenous circadian rhythm.
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Endogenous growth theory: This is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of internal factors such as human capital and technology in driving economic growth, rather than external factors such as natural resources or government policies.
Overall, the term "endogenous" is used to describe processes or substances that originate from within an organism or system, and may be important in a variety of fields including psychology, biology, and economics.