Brief recurrent depression includes depressed mood and at least four other symptoms of major depression that do not meet the full criteria for any other depressive disorder. These symptoms must last at least two days and no more than thirteen days (American Psychiatric Association 2013). These episodes must occur once a month for at least twelve consecutive months in an individual who does not meet criteria for any other depressive, bipolar, or psychotic disorder (American Psychiatric Association 2013). This depressive disorder can be diagnosed by a doctor who must ensure that there are no underlying causes for the symptoms. For a doctor to diagnose brief recurrent depression, distress and impairment in normal functioning must be present (Sue and Sue 2013). Recurrent brief depression is caused by a combination of factors including biological, social, sociocultural, and psychological dimensions (Sue and Sue 2013). The different interactions of these dimensions can cause depression. The biological dimension is inherited from our parents and could potentially be traced back to the beginning of one's lineage. It includes our genetics, brain anatomy, biochemical imbalances, central nervous system function, and autonomic nervous system reactivity (Sue and Sue 2013). Depression has a strong hereditary component, so if someone in your family suffers from depression, then you are at greater risk of getting it (Cohen-Woods, Craig, and McGuffin 2013). There is no gene that leads to depression; instead there are multiple genes interacting with each other and with the environment that can lead to the vulnerability of developing depression (El Hage, Powell, Surguladze, and McGuffin 2013). Hormonal Abnormalities...... middle of paper .. ....psychotherapy focuses on current interpersonal problems, so that individuals can make positive changes in their relationships. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on altering negative thought patterns and distorted thinking associated with depression (FAVA GIOVANNI). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy involves calming awareness of one's present experiences, thoughts, and feelings and promotes an attitude of acceptance rather than judgment, evaluation, or rumination. Therapy tends to have long-term effects, while drugs do not because they only reduce the symptoms without treating the problem. After experiencing a negative experience such as trauma, we often try to avoid dealing with it. As anxiety increases, we unconsciously distort the truth by implementing defense mechanisms. In the novel “Room,” Ma uses two defense mechanisms to avoid facing the truth.