Dynamics of Depression

A Pychoanalytically oriented definition of the dynamic involved with depression: Optimally demands made by the Superego (Morals/rules) are distributed healthfully and for positive corrective functioning, but without an equal or greater distribution of positive reinforcement--the "negative" corrective function becomes an overwhelming bombardment upon the Ego and with ever increasing and more rigid demands the Ego/self becomes depressed.

This disruptive dynamic displaces or "depresses" the ego's ability to act upon the Id's desires/impulses thereby restricting the movement/options--operative force of the ego, which means the self/ego continually loses ground to operate/to live and with an ever decreasing range of options to live, to function, to be--the ego/self gradually or rapidly depending upon the force/frequency of the Superego's bombardment becomes depressed.