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The aim of research studies in the field of psychiatry conducted in recent years is to formulate a consistent theory that would exhaustively explain the aetiology of depression. So far, biochemical, genetic, anatomical and environmental factors, which may play a role in the occurrence of the first symptoms of depressive disorders, have been sought. The authors of this paper present a theory that combines the previously mentioned elements into one whole and links them to one another. We have called our theory “neurodevelopmental” to underline the importance and impact of earlier stages of human life, including the prenatal period, on the occurrence of depressive disorders. We will make an attempt to find an answer to why this time in the life of a human being is so important, what kind of biological mechanisms are activated then, and what aspects of our later functioning are affected by them.
•We present the "neurodevelopmental” theory of depression.•We underline the importance and impact of earlier stages of human life on the occurrence of depressive disorders.•Epigenetic mechanisms are susceptible to changes in reaction to stressful experiences and hostile environmental factors.•We may consider depression to be chronic cold observed not only in the very patient, but originating in his or her ancestors.