What is Depression?
Depression is a feeling of sadness, blues, unhappiness, misery, or down-in-the-dumps. This feeling is common for brief periods. However, true clinical depression refers to a disorder of the mood that causes sadness, anger, frustration, and loss over a long period of time.
Depression is common. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 10% of Americans suffer from depression. People with chronic diseases may experience higher numbers. For example, NIMH estimates about 25% of cancer patients have depression. A study on multiple sclerosis patients found that 41.8% had severe depression symptoms.
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. Although mild symptoms may seem like temporary blues, they are not the same condition as having severe depression. Depression is not something that can be cured by willpower. While healthy habits can be helpful, it is not possible to eliminate depression completely by exercising regularly, eating right, or going on vacation.
Depression is more common in females than it is in men. It is most common in the teenage years. Depression is more common in men than it is in women. Females may be more likely to experience depression.
What Are the Causes of Depression?
Depression is a common condition in families. It can be caused by learned behavior, heredity or both. It is often triggered by a life event or stressful situation that causes depression. Although it is not known what causes depression, many factors may play a role in its onset.
– Biochemistry. Neurotransmitters (chemicals that regulate your emotions and feelings) are messages sent by brain nerve cells. Scientists believe depression symptoms are caused by a chemical imbalance. This could be serotonin or norepinephrene.
– Genetics. Although people with depressive disorders are more likely to have a family history, it is also possible for people to develop depression even if they don’t have any relatives. Endogenous depression refers to depression that is caused by a person’s genetic inheritance or biology.
– Personality. Depression is more common in people who are negative, pessimistic and have low self esteem.
– People who have experienced serious life problems, such as violence, abuse or poverty, may be more susceptible to depression. Depression can also be caused by difficult times such as divorce, death, financial difficulties, or the need to move from your home. Reactive depression may also be called this type.
– Other conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or hormonal disorders, are more likely to get depression.
You can also get depression from:
– Dissatisfaction at work, school or home. This could include breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, failing in a class, divorce proceedings, or breaking up between your parents.
– Drugs like sedatives or high blood pressure medication
– Drug or alcohol abuse
– Chronic Stress
– Childhood events, such as neglect or abuse
– Social Isolation (common in the older population)
– Nutritional deficiency (such as folate or omega-3 fat acids)
– Sleeping disorders
What are the Signs and Symptoms Of Depression?
Different symptoms may be experienced by everyone with depression. Some may only have a few symptoms, while others can experience many. Individuals will have different experiences. You must display at least five signs of major depression for at the very least two weeks.
Feeling empty or sad
– Less interest in and enjoyment of activities
– A change in appetite to lose weight or gain weight
– Increased or decreased sleeping
– Energy loss or fatigue
– Feeling guilty or worthless
– Being agitated/slowed down
– Difficulty concentrating or thinking
– Constant thoughts of suicide or death
Low self-esteem can be a sign of depression.
Children who are depressed may not show the symptoms of depression that adults see. Be on the lookout for signs such as changes in sleep, school performance, or behavior. You should consult a doctor if your child seems depressed.
What Are Different Types and Types of Depressions?
Depression can take many forms, just like other illnesses. The most common forms of depression are:
Symptoms of major depression can affect an individual’s ability to function normally.
He or she loses interest in the activities and hobbies he or her used to enjoy. Major depression episodes can last up to six months. A person can only be diagnosed with major depressive disorder if they have at least one of these symptoms for more than two weeks. Although a single episode may be the most severe, major depression patients often experience multiple episodes over their lives.
Dysthymia can be described as a low-intensity mood disorder that is similar to major depression. However, the symptoms are more severe and last longer. Dysthymia can be quite debilitating, but it is not fatal. Dysthymic people often experience periods of depression.
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder. It is less common than other depressive disorders. It can be characterized by high-strength episodes, known as manias, and then low-strength depressions.
Other forms of depression that are common include:
Postpartum depression refers to depression following the birth of a child. This type of depression can be diagnosed in clinical studies in as many as 10% to 15% of women who are pregnant. Postpartum Psychosis, sometimes misunderstood as postpartum depression, is a rarer mood disorder that can be serious and requires immediate medical care.
Premenstrual disorder (PMDD) is a condition that causes depression about a week before and then disappears after menstruation.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), occurs in fall-winter, and disappears in spring-summer. It is likely that there isn’t enough sunlight.
How do I get help for depression?
If depression isn’t treated, it can become a serious condition that could lead to suicide attempts. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates there are effective treatments and that over 80 percent of patients who seek treatment for depression find relief.
If depression lasts more than 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor.
Call 911 or a suicide hotline if you are having thoughts or feelings of suicide or suicidal intent. Or go to an emergency room nearby.
If you feel the following:
– You hear voices you don’t recognize.
– You often cry without prompting.
– You feel depressed and have suffered from it for at least two weeks.
– If you have more than three depressive symptoms.
– If you think one of your medications is making it difficult to feel happy, consult your doctor. Do not change or discontinue any medication without talking to your doctor.
– You believe you should quit drinking or using drugs.
How is depression diagnosed?
A complete medical history and thorough physical exam are essential to diagnose depression. A complete medical history and physical examination may be required to rule out any other possible causes. If there is no other cause, patients with depression are usually referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a psychological evaluation.
During a psychological diagnostic, the doctor will ask a series questions including:
– What symptoms are you experiencing?
– How many years have you been experiencing these symptoms?
– What are the signs and symptoms?
These symptoms may have been present before.
– Were you diagnosed with depression?
What were your favorite treatments?
Do you know anyone who has suffered from depression?
If yes, how were they treated and what treatments worked best?
– Are you a drug or alcohol user?
– Have your thoughts been triggered by suicide or death?
Whether memory, speech patterns, and thought patterns have been affected.
– Other symptoms like sleeplessness, appetite, concentration, and energy.
– Support systems and possible stressors in your daily life.
If these questions are answered, your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan.
What Medications can be used to treat depression?
Doctors may choose from several antidepressants depending on the individual’s tolerance and symptoms.
They are not able to predict how an individual will react to anti-depressants so it is possible for people to try different medications or combinations to help alleviate their symptoms.
Most people experience full anti-depressant effects within six to 8 weeks. The majority are prescribed for 6 months to 1 year. Anti-depressants may be required for people with severe depression. Anti-depressants should not be stopped by someone suffering from depression without consulting a doctor.
There are three main anti-depressant types:
– Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs),: These anti-depressants act on two chemical messengers within the brain that are linked to depression, serotonin or norepinephrine. Cymbalta and Effexor are medications that fall under this category.
– Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs),: SSRIs increase the brain’s activity of serotonin. They include Prozac and Zoloft, which are both fluoxetine, Luvox (fluvoxamine), Luvox/fluvoxamine, Luvox(fluvoxamine), Luvox/paroxetine), Celexa and Lexapro (escitalopram).
Tricyclics are similar to SSNRIs in that they work on serotonin and norepinephrine. Although they are just as effective at treating depression than the more recent drugs, their side effects tend to be more severe. They are not recommended by doctors as a first option. Tricyclic medication include Pamelor (nortriptyline), Elavil(amitriptyline), Pamelor (“tofranil”), and Norpramin (“desipramine”).
– Monoamine Oxalate Inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs prevent the nerve system from activating monoamine oxidase. These medications are sometimes prescribed by doctors to people who cannot respond to anti-depressants. They can also be prescribed to treat panic disorder and bipolar disorders. Nardil (phenelzine), Parnate and Tranate (tranylcypromine), are just a few of the medicines in this category.
What other treatments are available for depression?
There are many ways to treat depression.
1. Mental health counseling
Mild depression patients may only require psychotherapy (talk) in order to improve their symptoms. However, doctors will often recommend therapy alongside medication. Psychotherapy works by helping people to talk with a therapist. The situation will vary. A person might seek psychotherapy alone, with a spouse/family member, or in a group setting with other people with similar problems.
One-on-one, short-term therapy that lasts 10-20 weeks has been shown to be helpful in treating depression. These therapies are:
– Interpersonal therapy: This focuses on improving relationships with people who are depressed or making it worse.
– Cognitive or behavioral therapy, which is focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that could be related to depression.
2. Hospitalization
If someone is so severely depressed they cannot function or are suicidal, psychiatric Hospitalization may be required.
3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
Doctors might recommend ECT to people suffering from severe depression or those who are unable to take antidepressants. ECT is performed with muscle paralysis and sedation to reduce discomfort. Doctors believe that ECT is effective for treating depression. The seizure releases chemical messages in the brain, including serotonin or norepinephrine. A person may only need 12 treatments.
4. Herbal remedies
St. John’swort (Hypericumperforatum), is one example of such a herbal remedy. St. John’swort has been long used in Germany to treat mild-moderate depression. However, studies on the use of St. John’s wort in Germany have only been done for a short time and did not include uniform dosages.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health performed a three-year research on St. John’s wort use in mild to moderate depression. The study did not show any significant differences in the response to depression between people who received St. John’s wort as well as those who took SSRI antidepressants or those who received a placebo. However, people who took anti-depressants reported greater overall function than those who took St. John’swort.
It is important to inform your doctor if herbal treatments are being used for depression and other conditions.
How can depression be prevented?
You can reduce the likelihood of depression by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. These self-care steps can be helpful, regardless of your severity.
Get enough rest.
Healthy, balanced eating habits are important.
– Exercise regularly.
Avoid drinking, smoking marijuana and using other recreational drugs.
Be happy. Even if it’s not your favorite thing to do, get involved in things that make you smile.
Spend time with friends and family.
Talk to clergy and spiritual advisors to find meaning in your painful experiences.
You can relax by using meditation, prayer, tai-chi, or biofeedback to help you unwind or tap into your inner strength.
– Consume omega-3 fatty oils from cold-water fish, such as salmon and tuna.
– Take folate (vitamin A9) as a multivitamin (400-880 micrograms).
Light therapy can be used to treat seasonal affective disorder.
Counselling is recommended for people who are suffering from low mood, stress, grief or stress. Teens who are feeling blue may benefit from family therapy.
