Mental illness characterized by feelings of sadness and despair
Depression is a mental condition that can cause feelings of sadness, helplessness or hopelessness. A lot of doctors will request a psychical examination, a mental evaluation, or even laboratory tests for patients suffering from these symptoms (Mayo Clinic Staff 2018. These causes include abuse, certain medications and conflict. Death or a loss can also be a cause. There are many kinds of depression. These are: major depressions, persistent depressive disorders (PDD), bipolar disorders, seasonal affective disorders and psychotic disorders.
It is possible to be easily identified by others or hide your depression from others. The American Psychiatric Association (2013a) requires that a person with depression have at least five of these symptoms. You can diagnose depression by having a depressed mood and a loss of interest in other activities.
As stated earlier, depression can come from many different causes. Sometimes, depression can be caused by abuse. WebMD LLC 2018, 2018: People who suffer from any form of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse have a greater chance of developing depression later in life. Depression can be caused by traumatizing events such as the death of a family member or a diagnosis of serious illness.
Major depressive disorders is the most common form of depression. Merz, 2018. Major depressive disorder can be described as a depressed feeling, loss in interest, or even thoughts about suicide. It lasts approximately two weeks. WebMD LLC (2018). Persistent Depressive Disorder (Merz), is the second most commonly diagnosed type. Persistent Depressive Disorder has similar symptoms to major depressive disorders, but the symptoms are more frequent for longer periods of time (WebMD LLC 2018, 2018). Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression or bipolar disorder, is next (Merz 2018). Bipolar disorder results in a patient experiencing highs and lows (WebMD LLC 2018, 2018). Patients who are in their best mood have energy and a lot of energy. But when they are low, they exhibit the same symptoms as people with major depression disorder (WebMD LLC. 2018). Seasonal affective disorders, also known by (SAD), are the fourth most common form of depression (Merz (2018)). Seasonal affective Disorder is a type depression that can be experienced during seasonal changes (WebMD LLC (2018)). Two types of depression are only for females. There are two types of depression: peripartum and postpartum. Women suffering from major depression may develop peripartum disorder after having children (WebMD LLC 2018). Premenstrual dysfunction is a condition that occurs during a woman’s first period.
While depression can be difficult for patients, there are many treatment options available to treat the symptoms. Psychotherapy and medication are two options. Patients may also require hospitalization for their depression (Mayo Clinic Staff 2018. Medications used to treat depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, along with other medications to help along with other antidepressants (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018). These medications are combined with treatment by psychologists. SAD patients may also be asked to use a light box in certain cases to aid with seasonal depression (WebMD LLC 2018). Patients may also benefit from brain stimulations with ECT’s and/or TMS’s, in addition to other treatments (Mayo Clinic Staff 2018).
Psychology sees depression as both the biological and psychological view (Psychology Principles in Psychology: 2003).
Psychological view: People with depression are people who have had a traumatic or major life change. They keep their emotions and anger to themselves, rather than talking about it (Psychology Principles in Psychology, 2003). This causes the patient to feel overwhelmed and guilt, and can even consider suicide. Psychology- Principles in Psychology, 2003. Psychologists who hold the biological view believe that neurotransmitters serotonin or noradrenaline can affect the mood and thoughts of patients, which could lead to their mood disorder. These are the views psychology has on depression and how it affects patients.
