What
is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of
sadness and a loss of interest in things and activities that were once enjoyed.
It can also cause difficulty thinking, remembering, eating, and sleeping.
It's normal to feel sad or grieved over difficult life events, such as a job loss or divorce. But depression is different, as it persists virtually every day for at least two weeks and includes symptoms other than sadness.
There are different types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often simply called "depression." It is the most severe form of depression.
Without treatment, depression can worsen and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or suicide. The good news is that treatments can be very effective in improving symptoms.
What are the different types of depression?
There are two common types of depression.
Major depression includes symptoms of depressed mood or loss of interest, usually lasting at least two weeks, that interfere with daily activities.
Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia or dysthymic disorder) is characterized by less severe depressive symptoms that last much longer, usually at least two years.
Other types of depression include:
Seasonal affective disorder varies seasonally; its symptoms typically begin in late fall and early winter and subside during spring and summer.
Depression with psychotic symptoms is a severe form of depression in which the person experiences psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.
Bipolar disorder includes depressive episodes and manic episodes (or less severe hypomanic episodes) with unusually elevated mood, increased irritability, or increased activity.
Symptoms
Although depression may occur only once in a lifetime, people often experience
multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day,
almost daily, and may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or despair
- Outbursts of anger, irritability, or frustration, even over minor issues
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all usual activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Fatigue and lack of energy, so much so that even the smallest tasks require extra effort
- Decreased appetite and weight loss or increased food cravings and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slowness in thinking, speaking, or moving the body
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixation on past failures, or self-blame
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
- Unexplained physical damage Problems such as back pain or headache Head
What causes depression?
Researchers don't know the exact cause of depression. They believe several factors contribute to its development, including:
Brain chemistry: An imbalance in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, contributes to the development of depression.
Genetics: If you have a first-degree relative (biological parent) with depression, you are about three times more likely to develop the condition than the general population. However, it is possible to suffer from depression even without a family history.
Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation, and lack of support, can trigger depression.
Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic diseases such as diabetes can cause depression.
Medications: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect. Substance use, including alcohol, can also cause or worsen depression.
How is depression treated?
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions.
Approximately 80-90% of people with depression who seek treatment ultimately
respond well.
Treatment options include:
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves dialogue with a mental health professional. The therapist helps identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. There are many types of psychotherapy; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common. Sometimes a short course of therapy is sufficient. Other people continue therapy for several months or years.
Medications: Antidepressants, prescription medications, can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are different types of antidepressants, and it may take time to determine which is best for you. Some antidepressants have side effects, which usually improve over time. If they do not, consult your doctor. Another medication may be more effective for you.
Complementary medicine: These are treatments you can receive alongside traditional Western medicine. People with mild depression or persistent symptoms can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, and biofeedback.
Brain stimulation therapy: Brain stimulation therapy can help people with severe depression or depression associated with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
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