What is depression? – Helen M. Farrell

[ad_1]

Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and a range of other emotional and physical problems. It’s different from the normal mood fluctuations that people experience as part of life. Depression can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life, affecting a person’s ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy activities.

Core Symptoms:

• Persistent Sadness, Emptiness, or Irritability: A pervasive and prolonged feeling of sadness, emptiness, or irritability that is present for most of the day, nearly every day. This feeling is often out of proportion to any circumstances.

• Loss of Interest or Pleasure (Anhedonia): A marked decrease or loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Hobbies, social activities, and even basic self-care can feel burdensome.

Other Emotional Symptoms:

• Feelings of Hopelessness or Pessimism: A bleak and negative outlook on the future, believing that things will never get better.

• Feelings of Guilt, Worthlessness, or Helplessness: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, often related to past events or perceived shortcomings. A sense of worthlessness or feeling like a burden to others. A feeling of being trapped or powerless to change things.

• Anxiety, Agitation, or Restlessness: Depression can often co-occur with anxiety disorders, leading to feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease. Some individuals may experience physical restlessness or difficulty sitting still.

• Difficulty Concentrating, Remembering, or Making Decisions: Cognitive impairments such as difficulty focusing, concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions. This can affect work, school, and daily tasks.

• Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation (thinking about suicide), suicide plans, or suicide attempts. These thoughts can range from passive (wishing one were dead) to active (planning a suicide).

Physical Symptoms:

• Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.

• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep), hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), or disrupted sleep patterns.

• Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling tired or exhausted even after adequate sleep. A lack of energy and motivation to perform even simple tasks.

• Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: Observable restlessness or slowed movements and speech. These changes must be significant enough to be noticed by others.

• Unexplained Physical Problems: Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or chronic pain that have no clear medical cause.

Diagnostic Criteria:

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing depression. Generally, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires five or more of the symptoms listed above to be present during the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. These symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. The symptoms must not be attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition.

Types of Depressive Disorders:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by a single episode or recurrent episodes of major depression.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression characterized by milder symptoms that last for at least two years.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs during certain seasons of the year, typically in the fall and winter.

• Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs after childbirth.

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that includes depression symptoms, irritability, and anxiety.

• Bipolar Disorder: While primarily characterized by periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania), individuals with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of major depression.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Depression is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the risk.

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that regulate mood) may contribute to depression.

• Hormones: Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can trigger depression.

• Life Events: Stressful life events such as loss of a loved one, job loss, relationship problems, or trauma can trigger depression.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, heart disease, cancer, and stroke, can increase the risk of depression.

• Medications: Some medications can have depression as a side effect.

• Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as pessimism, low self-esteem, and perfectionism, may increase vulnerability to depression.

• Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can contribute to depression.

Treatment:

Depression is a treatable condition. Common treatments include:

• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and social skills to reduce depression.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores past experiences and unconscious conflicts that may be contributing to depression.

• Medications:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Increase serotonin levels in the brain.
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): An older class of antidepressants that affect multiple neurotransmitters.
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Another older class of antidepressants that can have significant side effects and dietary restrictions.
  • Atypical Antidepressants: A group of antidepressants that work through various mechanisms.

• Brain Stimulation Therapies:

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): A procedure in which electrical currents are passed through the brain to induce a brief seizure. It is typically used for severe depression that has not responded to other treatments.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
  • Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support mental health.
  • Adequate Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for mood regulation.
  • Stress Management Techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress.
  • Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.

Seeking Help:

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or counselor. A primary care physician can also provide an initial assessment and referral. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

source

[ad_2]