Depression

Depression is also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression. It is a type of mood illness characterized by a continuous sense of sadness and a loss of interest. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and could result in a number of mental and physical issues. You can find it difficult to carry out daily tasks, and you might even feel as if life is worthless.

Depression can worsen and linger longer if it is not treated. It could also cause self-harm or even death in severe circumstances. However, the good news is that treatments for depression can be highly helpful in alleviating the associated symptoms.

Types of Depression

Depression can be classified into different categories based on the intensity of the symptoms. While some people have mild, transient depressive episodes, others have severe, long-term depressing episodes.

The major types of depression include;

Major depressive disorder

Major depression or clinical depressive disorder is characterized by significant or overpowering symptoms that persist for more than two weeks. Such symptoms make it difficult to go about your daily routine.

Bipolar depression

Individuals who have bipolar disorder experience episodes of low mood followed by intervals of high energy (mania). They might experience depressive symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, or even lack of energy during this time.

Persistent depressive disorder

This is also referred to as dysthymia. Persistent depressive disorder symptoms are milder than those of major depression. However, persons with the condition can have symptoms that last for up to two years or even more.

Psychotic depression

This disorder is characterized by severe depression symptoms as well as delusions or hallucinations. Hallucinations entail hearing, seeing, or feeling touched by something that is not there in reality. On the other hand, delusions involve believing in things that aren't rooted in reality.

Major depressive disorder with seasonal depression

This form of depression, also known as a seasonal affective disorder, is linked to the daylight reduction throughout the fall and winter seasons. During the rest of the year, and in reaction to light therapy, the condition improves. Individuals living in nations with long or harsh winters appear to be more afflicted by this disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression is more than just being unhappy all of the time or feeling "down." Major depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. While some have an impact on your mood, others affect your physical health. On the other hand, the symptoms may be persistent or intermittent.

Men, women, and children can all have varied signs and symptoms of depression. The general symptoms that can affect people of all ages include;

A depressive mood
Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
A decrease in sexual desire
Alterations in appetite
Weight gain or loss that is unplanned
Too much or too little sleep
Restlessness, agitation, and up-and-down pacing
Slower speech and movement
Exhaustion or energy depletion
Feelings of inadequacy or guilt
Difficulties concentrating, thinking, or deciding
Frequent thoughts of suicide or death, including an attempt to commit suicide

The following are some depression symptoms that are more common in women:

Irritability
Anxiousness
Fluctuations in mood
Fatigue
Pondering (dwelling on the negative thoughts)

Males with depression are more prone than females to drink excessively, be angry, and take risks as a result of their condition. The common signs and symptoms of depression in men include:

Avoiding social settings and families
Working with no break or rest
Having trouble balancing work and family responsibilities
Demonstrating harsh or dominating conduct in a relationship

Children with depression might experience the following symptoms;

Crying
Low power consumption
Clinginess
Defiant attitude
Vocal outbursts

On the other hand, teenagers are likely to exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

Avoiding friends and family members
Having trouble focusing on homework
A sense of remorse, helplessness, or worthlessness
An inability to sit motionless, restlessness.

Causes of Depression

Depression can result due to a variety of factors, including:

Brain chemistry: An abnormality in the levels of the brain chemicals might result in depression.
Genetics: Having a close relative who is suffering from depression increases the chances of developing depression.
Life events such as the death of a loved one, stress, isolation, traumatic occurrences (trauma), and not getting support can lead to depression.
Medical conditions: Depression can occur due to persistent physical discomfort and disorders. It’s more common among those who have cancer, diabetes, or Parkinson's disease.
Medication: Depression is a common adverse effect of certain drugs. Recreational substances and alcohol can as well cause or exacerbate depression.
Personality: Individuals who get overwhelmed easily or have difficulty coping may be more susceptible to depression.

Depression Diagnosis

The doctor or a psychiatrist may make a depression diagnosis depending on the following factors:

Physical examination: The physician may conduct a physical examination and inquire about your health-related concerns. Depression might be associated with a primary physical health issue in some circumstances.

Laboratory tests: A complete blood count or a thyroid test, for example, might be performed by your doctor to ensure that your thyroid is working appropriately.

Evaluation by a psychiatrist: The mental health provider will inquire about your symptoms, feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior. To help respond to these concerns, you may have to complete a questionnaire.

DSM-5: The depression criteria, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), may be recommended by the mental health practitioner.

Treatment of Depression

Living with depression tends to be challenging; nonetheless, treatment could help you live a better life. Discuss your choices with your medical practitioner. You might be able to control your symptoms using only one type of treatment, or you could discover that combining treatments is the most effective.

Therefore, the specialist can recommend one or a combination of the following depression treatment options;

Medication:

Antidepressants, a type of prescription medication, can assist in altering the chemical in the brain that leads to depression. Normally, antidepressants could take many weeks to work. Other antidepressants have adverse effects, even though they usually fade over time. If they fail to, then speak with your medical provider since different drugs might be more effective for you.

There are several types of antidepressants medications available, including;

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Atypical antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy is a broad term that generally involves talking to a mental health expert regarding your depression and related difficulties in order to get help. Another term for psychotherapy is talk therapy or psychological therapy.

Depression can be treated with a variety of psychotherapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Your mental health practitioner may suggest other forms of therapy.

In general, psychotherapy can assist you in the following ways:

Adapt to a crisis or any other pressing issue
Replace unhealthy, negative ideas and habits with healthy and positive ones.
Discover your relationships and experiences, as well as how you interact with others.
Improve your problem-solving and coping skills.
Identify the factors that contribute to your depression and alter the habits that aggravate it.
Recover a sense of fulfillment and control of your life, as well as relief from depressive symptoms like hopelessness and rage.
Learn how to develop realistic life objectives.
Improve your ability to endure and agree to distress with healthy practices

Brain stimulation therapy:

People suffering from severe depression or depression combined with psychosis may benefit from brain stimulation therapy. The types of brain stimulation therapies include;

Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Exercise:

Endorphin levels tend to rise during aerobic exercise while the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is associated with mood, is stimulated. This could aid in the treatment of mild depression.

Light therapy:

White light exposure can assist in regulating your mood and alleviating depressive symptoms. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, is usually treated with light treatment.

Complications of Depression

Depression disorder is a severe condition that can have devastating consequences for you and even your family. If depression is not treated, it can lead to behavioral, mental, and health issues that influence every aspect of life.

The following are some examples of depression-related complications:

Obesity, or excess weight, can contribute to diabetes and heart disease
Physical ailment or pain
Misuse of alcohol or drugs
Panic disorder, anxiety, or social phobia
Isolation from others
Suicidal thoughts and attempts
Self-mutilation
Premature death due to medical issues

Conclusion

Depression is a widespread disorder affecting millions of people in the world each year. Depression can strike anyone, even if there appears to be no apparent cause. It can occur due to a variety of factors, including life challenges, brain chemistry anomalies, certain drugs, and physical ailments.

The good news is that depression can be successfully treated. Consult your doctor if you're experiencing depression symptoms. The earlier you get assistance, the sooner you will be able to get better.