Symptoms For Living

Depression

Depression, also known as clinical depression, is a serious medical and mental health disorder that is associated with many factors, including the balance of chemicals in the brain. Depression can manifest as a large variety of symptoms, most often feelings of sadness or despair that do not go away. Depression can negatively affect a person’s ability to function effectively in the activities of daily living, such as going to work and school, caring for family, and taking care of basic needs. More than 20 million people in the United States have depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Depression is often thought of as experiencing feelings of sadness, “having the blues”, or being disheartened. However, there is a major difference between having normal feelings of sadness in reaction to a situation, such as a death in the family, and having depression. Normal feelings of sadness, although painful, generally resolve after a short time. For people with depression, feelings of sadness linger beyond a short time and intensify to the point that they interfere with the ability to function normally. This in turn can intensify the depression. For more information on symptoms, refer to symptoms of depression.

There are many factors associated with the development of depression. These include an imbalance in the brain of chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Neurotransmitters function within areas of the brain that regulate emotions and mood. Situational or environmental factors also play a role. These include traumas or stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or a divorce. Depression may also run in families. Current research is searching for specific genes that may be involved in passing a tendency toward developing depression in family lines.

There are a variety of types of depression. These include major depression, which is the most intense and serious type of depression. Dysthymic disorder is a less severe type of depression that is not as disabling as major depression, but is long lasting and negatively affects effective functioning and feelings of well being. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, involves cycling mood changes, from depression to mania, an extremely energetic and “up” state. Post-partum depression is a depression that occurs after childbirth.

There is no specific test to diagnose depression. Making a diagnosis of depression begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a complete physical examination and mental health exam. Tests may also be ordered to ensure that symptoms are not related to other conditions, such as hypothyroidism. A referral to a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health provider is often made to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

It is possible that a diagnosis of depression can be missed or delayed because symptoms can be vague, associated with other conditions, or because of the stigma associated with mental illness. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of depression.

Treatment of depression varies depending on its severity of the condition, and a person’s medical history, age, lifestyle, and general health. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of depression.

Depression: Depression, also known as clinical depression, is a serious medical and mental health diagnosis that is associated with many factors, including the balance of chemicals in the brain. Depression can manifest as a large variety of symptoms. It is most often associated with feelings of sadness or despair that do not go away. Depression can negatively affect a person’s ability to function effectively in the activities of daily living, such as going to work and school, caring for family, and taking care of basic needs. More than 20 million people in the United States have depression, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Depression is often thought of as experiencing feelings of sadness, “having the blues”, or being disheartened. However, there is a major difference between having normal feelings of sadness in reaction to a situation, such as a death in the family, and having depression. Normal feelings of sadness, although painful, generally resolve after a short time. For example, feeling blue after losing a job is normal, and normally the feelings improve or resolve as the situation is addressed, by looking for a new job, going to interviews, and landing the new job. For people with depression, the experience of losing a job is very different. The feelings of sadness linger beyond a short time and intensify to the point that they begin to interfere with the ability to cope with the situation and look for a new job. This in turn can intensify the depression.

Feelings of sadness are also a normal part of the grieving process experienced when a person losses something or someone very important to him or her. For example, nearly everyone will normally experience some level of sadness after losing a loved one. Even very intense feelings of despair can be considered normal if they do not linger past a few days. Although there may always be a residual sadness when thinking of the deceased person, feelings normally diminish to a point that the bereaved person is able to continue on and function effectively in their lives. For other people, the death of a loved may be one precipitating factor in the development of depression or in exacerbation (worsening) of the condition, in which the feelings of despair and sadness do not go away.

Depression: Symptoms

The severity and types of symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Typical symptoms include feelings of sadness, anxiety, and/or despair that do not go away. Other feelings may include hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, and anger and irritability.

People with depression may also experience a loss in interest in activities they once.

Depression: Treatments

Depression is treatable. In general, the sooner that the symptoms of depression are recognized and treated, the more effective treatment will be. The overall treatment goal for people living with depression is to feel better and live normal, functional, and productive lives. The most effective treatment plans generally include a multifaceted approach. 

Depression: Misdiagnosis

A diagnosis of depression may be missed or delayed for a wide variety of reasons. For example, people with depression may fear the stigma of or be embarrassed by mental illness and not seek treatment.

Symptoms of Depression 

• Depressed mood and other emotional problems
  • Persistent sadness
  • Inappropriate crying
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Hopelessness

 

Treatments for Depression

• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Exposure and response prevention – for OCD
• Antidepressants