All about Depression
The symptoms of clinical depression can vary from person to person. The
symptoms can range from mild to severe and the causes of depression can
often be complex.
If you have been experiencing five (5) or more of the below symptoms for
more than two (2) weeks, if suicide is a serious concern, or if the
symptoms are severe enough to interfere with a daily routine -- see your
doctor or qualified mental health professional.
* Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
* Sleeping too much or too little; middle-of-night or
early-morning waking
* Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and
weight gain
* Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed,
including sex
* Irritability, restlessness
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment
(such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
* Thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of Depresion:
For some people, a combination of many factors may be causing clinical
depression. For others, a single factor may be triggering the illness.
Depression often is related to the following.
* Imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters -
Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to clinical
depression.
* Certain diseases or illnesses -
Ailments such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's
disease, diabetes and hormonal disorders can often trigger clinical
depression. This is referred to as co-occurring depression.
* Negative thinking patterns
People who are pessimistic, have low self-esteem, worry excessively, or
feel they have little control over life events are more likely to
develop clinical depression.
* Family history of depression
A genetic history of clinical depression can increase one's risk for
developing the illness. But depression also occurs in people who have
had no family members with depression.
* Difficult life events
Events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, financial strains,
history of trauma, moving to a new location or significant loss can
contribute to the onset of clinical depression.
* Certain medications
Some medication can actually cause clinical depression. Therefore, it is
important that people inform their doctors of all medications they are
taking and report any depressive symptoms.
* Frequent and excessive alcohol consumption
Drinking large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can sometimes lead
to clinical depression. Excessive alcohol consumption is also sometimes
a symptom of depression.
Treatment Options:
Clinical depression is one of the most readily treatable illnesses, and
getting treatment can truly save lives. The most common ways to treat
depression are with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy (talk
therapy), or a combination of both. The choice of treatment depends on
the severity of the depressive symptoms, history of the illness and
consumer preference. Research has shown that a combination of
psychotherapy and medication is often most effective. When you talk with
your doctor or a qualified mental health professional, make sure he or
she discusses all of these treatment options with you.
Medication
Recent research strongly supports the use of medication for the
treatment of moderate and severe cases of clinical depression.
Antidepressant medication acts on the chemical pathways of the brain
related to mood. Many highly effective antidepressants are available,
and they are not habit-forming. The two most common types are selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants
(TCAs). Other new types of antidepressants [e.g., alpha-2 antagonists,
selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and aminoketones],
and an older class, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also
prescribed by some doctors.
Although some symptoms (such as insomnia) often improve within a week or
two after beginning the medication, it may take three to four weeks
before people feel noticeably better. The full benefit of the medication
may require six to eight weeks of treatment. Sometimes changes need to
be made in the dosage or medication type before improvements are
noticed. Usually it is recommended that medications be taken for at
least four to nine months after the depressive symptoms have improved.
Those with chronic depression may need to stay on medication to prevent
or lessen further episodes.