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Defintion
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called
major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and
behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal
day-to-day activities, and depression may make you feel as if life isn't worth living.
Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. But other times, symptoms of depression are
part of a more complex psychiatric problem. There are several different types of depression,
including:
Dysthymia
Psychotic depression
Bipolar depression
Major Depression
An individual with major depression, or major depressive disorder, feels a profound and constant
sense of hopelessness and despair.
Major depression is marked by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the person's ability
to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Major depression may occur
only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
The main types of depression include:
Major depression -- to be diagnosed with major depression, you must have five or more
of the symptoms listed above for at least 2 weeks. Major depression tends to continue for
at least 6 months if not treated. (You are said to have minor depression if you have less
than five depression symptoms for at least 2 weeks. Minor depression is similar to major
depression except it only has two to four symptoms.)
Dysthymia -- a milder form of depression that can last for years, if not treated.
Postpartum depression -- many women feel somewhat down after having a baby, but
true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major
depression.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) -- occurs most often during the fall-winter season
and disappears during the spring-summer season. It is most likely due to a lack of
sunlight.
Symptoms
Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort
Changes in appetite often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for
food and weight gain in some people
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness for example, excessive worrying, pacing, handwringing or an inability to sit still
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things
that are not your responsibility
Causes
Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes (inherited), behaviors you learn
at home, or both. Even if your genes make you more likely to develop depression, a stressful or
unhappy life event usually triggers the depression.
Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their
brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help
pinpoint causes.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely
play a role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may be associated
with depressive symptoms.
Life events. Traumatic events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial
problems, high stress, or childhood trauma can trigger depression in some people.
Treatment
Most people with depression will get better without treatment. However, this may take several
months or even longer. (The average length of an episode of depression is 6-8 months.)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Briefly, cognitive therapy is based on the idea
that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or fuel, certain mental health problems such as
depression. The therapist helps you to understand your thought patterns. In particular, to
identify any harmful or unhelpful ideas or thoughts which you have that can make you
depressed. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to
help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. Behavioural therapy aims to
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change any behaviours which are harmful or not helpful. CBT is a combination of
cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy. In short, CBT helps people to achieve changes
in the way that they think, feel and behave.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT). This is sometimes offered instead of CBT. IPT is based on
the idea that your personal relationships may play a large role in affecting your mood and
mental state. The therapist helps you to change your thinking and behaviour and improve
your interaction with others.
Behavioural activation. The basis of this therapy is that behaviours such as inactivity
and ruminating on certain thoughts can be key factors in maintaining depression. The
therapist aims to help you to combat these unhelpful behaviours.
Couple therapy. This may be an option for people who have a regular partner and where
the relationship contributes to the depression. Or, where involving the partner is
considered to be of potential useful benefit.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be advised as a last resort if you have severe
depression which has not improved with other treatments.
Also regular exercise helps to lift their mood and combat depression!