Depression
Depression is a serious medical condition that involves
the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the
way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. (2004).
Depression is a serious medical condition that involves the body, mood, and
thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about
oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the
same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a
condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness
cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment,
symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however,
can help most people who have depression.
Types of Depression
Depression comes in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses
such as heart disease. The three main depressive disorders are: major depressive
disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested by a combination
of symptoms (see symptom list below) that interfere with the ability to work,
study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A major depressive
episode may occur only once, but it is more common for several episodes to occur
in a lifetime. Chronic major depression may require a person to continue
treatment indefinitely.
A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder), involves
long-lasting symptoms that do not seriously disable, but keep one from
functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience
major depressive episodes during their lives.
Another type of depressive illness is bipolar disorder (or manic-depressive
illness). Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe
highs (mania) and lows (depression), often with periods of normal mood in
between. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the
symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, the person may be overactive,
over-talkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking,
judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and
embarrassment. For example, an individual in a manic phase may feel elated and
full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to
romantic sprees.
Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone with a depressive disorder experiences every symptom. The number
and severity of symptoms may vary among individuals and also over time. In
addition, men and women may experience depression differently. Symptoms of
depression include:
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed,
including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and
chronic pain, that do not respond to routine treatment
Some Facts About Depression
Depressive disorders are common: they affect an estimated 9.5 percent of adult
Americans in a given year, or about 20.9 million people.
The median age of onset for mood disorders is 30 years.
Depression (not including bipolar disorder) is the leading cause of disability
among men and women of all ages in the U.S. and worldwide, according to the
World Health Organization's World Health Report, 2001.
Treatments
The majority of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive
appropriate treatment. The first step to getting treatment is a physical
examination by a physician to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Next, the physician should conduct a diagnostic evaluation for depression or
refer the patient to a mental health professional for this evaluation.
Treatment choice will depend on the patient's diagnosis, severity of symptoms,
and preference. A variety of treatments, including medications and short-term
psychotherapies (i.e., "talking" therapies), have proven effective for
depression. In general, severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are
recurrent, will require a combination of treatments for the best outcome. It
usually takes a few weeks of treatment before the full therapeutic effect
occurs. Once the person is feeling better, treatment may need to be continued
for several months-and in some cases, indefinitely-to prevent a relapse.
For more information about Depression, contact Mental Health America of Louisiana at
1-800-241-MHAL (6425).
Information taken from National Institute of Mental Health