Depression: Understanding And Treating Depressive Disorder
Depression is a complex mental illness. According to the WHO file an estimated 3.8% of the population is affected by a depressive disorder. Unlike a simple drop in morale, the latter is characterized by intense psychological suffering that impacts the daily life of the person who suffers from it. Its implications go beyond temporary malaise, profoundly affecting social relationships, professional life and physical health. How to recognize the symptoms? What are the possible treatments to get out of it? Here is the essential information to know.
Depression is one of the mood disorders. It can occur at any age, in children, adults or the elderly. Early recognition of symptoms and rapid intervention can considerably improve the prospects for recovery.
If you or a loved one experience symptoms of gloominess, do not hesitate to consult your doctor, a psychiatrist or a psychologist to obtain the necessary support.
The Different Forms of Depression
A depression can be classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the severity of the depressive episode. Doctors can assess according to the quantity and intensity of the symptoms, as well as the impact they have on the person’s daily life.
Concerning frequency, depressive disorders can be recurrent, when the person has already experienced at least two depressive episodes. Conversely, it is possible to experience a depressive disorder with only one episode, this will be a single depressive episode.
Here Are The Main Forms Of Depressive Disorders
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depressive disorder is a mild form of the disorder that is due to seasonal changes, particularly the reduction in daylight during the winter. Symptoms include a drop in energy, hypersomnia, a tendency to overeat, and weight gain.
Light therapy, which involves exposing oneself to bright artificial light, is often helpful and can be very effective in alleviating symptoms.
Chronic Depression
Chronic gloominess, also called persistent depressive disorder, lasts for at least two years. It often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can last for many years.
Symptoms include a constant depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, and low self-esteem. People with depressive disorders may appear functional but live with an underlying sense of sadness and hopelessness.
Behavioral therapy and regular follow-up with a healthcare professional are essential to manage this form of depressive disorder.
Severe Depression
Severe depression is characterized by an accumulation of symptoms that severely interfere with daily living. People with depression experience extreme fatigue and loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, and may have difficulty performing basic tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene or eating adequately.
Suicidal thoughts are common and one should address them seriously and urgently. Treatment of severe depression often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychiatric care, taking an antidepressant, and psychotherapy. In a few cases, hospitalization might be necessary.
Melancholic Depression
Melancholic depression is a particular form of depression. It might be related with suicidal planning and/or psychotic symptoms.
It is manifested by profound psychological distress. Those affected feel overwhelming despair and may be prey to delusions centered on guilt and personal failure.
The risk of suicide is particularly high, requiring emergency medical intervention. This form of depression requires hospitalization and treat them with a combination of antidepressant medications, then taking treatment and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Note: a person suffering from bipolar disorder alternates between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes.
Postpartum Depression
Affecting approximately 10% of women who have recently given birth, postpartum depressive disorders differ from the baby blues in its duration and intensity. It can occur in the weeks following childbirth and is characterized by profound sadness, severe anxiety, and a feeling of detachment from the newborn.
These gloomy people require special attention and support, often in the form of individual or group therapy, to help mothers get through this difficult time.
A word from the Wise Lancer Team
“Depression should not be seen as a taboo pathology, but as a pathology in its own right, multifactorial and which requires treatment that can be medication and/or therapy. Your doctor will be able to refer you to mental health professionals suited to your state of health.”
Symptoms of Depression
Common Symptoms
Depressive disorder manifests itself through a set of symptoms that vary in intensity and duration. Among the most common are:
1- Persistent sadness
2- Loss of interest in daily activities
3- Chronic fatigue
4- Sleep disorders
5- Difficulty concentrating.
6- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
7- Significant drop in self-esteem
These symptoms can lead to social isolation and deterioration of personal and professional relationships.
Variation of Symptoms
Indications of depressive disorders can fluctuate depending on the severity of the illness and the age of the person affected.
1- In children and adolescents, depression can manifest itself through irritability, academic difficulties, and behavioral changes.
2- In adults, it can cause cognitive disorders, unexplained physical pain, and psychomotor retardation.
3- In older adults, depressive disorders are often underdiagnosed because they can be attributed to aging or confused with other physical illnesses.
Causes and Risk Factors of Depression
Biological Factors
Research indicates that depression may be partly due to biological factors, including imbalances in brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Social and Environmental Factors
Social and environmental factors play a significant role in the onset of depression. Stressful life events, personal problems such as divorce, or the death of a loved one, can trigger depressive disorder.
Issues related to one’s professional life, such as burnout, boredom or brownout can cause depression when left untreated.
When grieving, it is important to differentiate between reactive sadness and true depression.
In addition, poor living conditions, social isolation, and physical or emotional abuse increase the risk of developing a depressive disorder.
Finally, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa can eventually cause depressive disorder.
The Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 has had a significant impact on global mental health.
Prolonged social isolation, fear of illness, and economic uncertainty have intensified symptoms of depression and anxiety in many people.
Mental health professionals report a significant increase in depressive disorders since the beginning of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of accessible and adapted psychological support.
Diagnosis of Depression
Diagnostic Tests and Clinical Examination
The diagnosis of depressive disorder is based on a thorough clinical assessment of the patient conducted by a psychiatrist.
Diagnostic tools such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) test are commonly used to assess and diagnose depressive disorder.
These tests help determine if there are symptoms related to depressive disorder and how severe they are.
Differential Diagnosis
It is crucial to differentiate depressive disorder from other mood disorders and anxiety in the patient.
Bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome share some common symptoms.
An accurate diagnosis allows for an appropriate treatment plan to be put in place and to avoid medication errors that could worsen the situation.
How to Treat Depression?
Psychotherapeutic Support
Psychotherapy is an essential pillar of depression treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) are particularly effective in helping patients identify and change negative thought patterns.
Interpersonal therapies can also be beneficial, depending on individual needs.
Psychotherapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, develop coping skills, and establish positive life goals.
Medication Treatment
Antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine and sertraline, are often prescribed to treat depressive disorder.
These medications work by regulating the chemical balance of the brain but require individualized adjustments and regular monitoring to avoid side effects.
Anti-anxiety medications may be used as a complement to manage anxiety associated with depressive disorder.
Alternative Treatments
For some patients with severe depression, alternative treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be considered as a last resort for resistant depression.
How to Prevent Depression
Preventing depression is based on adopting healthy lifestyle strategies that promote mental and emotional well-being. Here are the pillars:
A balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity helps stimulate the production of endorphins and reduces stress. A balanced diet also plays an important role in providing the nutrients needed for the brain to function properly.
Developing strong social relationships and staying connected with friends and family can provide valuable emotional support.
You can manage stress through various relaxation techniques that will be beneficial, it include meditation or yoga.
Finally, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional as soon as the first signs of psychological distress appear, in order to prevent the progression to more severe depression. By adopting these practices, it is possible to strengthen one’s mental resilience and reduce the risk of developing depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of depression?
Signs of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the impact on daily life is significant.
What are the phases of depression?
Depression can progress through several phases: the initial phase of sadness and hopelessness, followed by an acute phase of intense symptoms, and finally a recovery phase where symptoms gradually improve with treatment.
What are the 3 levels of depression?
The intensity of depressive disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Severity is determined by the number of symptoms present and their impact on the person’s ability to function in daily life.
What do you do when you are depressed?
It is crucial to consult a health professional as soon as possible. Depression is a treatable illness, and medical and psychotherapeutic support can help restore emotional balance. Talking to loved ones and accepting help is also important.
What is the behavior of a depressed person?
A depressed person may seem distant or disinterested in their surroundings. They may also have difficulty concentrating, be irritable, or withdraw socially. These behaviors are not voluntary and are symptoms of the illness.
Can depression be seen on the face?
Depression can sometimes manifest itself through facial expressions of sadness, fatigue or lack of energy, but it is important to remember that not all symptoms are visible outwardly. Some people manage to mask their feelings, making diagnosis more complex.
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