What depression does to a person?

 

Several researches done in the past have come to the fact that depression is one of the most common psychological problems. Although most people aren’t aware of this- it is proven that each year over 17 million American adults experience a period of clinical depression. Depression is considered as one very specific and difficult psychiatric disorder because it can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. Not only that- it also causes pain and suffering not only to person who has a disorder, but also to those who care about that person!

What are the characteristic signs of depression? Well, scientists agree that there are two characteristic hallmarks of depression:

Not every person that noticed these signs suffer from depression, because- these signs must be present for at least two weeks. Other characteristic symptoms of depression are:

·          Sleep disturbances

·          Impaired thinking or concentration

·          Changes in weight

·          Agitation

·          Fatigue or slowing of body movements

·          Low self-esteem

·          Less interest in sex

·          Appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain

·          Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

·          Restlessness, irritability

·          Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

 

It is extremely important to point out that most of the patients also complain of some physical symptoms such as:

·          gastrointestinal problems

·          headache and backache

·          anxiety

The most important and never answered question is- what is the cause of depression! All people should be aware of one fact- there's no single known cause for depression. Because the illness often runs in families-psychiatrists believe that a genetic vulnerability combined with environmental factors, such as stress or physical illness, may trigger an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, resulting in depression. That’s why- we can't talk about possible cause of depression but rather –about factors that contribute to depression. Some of the most common are:

The fact is that experts have identified some genes that may be involved in depression moods!  

It is logical to assume that every kind of stressful life events can trigger depression although there are no rules!

Several researches done in the past have confirmed that long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs used to control high blood pressure; sleeping pills may cause symptoms of depression.

It isn’t hard to assume that if person has some chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease- it is at higher risk of developing depression.  

Psychiatrists are saying that certain personality types, such as having low self-esteem, self-critical, pessimistic are putted in higher risk of developing depression.

Almost everyone has heard about the fact that it is common for mothers to feel a mild form of distress that usually occurs a few days to weeks after giving birth.  

Psychiatrists are saying that people with depression used alcohol, nicotine and mood-altering drugs as a way to ease depression not knowing that the usage of these substances may only contribute to primary disorder-depression.

 

There are several kinds of depressive disorder and the main types include:

It is important to point out that this type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks and the most common symptoms are: overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  

Although some think that dysthymia isn’t depression- the fact is that dysthymia is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Signs and symptoms usually aren't as disabling in major depression.

It is completely normal that someone is feeling tense, sad, overwhelmed or angry if someone close to him died or he received a diagnosis of cancer. This is what's known as an adjustment disorder! It is the situation when someone’s response to a stressful event or situation causes signs and symptoms of depression.  

What exactly is a bipolar disorder? Well, the answer is very simple! It is about having recurrent episodes of depression and mania. Because this condition involves emotions at both extremes (poles), it's called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder. Most common symptoms of mania include: Abnormal or excessive elation, unusual irritability, decreased need for sleep, grandiose notions, increased talking, racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, markedly increased energy, poor judgment or inappropriate social behavior.

Most people don’t know that seasonal affective disorder is a pattern of depression related to changes in seasons and a lack of exposure to sunlight. The most common symptoms are headaches, irritability and a low energy level.

 

Physical and psychological examination

Everyone should know that definitely the first step in setting the appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist. In most cases- this is enough to set the right diagnosis.

Experts are saying that a diagnostic evaluation should also include a mental status examination to determine if some cognitive patterns or memory have been affected.

These are the most effective antidepressive medications! Most common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). They seem to work by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in a patient’s brain.  

It is important to point out that these antidepressants also affect neurotransmitters, but by a different mechanism than SSRIs. The most commonly used are amitriptyline, desipramine (Norpramin), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), trimipramine (Surmontil) and a combination of perphenazine and amitriptyline. Tetracyclics include maprotiline and mirtazapine (Remeron).

Experts are saying that these drugs prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters. Most commonly used are phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Sometimes, psychiatrists prescribe some stimulanst such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) or modafinil (Provigil).

The fact is that lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol) are often prescribed for treatment of bipolar depression. The fact is also that some other medications called atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are also being used for treatment of psychotic disorders.  

 

The fact is that depression could be treated with several different types of psychotherapy. What’s characteristic-each type involves a short-term approach which purpose is to help a patient to deal with a specific issue. Of course- no goal comes quickly and that’s why- in most cases- prolonged psychotherapy is necessary to treat depression. Every patient should know that the success of therapy depends on doctor’s expertise and patient’s ability to be comfortable with the therapist. There are several types of specialized and supervised group therapy, such as bereavement groups, stress management classes, marital counseling and family therapy.

Although people consider this form of therapy rather invasive and unsafe- proven fact is that electroconvulsive therapy is generally safe and effective. Although the results are positive- how it works- it isn’t known! Experts are assuming that the procedure may affect levels of neurotransmitters in patient’s brain relieving the symptoms of depression. The most common side effect is confusion that lasts a few minutes to several hours although some people experience transient memory loss.  

Although this form of therapy can't be used in all types of depression- several researches done in the past have shown that the light therapy may help in treatment of seasonal affective disorder. This disorder involves periods of depression that recur at the same time each year, usually when days are shorter in the fall and winter. This is because scientists believe that lass hours of sunlight may increase levels of melatonin- one specific brain hormone which is considered to the be the main regulator of sleep and depress mood.