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This article will explain what depression is, the different types of depression, and its treatments.
Depression is a mental health condition affecting approximately
- persistent sadness
- lack of interest in activities
- insomnia
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- inability to concentrate
Causes of depression can vary greatly and are highly individual. However, common catalysts can include:
- adversity during childhood
- unemployment
- major changes in life
Healthcare professionals believe a combination of social, psychological, and biological factors may influence the likelihood of developing depression. In recent years, there have been developments around investigations of a possible genetic link to depression.
For example, a
You can read more about the causes and symptoms of depression here.
Suicide prevention
If someone you know is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, or at risk of suicide:
- Ask the question, “Are you considering suicide?” even if it is tough.
- Listen without judgment.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Stay with them until emergency services arrive.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful items.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
- Call 988
- Chat with the lifeline
This service is available 24-7.
Speak with a doctor as soon as possible if your depressive mood lasts longer than 2 weeks or is seriously affecting your ability to function in daily activities. These may include your work, socializing, or caring for a family.
If you experience suicidal thoughts or feelings, do not hesitate to share your feelings and immediately seek help at your local hospital.
If you feel depressed most of the time for at least 2 weeks, a medical professional
Typical symptoms include:
- loss of interest in activities
- weight loss or gain
- fatigue or lacking energy
- difficulty concentrating
- agitation
- restlessness
Treatment
Talk therapy is the
Doctors may recommend medications and physical therapies if talk therapy is unsuccessful. They may also prescribe antidepressants.
Other treatments can include:
- Electroconvulsive therapy: Electrical impulses are sent to the brain while you are under anesthesia. Doctors usually reserve this treatment for people experiencing severe symptoms.
- Vagus nerve stimulation: An implant sends mild electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve. There is no physical involvement of the brain in the implantation process.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Low intensity magnetic fields
stimulate sites Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source deep in the brain in this noninvasive treatment.
These treatments stimulate certain sites of your brain, helping the areas responsible for mood to function more effectively.
If the symptoms of depression last longer than 2 years, the condition is known as persistent depressive disorder. This term was previously known as chronic major depression.
Symptoms can
- a change in your appetite
- sleeping too much or too little
- fatigue
- low self-esteem
- difficulty concentrating
- a sense of hopelessness
Treatment
Talk therapy and antidepressants are the most common treatments for persistent depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorder,
During a low phase, you may experience symptoms of major depression. The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but scientists believe it may be a combination of genetic and lived experiences.
Treatment
A medical professional may prescribe medication to help balance your mood swings. They may suggest lithium as a treatment to reduce aggressive or self-harming behaviors that may occur during periods of mania.
Doctors do not recommend traditional antidepressants for bipolar disorder. This is due to a lack of research supporting successful treatment and the risk of increasing the frequency of “high” moods in people with bipolar disorder.
Talk therapy can help manage your symptoms.
You can read more about bipolar disorder here.
Psychotic depression means someone has symptoms of major depression alongside psychotic symptoms that may include:
- hallucinations
- delusions
- paranoia
Treatment
A doctor will usually prescribe antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs for this condition. Electroconvulsive therapy has also been successful in helping symptoms.
During the winter months, some people can experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs due to reduced sunlight hours. Symptoms are the same as those for major depressive disorder, such as low moods and fatigue.
Although not as common, some people may experience SAD during spring and summer.
Treatment
Light therapy is
If you experience depression after childbirth, you
Treatment
Treatment is the same as for major depression, with doctors prescribing antidepressant medications. They may also recommend talk therapy alongside medication.
You can learn more about postpartum depression here.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a form of depression that occurs around the time of your period. Symptoms are usually present in the final week before menstruation.
Besides symptoms of major depression, you may experience:
- mood swings
- anxiety
- trouble concentrating
- a feeling of being overwhelmed
Treatment
Antidepressants or oral contraceptives
Healthcare professionals describe situational depression as a depressed mood that may occur in response to a stressful period, such as unemployment or the death of a family member.
It is known as a “stress response syndrome.”
Treatment
Doctors typically recommend talk therapy for those experiencing stress. You can learn techniques for self-soothing, which you can apply during any future periods of stress.
If you have atypical depression, this means your symptoms are not consistent. A positive event may temporarily improve your mood.
Symptoms can include:
- heaviness in your limbs
- oversensitivity to criticism
- increased appetite
Treatment
A doctor may prescribe antidepressants known as
If you have a family history of depression or other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, you
Situations of abuse during childhood or adulthood can often result in depression if people have not managed these experiences with treatment such as therapy.
The most
A doctor will usually work with you on a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Many people who receive a diagnosis of depression can go on to live fulfilled and happy lives. Treatment has increased in effectiveness, and new findings are broadening the range of available medications and therapies.
If you experience any of the above symptoms of depression, do not hesitate to contact your nearest mental health professional.
