Depression POV
Introduction
- Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults each year.
- There are multiple causes and contributing factors. While the majority of individuals with depression have a full remission with effective treatment, only about a third of those with severe depression seek treatment from a mental health professional.
- Too many believe depression isn't serious or they can self-treat.
- Unfortunately, many still think that it is a personal weakness rather than a medical illness.
Fundamentals
There are multiple causes, sometimes in combination:
• Biological: neurotransmitter imbalance
• Cognitive: negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression
• Gender: more common in women. Reasons may include hormonal changes or multiple stressors. Post-partum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are two gender specific forms.
• Co-occurrence: with chronic illnesses. Depression is also a feature of bipolar disorder.
• Medications: side effects of some medications
• Genetic: family history of depression, perhaps in combination with environmental factors
• Situational: Significant difficult life events
• Seasonal affective disorder is a unique mood disorder associated with varying levels of sunlight during fall and winter months that improves during spring and summer.
• Pregnant and up to 1 year post-partum women may be at higher risk due to hormonal changes and may need additional screening for depression.
Symptoms
• Lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Lack of energy
• Inability to concentrate
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death
Treatment
- Depression is highly treatable.
- Psychotherapy with a professional therapist or medication can be used alone, but often a combination is most helpful.
- Medication requires close monitoring by a physician to be sure the dose is optimal and to monitor for any side effects.
- Medication may take several weeks for maximum effect and should be stopped only under guidance from a physician, following his/her instructions.
- The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity and persistence of symptoms. In many persons, regular exercise has also been found to significantly improve symptoms.