DEPRESSION AND TREATMENT

Depression and Treatment

Introduction

Depression is a mental health disorder which is defined as persistent feelings of sadness that interfere with daily functioning. Depression is a continuum of mood disorders that include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. A related disorder, biopolar disorder, includes extreme mood swings that cycle from depressive to maniac states. Females outnumber males in major depressive disorders at a ratio of 2:1 during a woman's childbearing years. However, both prior to puberty and after menopause, rates of depressive disorders between males and females are similar. It has been said that “Depression is the inability to construct a future”

Discussion

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe, and not all people experience the same depressive symptoms. Symptoms can consist of persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and/or being “empty” as well as feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and being worthless. Some patients may also feel irritable and restless or may lose interest in their normal activities and hobbies. There can also be a loss of interest in sex as well as feelings of fatigue. Some patients report difficulty in mental tasks, such as concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions. (Beck, 1972)

Depression can occur with either loss of appetite or increased eating patterns. It may also be associated with persistent aches and pains as well as headaches or digestive problems that are not alleviated by treatment. Depression may also be associated with suicidal thoughts or attempts of suicide. Depression along with stress and anxiety, can lead to self-medication and negative coping mechanisms such as drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, depression and drug abuse are frequently comorbid conditions (Hales, Yudofsky, 2003). It has been said that “Concern should drive us into action, not into a depression”

Depression is diagnosed based on characteristics such as performance of repeated acts or avoidance of particular activities in attempt to avoid feeling anxious. There are symptoms that are common to Depression such as irrational fear of death and insanity, fatigue, and irritable bowels. Anxiety disorder often accompanies Depression. The most common feature of Depression is panic attacks. Panic attacks are episodes of intense fear and panic that produce at least four or more of the following symptoms: sweating, shortness of breath, feeling of choking, dizziness, increased heart rate, feelings of confusion or detachment, fear of losing control or dying, chest pain, abdominal irritation, hot flushes, tingling, or chills.

Types of Depressive Disorders

Approximately 6-17 percent of women suffer a major depressive episode (MDE) at least once in their life. MDEs are diagnosed by the occurrence of at least five of the depressive symptoms listed above occurring in a two-week period. One of the symptoms must include depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities. In addition, the symptoms should occur nearly every day. Depression, even when treated, holds a high likelihood of recurrence. Over 80 percent of people suffering from depression have more than one episode. In addition, approximately half of individuals who suffer from an MDE will experience a reoccurring episode within two ...