TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Different ways that Depression can be treated

[Ignacio Heyliger]

[The College of New Rochelle]

Introduction

Depression, as a mental health disorder, 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. 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 at 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. It has been said that “Concern should drive us into action, not into a depression”

Causes of Depression

There is no single cause for depression, and risk factors can include genetics—specifically having a first-degree relative with depression; sex hormones; and life stress and trauma, such as sexual abuse, assault, domestic violence, and physical illness. Cognitive style can also be a risk factor for depression. Ruminative thinking, defined as repetitively and passively focusing on the symptoms, causes, and consequences of distress, has also been identified as a risk factor for depression, and is more likely to occur in women. Women are also more likely than men to experience distress over relationships and events in the lives of significant others, and to place their own needs second to others, particularly their children. These interpersonal factors place women at greater risk for depression. Social demands on people through their traditional roles as caregivers and nurturers may increase risk for depressive episodes by the increase in chronic stress that is experienced through these roles, as well as the through feelings of inadequacy when people cannot meet the expectations of these roles due to unsupportive and disadvantaged environments.

Treatment Options

A range of treatment options is available for patients suffering from depression, including psychotherapeutic treatments, biological treatments, and pharmacological treatments. Both psychotherapy and antidepressants have been found to be equally effective for mild to moderatedepression. Common pharmacologic treatments include tryicyclic antidepressants (TRAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and ...