Summary about Disease
Depression is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home. It is different from the occasional sadness that people experience as a normal part of life.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements and speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must last for at least two weeks and represent a change in your previous level of functioning.
Causes
The exact cause of depression is not fully understood. It is likely a combination of factors, including:
Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the risk.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are thought to play a role.
Life Events: Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or relationship problems, can trigger depression.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, chronic pain, or heart disease, can contribute to depression.
Medications: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
Personality: Individuals with certain personality traits, such as being pessimistic or having low self-esteem, may be more susceptible.
Medicine Used
Antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat depression. These medications work by affecting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Common types of antidepressants include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Examples include amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and imipramine (Tofranil). (less commonly prescribed today due to side effects)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). (less commonly prescribed today due to dietary restrictions and drug interactions)
Atypical Antidepressants: Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), and trazodone (Oleptro). It's crucial to consult with a doctor to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage.
Is Communicable
Depression is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person like a virus or bacteria.
Precautions
While you can't prevent depression, some things might help lower the risk:
Manage Stress: Develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep.
Build a Strong Support System: Connect with friends, family, or support groups.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Substance abuse can worsen depression.
Seek Help Early: If you notice symptoms of depression, seek professional help as soon as possible.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a depressive episode varies from person to person. To be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. However, untreated episodes can last for months or even years. With appropriate treatment, the duration can be significantly reduced.
How is it diagnosed?
Depression is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist) or a primary care physician. The diagnosis usually involves:
Medical History: Asking about past medical conditions, medications, and family history of mental illness.
Physical Exam: To rule out underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation: This usually involves an interview to discuss symptoms, feelings, and behavior patterns. Standardized questionnaires or rating scales may be used.
DSM-5 Criteria: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides specific criteria for diagnosing depression.
Timeline of Symptoms
There isn't a single, fixed timeline for symptoms. Symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly. They can fluctuate in severity over time. To be classified as a Major Depressive Episode, symptoms need to be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. The symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Important Considerations
Suicidal Thoughts: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate help. Contact a crisis hotline, emergency services, or a mental health professional.
Treatment Options: Depression is treatable. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of both. Other options, like TMS or ECT, may be used in severe cases.
Stigma: Depression is a real illness, not a sign of weakness. Seeking help is a sign of strength.
Individualized Treatment: Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Comorbidity: Depression often occurs with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or eating disorders. Addressing these co-occurring conditions is essential for effective treatment.
Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and prevent relapse.