Recognizing Depression And Understanding Treatment Options?

Answer 1

Depression is classified as a mood disorder, a category of psychological conditions. An often misunderstood condition, depression is far more than feelings of sadness; it is a serious condition that can lead to physical and emotional problems. Similar to physical conditions like Diabetes, depression is often a chronic condition requiring regular treatment. Left untreated, depression can be fatal. Types of Depression The category of mood disorders known as depression actually contains a wide spectrum of conditions with varying levels of severity and persistence of symptoms. Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a moderate to severe depression characterized by prevalent symptoms and an increased risk of suicide. Dysthymia, or chronic depression, is a mild long-term depression; many dysthymia patients experience depression consistently for many years or throughout a lifetime. Seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression are other forms of depression. Symptoms Depression can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mirror general sadness, and many people have misunderstandings about the condition. People with depression may go years without a diagnosis or treatment because they believe or are told that their feelings are temporary or a sign of personal defect. Typical symptoms of depression include:

Persistent feelings of sadness and crying, Feelings of hopelessness, Low self-esteem and self-worth, Loss of interest in activities that once were interesting, Lack of energy to pursue daily activities, Thoughts of death or suicide, Low libido, Significant decrease or increase in sleep,Changes in eating habits and weight,Anxiety or irritability, Withdrawal from friends, family, and social situations For a diagnosis of depression, multiple symptoms must be present, and symptoms must impact daily functioning to some degree.

Treatment Effective treatment methods for depression may include medication, counseling, or lifestyle changes. Antidepressants, prescription medications that affect brain chemistry, may be particularly effective for moderate to severe depression; however, many patients with depression may need to try different medications before finding one that is effective. Counseling, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is often important in the management of depression; counseling may be provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and therapists. Finally, lifestyle changes, including physical exercise, a nutrient rich diet, and a developed support group, have been shown to alleviate depression symptoms. More serious treatments, like hospitalization and electroconvulsive therapy, are only used with very serious depression. Many Americans will experience depression at some point in their lives, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options for depression.