Depression Definition:
Occasionally we all feel sad or blue, but normally these feelings disappeared quickly. When these feelings stay behind and delayed leaving then it should be a sign of depression disorder that includes sadness, hopelessness and/or despair and in this case it is difficult to perform the daily functioning properly.
Causes of Depression
Depression can be a genetic problem or it can also happen due to stressful life events like divorce, separation, death of a family member, financial difficulties, job loss or other traumatic events. Chemical changes can happen by substance abuse that affects the mood and some medical conditions such as hypothyroidism can lead to depression. Some early life experiences, like school related problems, death of parents, chronic illness, issues with biological development, neglect, rejection, and psychological, physical and sexual abuse can increase the chance of this disorder later in life.
Some common symptoms of Depression
• Feeling of hopelessness, indifference
• Irritability, anxiety, anger
• Sad, anxious or empty mood
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Loss of interests in hobbies and pleasurable activities
• Difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, remembering details
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Thoughts of suicide, death
• Change in sleep patterns
• Pains and aches without any known medical cause
• Overeating or loss of appetite
Who are at risk of Depression?
Before the age of 40, 7-18% of the population is affected by clinical depression on at least one occasion in their lives. Annually approx 14 million Americans are diagnosed with depression. Though it can happen to both male and female but females are mostly diagnosed with this disease, almost twice of the males. But after the age of 50-55, this difference seems to disappear completely. According to the World Health Organization, the leading cause of disability in North America as well as other countries is Clinical Depression and it can be assumed that it will become the second leading cause of disability (first is heart disease) in the whole world by the year 2020.
Treatment of Depression
The general acknowledged standard for depression care is the combination of Psychotherapy and Medication. A very effective method of diminish the depression is Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Persons with depressive disorder can improve their mood and self esteem only if they are able to make corrections in their thinking pattern. Treatment of depression helps the patients to change their negative thoughts into more positive and affirmative thoughts and actions. Some prescribed group of antidepressants which are very much effective in case of depression treatments includes Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Celexa. These are also called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Cymbalta and Effexor are known as Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs, similar to SSRIs. One more typical antidepressant called Wellburtin is also effectual in the treatment of depressive disorder. It is known from the studies that regular exercise along with medication, psychotherapy and proper nutrition can have most beneficial effects in the reduction of depression.
