In every type of depression there are symptoms, but not everybody experiences every symptom. Some people may have a few, others may have many, and it depends on the person. Some symptoms of clinical depression are: insomnia, thoughts of suicide, oversleeping, excessive crying, loss in interest of pleasurable activities, weight gain/loss, chronic aches and pains, and many others. Symptoms of mania are much different, they include: unusual irritability, abnormal elation, grandiose notions, increased talking, increased sex drive, poor judgment, racing thoughts and inappropriate social behaviour. A less severe type of depression is dysthymia. With this disorder the symptoms are mild but tend to live with the person for a number of years, because people really don’t see the need for help. If you have noticed you that you have had one of these, it does not mean that you have the illness.
The causes of depression is still not fully known. But it is known that major depression is often associated with changes in brain structures. For clinical depression the causes are different for different people. Researchers have identified that neurotransmitters (help transfer messages throughout parts of the brain’s nerve cells) are associated with clinical depression. Also researchers believe that our behaviour can affect our brain chemistry and our brain chemistry can affect our behaviour. Another suspected cause is the Endocrine System. It is found that people who have particular endocrine disorders sometimes develop depression. One theory about genetics is very common. Researchers have noticed that people who have a family history of depressive illness are more vulnerable to developing depression. People who do not have a family history of it, can still likely develop depression.
Once someone has been found to have symptoms related to the types of depression, a diagnostic evaluation is needed. Mental health professionals and physicians take their time to correctly evaluate a person. The physician must gather as much possible information about the person before they can decide whether the person is going through a sad period, (or has some other medical condition) or is clinically depressed. The evaluation should include the history of symptoms, i.e., when they started, whether or not the person has experienced them before, how long they last, etc. After this has been recorded, the physician must make a mental examination on the person, to check if the speech or thought patterns or memory have been affected. The choice of treatment depends on the final results of the evaluation.
Now that the diagnostic evaluation has been made, the treatment must be picked. There are different medications and psychotherapies that are used to treat clinical depression. Psychotherapy comes in many forms, from ten to twenty week therapies and others that continue until the illness’ symptoms have gone away or improved. The shorter therapies focus on informing the patients and helping them solve problems verbally (“Talking” Therapists). Then there are Behavioural therapists who help the patient learn how to get more satisfaction through their own actions. The longer methods of treatment are called “Psychodynamic” therapies, which are used to treat people with major depression. These therapies try and resolve the person’s feelings. All in all psychotherapies have been to be quite successful in helping people will some of forms of depression. Efficacy studies show that late-life depression can be treated with psychotherapy.
Along with the treatment some people tend to need medications to help make them fell better. Once again the choice of medication must be prescribed by a physician, who is aware of the type of depression the person has. Anti-depressants medications are the most common for major depression. Antidepressants aren’t stimulants; they just reduce some of the symptoms. Newer medications that affect the neurotransmitters tend to have fewer side effects than the older antidepressants. Some of the side effects of antidepressants include: dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, sexual problems, blurred vision, bladder problems, and drowsiness. The newer antidepressants have side effects such as: headache, nausea, nervousness, agitation, and sexual problems. If none of these medication or psychotherapies work, then something called Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be used. ECT is highly effective for treating severe depression, but has benefits and risks that should be taken into consideration.
Suicide is often associated with depression, but most people who are depressed do not kill themselves, only if the depression is left untreated, there is a more likely risk of suicide. Many depressed people commonly have thoughts about suicide. Those who are severely depressed tend to have very little energy to try and harm themselves. It is only when the person starts to feel a bit better that they are more likely to make an attempt. It was found that up to fifteen percent of those who are severely depressed die by suicide. Forty-five to sixty four percent of people who committed suicide had major/severe depression. There is a way to prevent suicide though. Suicide prevention programs are more likely to succeed if they focus on identifying and treating the mental illness or substance abuse.
In conclusion I find that this disorder is very hard to recognize, because some of the symptoms may be similar to those that we see everyday. Depression is widespread and is becoming more common. It is important to understand depression and what to do if you or someone you know has it. I found that the most important thing to do if you suspect you are severely depressed, is to see a physician, who can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment. Also I found that early prevention can help in reducing your risk of developing depression. Future research will undoubtedly bring new methods of recognition and treatment to those who suffer from this disorder.
DEPRESSION
By, Andrew Roberts
HSP3M1-01
APS
Jan 06,2004
Ms.Chong
Table of Contents
Introduction pg.1
What Depression Is pg.1
Visual Aid pg.2
Types of Depression pg.2
Symptoms pg.3
Causes pg.4
Diagnostic Evaluation pg.4
Treatment pg.5
Medication pg.6
Suicide pg.7
Conclusion pg.8
Bibliography pg.9
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pg 8 Lebowitz, BD Diagonsis and treatment of depression in late life
