Depression is more than a low mood. It is a serious medical condition which has an adverse affect on both mental and physical health. The National Comorbidity Study estimated that depression is the fifth-most common illness in America. Nearly half of the adults in the United States have depression at some point in their lifetime, and this condition can have dire consequences, especially if untreated. Even though depression is more prevalent than most people realize, there are many symptoms and signs that may go unnoticed.
The most widely used psychotherapeutic medications are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Pamelor. These medications have provided enormous help to depressed patients and they are widely considered to be very effective. Unfortunately, they have also been linked to serious and even fatal side effects. TCA are generally recommended as the first course of treatment for mild to moderate depression, but recent evidence suggests that patients who have discontinued this medication because of negative outcomes experience worse depression after taking these drugs for prolonged periods of time.
Other medical illnesses that may trigger depression include chronic pain, thyroid problems, diseases linked to brain chemistry, and organ disease. In addition, psychological stress and other emotional symptoms can cause mood changes and depression. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials showed that prolonged exposure to unpleasant physical exercise was associated with an improvement in depression. The improvements were significant for patients with mild to moderate depression. Exercise seemed to improve mood and reduce stress. However, more research is needed to clarify the role of exercise and depression and whether exercise therapy is useful in the treatment of depression.
Another medical illness that can trigger depression is a reaction to a common life event. Most people who experience postpartum depression tend to recall a traumatic life event as the cause of the disorder. A recent study found that women who had suffered a traumatic event four to six months before they gave birth had significantly higher rates of depression than women who had not experienced trauma. A similar study suggested that women who had suffered a major trauma to their body or head at a younger age were at an increased risk of depression later in life.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that send impulses to other nerve cells and hormones. Depression occurs when the levels of neurotransmitters decrease; these levels can be affected by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are two types of depression: chemical and biochemical. Chemical depression occurs when a chemical imbalance causes changes in brain function; biochemical depression is caused by an imbalance in the brain chemical levels.
There are several types of antidepressant medications available for depression. Most often, doctors choose to treat depression with medications that alter the balance of chemicals in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps to alleviate depression symptoms. Other medications used to treat medical conditions include anticonvulsants and antidepressants.
If you suffer from this disorder, it is helpful to understand what may cause your sad moods. Scientists are still learning about the biological underpinnings of depression. There is no definitive medical test to determine if a person suffers from this disorder; however, there are several symptoms that may indicate whether or not you are depressed. Some of these symptoms include: depressed mood, fatigue, trouble making decisions, decreased interest in things that used to bring pleasure, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of sadness or worthlessness, and thoughts about death or suicide. Because the symptoms of depression can overlap, it is important to note that they do not necessarily point to depression.
Depression is a treatable condition, however, the longer someone with this disorder remains untreated, the harder it will be for them to be able to recover. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be helpful to seek out the advice of a qualified professional who can evaluate your situation and discuss treatment options with you. If you decide to use anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication to treat your depression, it is important to understand how these medications work and whether or not they would be right for you. When it comes to depression, the earlier the treatment, the more likely it will be effective.
Depression is everywhere. I have friends suffering this kind of disorder or problems, the only thing I do is to comfort them.
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