INFORMATION ON DEPRESSION

Depression is a mental illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Depression affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

The main factors which are responsible for a mental disorder i.e.; depression are:-

1. Chemical imbalance in brain.
2. Hereditary.
3. Over stress.
4. Medications, including drugs used for heart conditions, cancer, hormone regulation and high blood pressure, are linked to episodes of depression.
5. Drugs or alcohol or abuse of prescription medication can affect depression.
6. Post-viral syndrome
7. Stroke
8. Heart attack
9. Cancer
10. Diabetes
11. Parkinson's disease
12. Dementia
13. Hypothyroidism
14. Relationship ending
15. Major financial problems
16. Death in the family
17. Grief

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

The various symptoms that are shown by depression are:-

1. Persistent sad, mood
2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
3. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
4. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
5. Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
6. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
7. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
8. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
9. Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
10. Restlessness, irritability.

DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION

In order to diagnose the condition called depression a doctor may ask:-

1. Past medical history of the individual.
2. Recent medical history which has led to the consultation with a doctor.
3. Current symptoms.
4. Family history - with the focus on mental illness.
5. Personal history which will explore early development, childhood, educational experience and achievement, career progression, marital status, etc.
6. Current mental state - focusing on appearance and behavior, speech, mood, thought control, ability to think logically and correctly, insight.
7. Physical condition.
8. Impairment of social functioning.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

The main aim of the treatment of depression is to minimize the symptoms and provide help in gaining mental balance. for treating a subject with depression following treatment methods can be employed:-

1. Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
• Psychodynamic therapies

2. Medicinal treatment include
• Antidepressant medications
• Tricyclic antidepressants (tricyclics)
• Fluoxetine
• Sertraline
• Fluvoxamine
• Paroxetine
• Citalopram
Lifestyle changes in lifestyle can be helpful but often not adequate without other treatments.