Depression

Depression

Definition of Depression
Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in once pleasurable activities, low energy, disturbed sleep or appetite and poor concentration. Unlike normal feelings of sadness, these symptoms can become chronic or recurrent and interfere with a person's ability to take care of his or her daily responsibilities, sometimes leading to suicide. Depression can range from mild to severe and without treatment, symptoms can last for months or years.

Types of Depression
There are several types of depression, but the three most common are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

■Major depression is the most severe type of depression and interferes with a person's ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Some people experience only one episode of major depression, but many will have repeated episodes throughout their lifetime.
■Dysthymia is less severe than major depression, but persists for a longer period of time, often several years. People who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to perform daily functions but might seem consistently unhappy. Some may also experience episodes of major depression at some point in their lives.
■Bipolar Disorder (also called manic-depression) is characterized by episodes of depression, usually severe, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of depression can be different for each person, depending on the severity, frequency and duration of the disorder. Common symptoms of depression include the following:

■Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
■Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
■Irritability and/or restlessness
■Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
■Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
■Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
■Decreased energy and fatigue
■Insomnia, early-morning awakening or excessive sleeping
■Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss or gain
■Reoccurring pain, headaches or digestive problems that do not respond to treatment
■Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
People with bipolar disorder will show signs of the following during the mania episode:

■Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and inflated self-esteem
■Poor judgment
■Inability to concentrate
■Recklessness or taking chances not normally taken
■Difficulty sleeping
■Rapid speech, racing thoughts, agitation and increased physical activity
■Tendency to be easily distracted
Symptoms vary from case to case and range from mild to severe, but about half of the people with UC have mild symptoms. Symptoms can develop gradually or come on suddenly, but most people experience reoccurring flare-ups between periods of remission.

Causes
While the cause of depression is still being studied, scientists believe a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors may lead a person to become depressed. Currently, depression seems to occur as a result of abnormalities in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. It is unknown how the levels of neurotransmitters affect mood, but research shows the levels can be affected by the following factors:

■Family history of depression
■Trauma and stress, such as financial problems, divorce or the death of a loved one
■Pessimistic personality
■Medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and HIV
■Certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief
■Substance abuse
■Psychological disorders, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia
Treatment Options
The most common treatments for mild and moderate depression are counseling and antidepressant medicine, or a combination of the two. Doctors may also recommend electroconvulsive therapy, a procedure that uses an electrical current to change a patient's brain chemistry, which can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Alternative treatments may also be used, including herbal remedies, exercise, meditation and fasting. In more severe cases a patient may require psychiatric hospitalization to prevent self-harm or residential treatment, which offers a supportive place to live. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease, as well as how a patient has responded to previous treatments.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it is best to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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