Depression
Definition
Depression is a mental illness marked by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in activities. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment.
Causes
The exact cause of depression is not known. It may be due to a certain type of brain chemistry. While the exact cause is not clearly established, there are several factors that play a role in depression.
Risk Factors
Depression is more common in females. There are a range of factors that may increase your risk of depression. Examples include:
- Having a family history of depression
- Spouse with depression
- Previous episode of depression
- Hormonal changes
- Chronic illness
-
Other conditions related to mental health, such as
anxiety,
drug abuse,
insomnia, and a personality disorder
- History of traumatic brain injury
- History of concussion in teenagers
-
History of drug or
alcohol use disorder
- Domestic violence
- History of child abuse and neglect or sexual abuse
- A parent who is on military deployment
-
Obesity
- History of bullying
- History of self-harm as a teenager, with or without suicidal intent
-
Emotional or social factors such as:
- Little or no social support
- Negative thought patterns and beliefs
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of personal control over circumstances
- Feelings of helplessness
Symptoms
Depression can differ from person to person. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others have many.
Symptoms can change over time and may include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Hopelessness
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
- Feeling tired
- Restlessness or irritability
- Trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Loss of interest in sex
- Eating more or less than usual
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Thoughts of death or
suicide
with or without suicide attempts
- Physical symptoms that defy standard diagnosis and do not respond well to medical treatments
Diagnosis
There is no blood test or diagnostic test for depression. You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Depression is usually diagnosed based on the duration, frequency, number, and nature of your symptoms. Special attention will be given to:
- Alcohol
and drug use
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Family members who have or have had depression
- Sleep patterns
- Previous episodes of depression
Specific mental health exams may be done. This will help the doctor get detailed information about your speech, thoughts, memory, and mood. A physical exam and other tests can help rule out other causes.
Treatment
Treatment may involve the use of medicine and/or psychotherapy.
Severe depression can require hospital care, especially if you are at risk of hurting yourself or others.
Antidepressant Medicines
Antidepressant medicines may be most effective in people with severe depression. These medications can take 2 to 6 weeks to reach their maximum effectiveness. There are many different types of medicine to treat depression. You will work with your doctor to find the medicine that benefits you the most and has the fewest side effects.
Therapy
Psychotherapy
for depression consists of various types of counseling. These include
cognitive-behavior therapy
(CBT)
, interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or a combination of these. Therapy is designed to help you cope with difficulties in relationships, change negative thinking and behavior patterns, and resolve difficult feelings.
Diet and Exercise
Dietary Changes
Research suggests that diets high in tryptophan and certain
B vitamins
may be helpful. There is also mixed evidence that
omega-3 fatty acids
may reduce symptoms.
If you want to take supplements or change your diet, talk to your doctor first.
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Therapy
The herb
St. John's wort
may be an effective alternative to standard medicines with fewer side effects. However, St. John's wort may reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, such as antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, and other medicines. It is important that you talk to your doctor before trying any herb.
There is also some evidence that
dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA), a hormone that is available as a dietary supplement, may help some people.
Exercise
A regular
exercise program
has been shown to relieve some of the symptoms. It should play a large role in the overall management of depression.
Procedures
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT
is the use of an electric stimulus to produce a generalized seizure. It may be used in people with severe or life-threatening depression. ECT is also used for people who cannot take or do not respond to medicine. It is considered a safe and effective procedure.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
VNS is used as therapy for depression when multiple trials of medicine do not work. A pacemaker-like device stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS involves the application of low-frequency magnetic pulses to the brain. The change in electrical field stimulates nerves. There are a number of studies that show the benefits of TMS for the treatment of depression. It may be used if you have not gotten better with medicines and psychotherapy.
Other Treatment Options
Bright Light Therapy
Bright light therapy involves exposure to high levels of light from a special light box that has a screen on it. The light shifts natural rhythm of the sleep cycle. It is generally used in combination with other treatments and can take 1 to 3 weeks for results to be seen.
Sleep Deprivation Therapy
Sleep deprivation therapy is a behavioral program where sleep is greatly decreased over a few consecutive nights. It is designed as a short-term treatment that produces rapid improvement in mood.
Prevention
Strategies to reduce your chances of depression include:
- Being aware of your personal risk factors
- Having a psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy if needed
- Developing social supports
- Learning stress management techniques
- Exercising regularly
- Not abusing alcohol or drugs
- Getting adequate sleep, rest, and recreation
-
Eating healthy food, including
fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains
Resources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
http://www.dbsalliance.org
Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Canadian Resources
Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
References
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http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/depression.
Accessed October 4, 2017.
Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
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