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On Health Society this morning, we divulge on Depression, the causes, treatment and symptoms

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mental disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think, act, and perceive the world.

Nearly three in ten adults (29%) have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives and about 18% are currently experiencing depression, according to a 2023 national survey. Women are more likely than men and younger adults are more likely than older adults to experience depression. While depression can occur at any time and at any age, on average it can first appear during one’s late teens to mid-20s.

Symptoms of depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can appear differently in each person. These symptoms can include:

Feeling sad, irritable, empty and/or hopeless.
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
A significant change in appetite (eating much less or more than usual) and/or weight (notable loss or gain unrelated to dieting).
Sleeping too little or too much.

Decreased energy or increased tiredness or fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech that are severe enough to be observable by others.
Feeling worthless or excessively guilty.
Difficulty thinking or concentrating, forgetfulness, and/or difficulty making minor decisions.

Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts.
It is normal to experience moments of sadness or feeling “down in the dumps” or the blues as part of the human experience. However, a diagnosis of depression requires that the above symptoms occur for most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, along with a clear change in day-to-day functioning (e.g., in work/school performance, personal relationships, and hobbies). Fortunately, depression is very treatable.

Risk Factors for Depression
Depression can affect anyone—even those who seemingly have it all. Several factors can play a role in depression. Several factors can play a role in depression:

Biochemical: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain (such as the neurotransmiters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) may contribute to symptoms of depression.

Genetic: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic may be more likely to experience depression.
Environmental: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty can also pose risks for developing depression.

How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 70% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment.

To diagnose depression, a healthcare professional will conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation that includes a comprehensive interview to discuss your symptoms in addition to your personal, medical and family histories. Moreover, a physical examination should be performed to screen for underlying medical conditions that may mimic depression — such as hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, neurological problems and drug or alcohol use. Laboratory and imaging tests may also be included in the evaluation as part of the medical screening. The evaluating medical professional will take all of these factors into account as they formulate a diagnosis and recommend an individualized treatment plan.

Information provided by: Psychiatry.org

Disclaimer: For medical advice, please consult your healthcare provider

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