What is Depression?

Depression is a common mental disorder and one of the main causes of disability worldwide. Globally, an estimated 264 million people are affected by depression. More women are affected than men.

Depression is characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, tiredness, and poor concentration. People with depression may also have multiple physical complaints with no apparent physical cause. Depression can be long-lasting or recurrent, substantially impairing people’s ability to function at work or school and to cope with daily life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide.

What are symptoms of depression?

depression-treatment-benefits.jpg

The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. If you're depressed, you may feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy.The symptoms persist for weeks or months and are bad enough to interfere with your work, social life and family life. All the symptoms of depression can be divided in three main groups: psychological, physical and social:
The psychological symptoms of depression include:

  • continuous low mood or sadness

  • feeling hopeless and helpless

  • having low self-esteem feeling tearful

  • feeling guilt-ridden

  • feeling irritable and intolerant of others 

  • having no motivation or interest in things

  • finding it difficult to make decisions

  • not getting any enjoyment out of life

  • feeling anxious or worried 

  • having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

The physical symptoms of depression include:

  • moving or speaking more slowly than usual 

  • changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) 

  • constipation 

  • unexplained aches and pains

  • lack of energy

  • low sex drive (loss of libido)

  • changes to your menstrual cycle

  • disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning

The social symptoms of depression include:

  • avoiding contact with friends and taking part in fewer social activities

  • neglecting your hobbies and interests

  • having difficulties in your home, work or family life

Depression can often come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people try to cope with their symptoms without realizing they're unwell. It can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.

Thus, by its severity, depression can be classified as:

  • mild depression – has some impact on your daily life

  • moderate depression – has a significant impact on your daily life

  • severe depression – makes it almost impossible to get through daily life; a few people with severe depression may have psychotic symptoms

"Depressive symptoms can occur in adults for many reasons. If you are experiencing mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it's a good idea to bring this up with your doctor or consult a mental health specialist to help sort out possible causes," says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The most common types of depression are major depression, persistent depressive disorder(formerly known as dysthymia), and seasonal affective disorder.

Major Depression

The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some people with severe depression that isn't alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression refers to a low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity of major depression. Many people with this type of depression type are able to function day to day, but feel low or joyless much of the time. Other depressive symptoms may include appetite and sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, or hopelessness.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression emerges as days get shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body's natural daily rhythms, in the eyes' sensitivity to light, or in how chemical messengers like serotonin and melatonin function. The leading treatment is light therapy, which involves daily sessions sitting close to an especially intense light source. The usual treatments for depression, such as psychotherapy and medication, may also be effective.

Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones—perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Perinatal Depression

This type of depression includes major and minor depressive episodes that occur during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery (also known as postpartum depression). Perinatal depression affects up to one in seven women who give birth and can have devastating effects on the women, their infants, and their families. Treatment includes counseling and medication.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: PMDD

This type of depression is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Symptoms of PMDD usually begin shortly after ovulation and end once menstruation starts.

Treatment Options

There are also effective treatments. Mild to moderate depression can be effectively treated with talking therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy. Antidepressants can be an effective form of treatment for moderate to severe depression but are not the first line of treatment for cases of mild depression. They should not be used for treating depression in children and are not the first line of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with caution. Management of depression should include psychosocial aspects, including identifying stress factors, such as financial problems, difficulties at work or physical or mental abuse, and sources of support, such as family members and friends. The maintenance or reactivation of social networks and social activities is important.