What is Depression?
Depression goes beyond typical feelings of sadness or the “blues” and can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that significantly affect a person’s life. With depression, people cease to enjoy life and become apprehensive about social interactions and other simple everyday joys of life. According to the World Health Organization, more than 350 million people suffer from it globally. Depression often tends to cause a vicious circle from which it seems impossible to escape.
These symptoms often interfere with one’s ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and maintain healthy relationships.
Internal causes of depression :
Biological Factors
Neurological Factors
Certain neurological conditions and brain injuries can contribute to depression. Changes in brain [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] structure and function have been observed in people with depression.[/expander_maker]
Personality Traits
Depression could be a psychoneurotic manifestation of a personality trait. And people can [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more”
less=”Read less”]have extremely subjective causes of depression. [/expander_maker]
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances, such as those occurring during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] can trigger depressive episodes. Thyroid problems and hormonal disorders may also be linked to depression.
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External causes of depression :
Psychosocial Stressors
Life events, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, financial problems,
[expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]or work-related stress, can be significant external triggers for depression.[/expander_maker]
Trauma
Exposure to traumatic events, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can lead to the [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]development of depression. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a specific condition closely related to trauma and depression.[/expander_maker]
Chronic Illness
Suffering from a chronic medical condition, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, can increase the [expander_maker id=”4″ more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] risk of depression due to the emotional and physical challenges associated with these illnesses.[/expander_maker]
How is depression diagnosed?
Diagnosing depression involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The diagnostic process typically includes the following steps
Clinical Interview
A detailed clinical interview is conducted to assess the individual's mood, thoughts,[expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"]emotions, behaviours, and overall mental state. The person's history and any recent life events are also discussed.[/expander_maker]
Diagnostic Criteria
Mental health professionals rely on established diagnostic criteria, such as [expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"]those found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to make a formal diagnosis. These criteria specify the presence of key depressive symptoms, their duration, and their impact on daily functioning.[/expander_maker]
Self-Report Questionnaires
Patients may be asked to complete self-report questionnaires that help assess [expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"]the severity of their depressive symptoms and track changes over time.[/expander_maker]
Psychological Assessments
In some cases, psychological assessments may be employed to evaluate[expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"] cognitive and emotional functioning.[/expander_maker]
Available treatments
Depression is a treatable condition, and several effective treatment options are available:
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic [expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"] therapy are common forms of psychotherapy that help individuals understand and manage their depressive symptoms.[/expander_maker]
Medication
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"] (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are often prescribed to help rebalance neurotransmitter levels in the brain.[/expander_maker]
Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management[expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"] can significantly improve depressive symptoms.[/expander_maker]
Support Groups
Joining support groups or seeking social support can help individuals cope with[expander_maker id="4" more="Read more" less="Read less"] depression by connecting with others who understand their experiences.[/expander_maker]