Depression | Overview, Diagnosis & Treatments
Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the 3rd most common illness globally. It is the world’s leading cause of disability. Major Depressive Disorder has a variable course and can become severe if untreated.
“1 in every 6 people suffer from Depression in their lifetime.”
KEY FEATURES OF ILLNESS
- It is hereditary
- Females are more affected than males
- Severe depression can lead to suicide
- Depression can happen, even when a person appears normal and is functioning normally.
THERE ARE 2 TYPES:
TYPE #1: EXOGENOUS
Depression which occurs due to the presence of external circumstances. For example, death of a loved one, financial issues, adjustment problems etc.
TYPE #2: ENDOGENOUS
Depression which occurs in the absence of any external reasons.
One morning a person is fine, and the other morning he wakes up depressed. Endogenous depression occurs due to a deficiency of serotonin and other neuro-transmitter chemicals in the brain.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Sadness of mood
- Not enjoying activities that were previously enjoyable e.g. going for outings, watching a cricket match, shopping, doing household chores
- Lethargy/Laziness
- Concentration difficulties
- Forgetfulness
- Irritability/Change in behaviour
- Crying Spells
- Increase or decrease in sleep
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Excessive thoughts that a person is unable to control
- Thoughts of dying/ Suicidal attempts
- Body pains in various regions e.g. headaches, body aches etc.
- Guilt
DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION | MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER or CLINICAL DEPRESSION
- Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms. Blood panel is usually done to detect conditions like Hypothyroidism which can cause depression.
- Severity of depression is mapped using structured scales e.g. Hamilton Depression Rating scale. (Evaluate your symptoms: Click Here)
HOW IS DEPRESSION TREATED?
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders.
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Most, if not all, patients gain significant relief from their symptoms with treatment.
1.MEDICATIONS:
Imbalances in certain key neurotransmitters are responsible for causing depression.
Antidepressant medications are the key to treatment. These medication increase the brain concentration of these neurotransmitters and help in restoring normal brain function.
Benefits are seen after 15-21 days of starting medications.
2.PSYCHOTHERAPY:
Psychotherapy and Counselling play a vital role in treating patients with depression, especially those with exogenous depression.
Please refer to our dedicated “Psychotherapy & Counselling Services” page for more information.
3.NEUROSTIMULATION SERVICES:
Newer modalities of treatment for depression include neurostimulation techniques, which can bring about speedy recovery in patients of depression.
Neurostimulation methods are usually used in patients with severe depression or those who have not responded well to medications.
For more information, refer to the Neurostimulation Techniques at Parth Hospital.