Depression Awareness

Introduction

This is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of loss of interest and sadness among individuals suffering from depression. Individuals suffering from depression tend to exhibit irritable mood, emptiness, sadness, and somatic and cognitive changes. This mood disorder influences the productivity and functional capacity of an individual. Approximately 60% of such patients do not seek medical attention owing to the associated stigma and false perceptions. Individuals aged 18-29 years are at a higher risk of developing depression and other mood disorders as compared to older individuals. However, older individuals are also at a high risk of depression due to cognitive and functional impairment, increased occurrence of chronic medical conditions, and separation from loved ones.

Types of Depression

Depression can be classified into 5 disorders by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.

1. Major depressive disorder

2. Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia

3. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

5. A depressive disorder associated with other medical conditions

Causes and Risk Factors for Depression

The causes of depression include the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Individuals who have a family history of depression and other mood disorders are 3 times more susceptible to this disorder. On the contrary, depression and mood disorders can also occur in individuals without a previous family history. Genetic factors play a crucial role in early-onset depression. Neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other disorders are significantly associated with the onset of depression.

Stressors such as adverse life events, traumatic events including financial and emotional burden, interpersonal conflicts, and life hassles can trigger the onset of depression in susceptible individuals. Other risk factors include the following.

1. Perceived lower socioeconomic status

2. Female gender

3. History of sexual abuse and/or domestic violence

4. History of drug and alcohol abuse

5. History of eating disorders

6. Chronic or severe medical conditions

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The signs and symptoms of depression are as follows.

1. Loss of interest in routine activities that were once pleasurable

2. The feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness

3. Sadness

4. Irritability

5. Guilt

6. Anxiety

7. Suicidal ideation

8. Weight changes including weight gain or loss

9. Changes in appetite

10. Sleep abnormalities

11. Reduced energy levels

 12.  Lack of focus and attention

 13.  Indecisiveness
 14.  Psychomotor activity

Co-morbidities

The co-morbidities of depression include the following.

1. Anxiety disorders including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder

2. Drug dependence

3. Alcohol dependence

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

5. Personality disorders

6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Treatment and Management of Depression

Acute treatment of depression aims to manage and relieve the symptoms and accelerate the recovery along with improving the coping skills of an individual. Acute treatment lasts for 6-8 weeks and is followed by continuation treatment with a duration of 4-9 months. In this type of treatment, the symptoms are further managed, the progress is sustained, as well as remissions are prevented. Psychotherapy involves cognitive behavioral therapy, systemic therapy, and analytical psychotherapy. Pharmacotherapy includes antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Conclusion

Depression is a prevalent mood disorder that predominantly affects women. Individuals with genetic susceptibility, family history of mood disorders, and chronic medical conditions are more likely to suffer from depression. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy can be employed to treat this mood disorder.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4115320/

3. https://www.med.or.jp/english/pdf/2001_05/225_229.pdf

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279282/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563525/