Depressive Disorder
Short Description
Depressive Disorder, known colloquially as depression, is one of the most common mental health conditions in America. The exact causes of depression vary, but the World Health Organization(WHO) identifies trauma, physical inactivity, harmful use of substances, chronic disease, and genetics as risk factors.
Being among the most researched mental health conditions, there’s a long list of treatments for depression. Some treatments for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation(engaging in mood-boosting activities), interpersonal psychotherapy, self-care, antidepressants, and more. Notably, antidepressant medication can have potential adverse effects.
What is a Depressive Disorder?
Depression, classified as a mood disorder, is what causes persistent feelings of mainly sadness. It can affect relationships with family, friends, and community, leading to potential problems related to school or work.
There are normal circumstances that can invoke sadness, such as a recent loss or a stressful change, such as a divorce or layoff. It is these conditions that can cause a self-depricating state to last for at least two weeks, day after day, and involve other symptoms than sadness alone.
Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide.
Symptoms
Feelings attributed to depression include a state of sadness, irritability, and emptiness. A common symptom attributed to depression would be a loss of interest or enjoyment of activities or environments, especially ones that were once enjoyed.
Additional and equally important identifiable symptoms can include:
A lack of concentration
Dwindling self-work
Feelings of excessive guilt
Thoughts of suicide or passing
Interrupted sleep/ Insomnia
Changes in weight or appetite
Low levels of energy/ in a constant state of dreariness
Anxiety or restlessness
Lack of joy in hobbies
Constant fidgety movements or dialogue
Forgetfulness
Classifications
Depressive instances are classified as “episodes”. These episodes are categorized as either mild, moderate, or severe spending on the number as well as the severity of symptoms. The impact on the individual's functioning is also taken into consideration. Along with these classifications are patterns to recognize instances of episodes.
Single-episode depressive disorder refers to a person's first and only episode
Recurrent or regular depressive disorder refers to a person having a history of at least two depressive episodes
Bipolar disorder refers to depressive episodes that alternate with instances of manic symptoms such as euphoria or irritability, increased activity or energy, talkativeness, increased self-esteem, a lack of need for sleep, and impulsive, reckless behaviours.
Reasons For Depressive Disorder
Depression is the result of factors involving social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses, or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression. It is primarily affected by an individual's physical health.
Influences on depression, such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol, are risks for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory disease. In turn, people with these diseases also find themselves with depression due to the difficulty of managing their condition.
Prevention
Additionally, those who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with depression are almost three times as likely to develop the condition. However, as previously discussed, you can still develop depression even without a family history of it.
Lastly, on a more scientific front, an imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or serotonin, can contribute to the development of depression.
Types of Depression
Classifications of the following are provided more in-depth by The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): An individual has experienced sadness, low or worthlessness most days, for at least two weeks, while also having issues with sleep and a disinterest in appetizing food and activities. Often identified as the most severe form of depression as well as the most common forms.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Falling into the classification of mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. Symptoms are described as less severe than clinical depression.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Can cause chronic or intense irritability and frequent outbursts of anger within children and adolescents. Identifiable symptoms can typically begin at around the age of 10 years old.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): While having mood symptoms, an individual also has premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms include extreme irritability, anxiety, or depression. After an individual's period, these symptoms can improve, but can be severe enough to affect aspects of one's life.
Depressive Disorder Due To Additional Medical Conditions: Conditions can create changes within the body, causing depression. These include heart disease, parkinsons disease, and even cancer. Treating the underlying condition can improve depression as well.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression): Clinical depression that typically appears during the fall and winter but can disappear during the spring and summer
Prenatal Depression and Postpartum Depression: Prenatal Depression happens during pregnancy, whereas postpartum depression develops within four weeks after delivering a baby. This is often referred to as “major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.”
Atypical Depression: Referred to as major depressive disorder with atypical features, meaning that the symptoms vary slightly from “typical” depression. The key difference is a temporary mood improvement when responding to positive events.
Treatments
The most effective methods of treating depressive disorders involve medications or psychological treatment. It is highly recommended to seek care if you have even a few symptoms of depression.
Psychological treatments are typically the first methods of treatment for depression. These treatments can teach new ways of thinking, coping, or relating to others. This includes talking with professionals and supervised lay therapists. Talk therapy can happen in person or online. These treatments are available through self-help manuals, websites, and even apps. Some psychological treatments for depression include:
Behavioral Activation
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Problem-solving Therapy
Psychological treatments can be combined with antidepressant medication in more moderate or severe instances of depression. Antidepressant medication isn't typically needed for mild depression. Antidepressants are prescription drugs that can relieve depression. There are specific types of antidepressants, such as:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
NMDA Receptor Antagonists
It is advised to refer to your medical practitioner to understand which type of medication is suitable/ necessary for you. Healthcare providers should keep in mind the possible adverse effects associated with antidepressant medication.
Another effective method of treatment is self-care. Steps to help reduce an individual's risk of developing depression and improve symptoms if already diagnosed include:
Getting physically active several times a week
Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
Meditation
Continuing to do previously enjoyed activities
Staying connected with friends and family
Sticking to a regular eating and sleeping schedule
Talking to trustworthy individuals about feelings
Seeking a healthcare provider
It is also important to remember that if you are in immediate danger of self-harm or have thoughts of suicide, you:
Remember, you are not alone, and this isn't an abnormal feeling
Talking to someone is the same as being burdensome, and those around you would gladly hear you out and are there to help you
This involves friends, family, and even workers
Joining a support group can be very beneficial and allows you to surround yourself with people who understand what you are going through
Talking to a healthcare worker, doctor, or counselor
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