Depression is a mental health condition characterized by feelings of sadness and chronic disinterest in everyday activities. Many people misunderstand depression as usual mood swings and hopelessness, but it is different. Depression is deemed a severe disorder as it impacts all aspects of your life, from relationships to social behavior and work performance. Though it affects anyone at any age, those who have gone through traumatic events or abuse are at increased risk.
According to a report, 29% of Americans have been diagnosed with depression in 2023 (which is ten percentage points higher than in 2015), and 17.8% of those are currently undergoing treatment. Seeking prompt intervention for depression is crucial, as leaving it untreated can lead to complications, including physical illness, suicidal thoughts, drug misuse, social phobia, etc.
In this blog, we will learn more about depression and its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention to improve overall well-being and quality of life.
What Are the Types of Depression?
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The most severe yet common form of depression that includes feeling low, sad, or worthless for at least two weeks while experiencing changes in appetite, lack of interest in activities, and sleep problems.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Mild or moderate depression lasting for at least two years with lighter symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder: A chronic mood disorder causing extreme changes in energy levels, mood, and behavior while involving manic and hypomanic episodes.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A major depressive disorder usually occurs during the fall and winter and subsides during the spring and summer.
- Psychotic Depression: A subtype of major depression that causes an intense depressive illness with some form of psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations.
- Postpartum Depression: It develops within one month of delivery.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): It causes premenstrual syndrome symptoms with extreme irritability, depression, and anxiety. These symptoms will subside after some days of your menstruation, but they can be severe enough to disrupt your everyday activities.
- Atypical Depression: A major depressive disorder with atypical features characterized by rejection sensitivity and increased appetite. Positive events can improve this disorder temporarily.
Causes of Depression
While the exact causes of depression are not known, healthcare providers believe that a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors contribute to its development.
Biological Factors
- Genetics: You can develop depression if your family members have it.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can cause depression.
- Brain Structure and Function: Brain function and structure changes, such as low gray matter volume and reduced functional activity in the hippocampus, can cause depression.
Environmental Factors
- Stressful Life Events: Traumatic incidents, death of a loved one, lack of support, and isolation can lead to depression.
- Childhood Trauma: Abuse or negligence can contribute to a depressed mood.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Income and education are associated with depression.
Psychological Factors
- Personality Traits: People who are highly self-critical or with low self-esteem are likely to develop depression.
- Coping Mechanisms: Negative coping mechanisms, such as resignation and escapism, can cause depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression symptoms can vary according to the type and severity of the condition. However, generally, it may include:
Physical Symptoms
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or too much sleeping)
- Unexplained aches and pain
- Weight loss or gain
Emotional Symptoms
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness
- Lack of pleasure or interest in everyday activities
- Inability to feel negative or positive emotions (emotional blunting)
- Irritability and frustration
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unable to make decisions
- Memory problems
- Slow speaking, thinking, or body movements
Behavioral Symptoms
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depression Diagnosis
It is essential to seek professional help for the diagnosis of depression. Your healthcare provider will begin the diagnosis based on a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history, and mental health history to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing the symptoms.
To begin your diagnosis, your healthcare provider may:
- Perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and current symptoms
- Order a complete blood count test or thyroid test to ensure its functionality
- Perform a psychiatric evaluation to check your feelings, behavior, and thoughts
- Refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which provides criteria for diagnosing depression
- Use Screening tools and questionnaires to assess the severity of symptoms, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
For a more comprehensive screening, your provider may recommend a differential diagnosis for depression, which includes other health disorders:
- Endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism)
- Central nervous system diseases (multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and neoplastic lesions)
- Infectious disease (mononucleosis)
- Sleep-related disorders
- Drug-related conditions (cocaine abuse and side effects of some CNS depressants)
Depression Treatments
Depending on your depression type and symptoms severity, your doctor may recommend any of the following treatment options:
- Medications: Antidepressants can help treat the effects of depression.
- Complementary Medicine: Along with conventional medicine, you may receive therapies such as hypnosis, massage, acupuncture, and biofeedback.
- Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that involves training your brain to identify and change unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Brain Stimulation Therapy: A surgical procedure that uses electricity to stimulate brain sites. It includes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Prevention Strategies for Depression
- Early Intervention and Treatment: Seek timely medical assistance to improve mental health.
- Stress Management Techniques: Practice meditation, yoga, and exercises daily.
- Build a Strong Support Network: Have a support network of family, friends, or community groups to get the required emotional support.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Sleep well, eat a healthy diet, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices: Focus on your present and engage in self-care activities that bring joy and relaxation.
Need to Consult a Psychologist? Visit Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants!
Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants understands the impact of depression in everyday life. That’s why we provide comprehensive care with personalized attention and assistance. From diagnosis to treatment and aftercare, our psychologists follow a personalized approach to help you achieve optimal mental wellness for your lifetime. Schedule an appointment today if you need to manage your stress or depression.
