Depression - Symptoms and Treatment

Depression is a state of mind in which their is a pessimistic feeling of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity. This is not a disease in itself but it is a type of psychological condition in which person feels sadness, lack of self-worth, and dejection, it is not just temporary or situational sadness, but a persistent and pervasive feeling of sadness or hopelessness in this type of situation whole personality of a person stop growing and results in mental problems. Depression can affect anyone and of any age. Depression can also be experienced in other disorders, such as bipolar disorder.It may be easily treated when identified. Each year over 17 million American adults experience a period of clinical depression.This shows its true impact.

Causes of Depression

Follwoing are the main causes of depression :

1) Some medications can trigger depression, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief

2) Problems with hormones, Infections in brain or liver

3) Chemical imbalances or long-term (chronic) diseases

4) Social and peer pressures, chronic stressors

5) Drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs

6) Chronic premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

7) Other conditions, such as menopause or chronic pain, stress, or fatigue

Symptoms of Depression

These type of signs are found in a patient normally :

• Sadness or hopelessness.
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Loss of interest in or pleasure from most daily activities. ]
• Losing or gaining weight because of changes in appetite.
• Sleeping too much or not enough.
• Feeling restless and unable to sit still, or feeling that moving takes a great effort.
• Feeling tired all the time.
• Feeling unworthy or guilty without an obvious reason.
• Having problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Thinking often about death or suicide.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Treatment of Depression

Firstly the patient is perfectly diagnosed by an expert, physically as well as mentally. A physical examination is done in which thyroid disease, anemia or a recent viral infection is checked. It is usually helpful for patients to receive some form of psychotherapy. The two most common type of antidepressants used are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Professional counseling may be all that you need for mild to moderate depression in cases of severe depression antidepressants and professional counseling treatment is given. In worse situation hospitalization is done.