Depression Learning

Medication & Drugs

Depression is a malady that can strike everyone at some point in his or her lives for various reasons. Depression, formally called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression incorporate the mind, but also incorporates the body. As the mind breaks down so does the body which leaves an individual’s immune system susceptible to disease. Some of the signs of depression include :

• Loss of interest and or hopelessness in daily activities
• Crying-spells, lack of sleep, lack of concentration, and irritability
• Restlessness, fatigued or weak, feeling of worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide, suicidal behavior, and physical ailments

However to determine the exact cause that triggers signs of depression reaction with some individuals is scientifically unexplainable, yet it does exist. It is possible that perhaps the imbalance or reaction to biochemical, genetic and environmental factors contribute. Biochemical is a reaction to change in brain function that is a natural occurrence. The study incorporating the genes leans towards a biological or genetic disorder that follows family lines. Then there is the environmental factor that plays a fairly large role in depression through the death of a family member, loss of employment, and at times personal financial situations.

Statistically within any given year there are on average twelve million adults in the United States diagnosed with depression and though the statistics are not clear there are children diagnosed with depression too. Children in their teens are the ones likely to be afflicted because of peer pressure and the pressure to perform well. Studies at one time indicated that women more than men were diagnosed with depression, but with men and women sharing in the working world and with the raising of a family the split has evened out. An individual should seek depression self help at the earliest onset whether it is for them, a family member or close friend. The earlier someone received a medical diagnosis improves the outcome of healing. If the behavior patterns change to the extreme where suicidal thoughts are present it is time to :

• Call 911, a family physician, someone trustworthy
• Contact a priest, minister, rabbi or another in the religious community
• Visit the local hospital emergency room or call a crisis hotline for help

Once an individual is under the care of a medical physician there will be many tests performed to try to pinpoint exactly what has brought on the depression. Some of the examinations will be to see where the individual is physically and then to diagnose the psychological cause. A series of examinations including the physical examination, laboratory tests which include a complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and a check of the thyroid function. The psychological evaluation comes last to evaluate thoughts, emotions, behavior patterns and the medical examiner will try to ascertain what caused the onset of the depression. Some of the diagnostic criteria for depression are :

• Adjustment disorder, Bipolar disorder, and Cyclothymiacs
• Dysthymia, Postpartum depression, and Psychotic depression
• schizoaffective disorder, and Seasonal affective disorder

Major depression is distinguishable from these conditions by the symptoms and their severity. These depressive disorders aided today by a multitude of treatments and the aid of various drugs to help control and ultimately change the behavior of thought. Treatments include medications, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), brain stimulation, and complementary alternative treatments. Many medical physicians will begin treatment with antidepressants known as SSRI, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Other commonly used antidepressants include serotonin and nor epinephrine reuptake inhibitors known as SNRI’s, nor epinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors known as NDRIs, combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers, and tetra cyclic antidepressants.

Related Depression Posts

• Depression Effects and Treatment
• Depressive Disorder
• Common Depression Symptoms
• Depression and the Elderly
• Explain the Difference between Major and Minor Depression?
• Top 10 Signs of Depression in Senior Citizens.
• Top 5 Forms of Depression