Depression: fatigue, sadness and a general lack of interest in things that used to give
pleasure. These are only a few of the common symptoms experienced. Depression affects
one in five people at some point in their lives. It is second only to anxiety in its frequency.
Depression is a medical condition characterized by a set of recognizable, common
symptoms. The lifetime risk for clinical depression is 7-12% for men and 20-25% for
women.
Depression is not related to education, race, income or social status. Major depressive
episodes may begin at any age, but they begin most commonly in the late 20s and 30s.
Symptoms of depression develop over days and weeks. Some individuals will have only a
single episode during their lifetime, usually triggered by a stressful event in their life, with a
return to full functioning afterwards. However, more than 50% of those who initially suffer a
single major depressive episode eventually develop another. Of those who suffer a second
depressive episode, over 75% will experience recurrent episodes throughout their lifetime.
Risk Factors For Depression:
Some individuals are more prone to depression based upon various risk
factors. These include:
pleasure. These are only a few of the common symptoms experienced. Depression affects
one in five people at some point in their lives. It is second only to anxiety in its frequency.
Depression is a medical condition characterized by a set of recognizable, common
symptoms. The lifetime risk for clinical depression is 7-12% for men and 20-25% for
women.
Depression is not related to education, race, income or social status. Major depressive
episodes may begin at any age, but they begin most commonly in the late 20s and 30s.
Symptoms of depression develop over days and weeks. Some individuals will have only a
single episode during their lifetime, usually triggered by a stressful event in their life, with a
return to full functioning afterwards. However, more than 50% of those who initially suffer a
single major depressive episode eventually develop another. Of those who suffer a second
depressive episode, over 75% will experience recurrent episodes throughout their lifetime.
Risk Factors For Depression:
Some individuals are more prone to depression based upon various risk
factors. These include:
- Family history of depression
- Female gender
- History of postpartum depression
- Age of onset under 40
- Prior episodes of depression
- Prior suicide attempts
- Chronic stress
- Lack of social support
- Current alcohol or drug abuse
Common Symptoms of Depression:
Many of us believe that depression is "feeling down in the dumps" While sadness is one of
the symptoms of depression, the condition is much more than that. Depression affects an
individual's whole way of being and how he/she views the world. It isn't something that s/he
can "just snap out of." Following are some common symptoms of depression:
An individual suffering from five or more of these symptoms (including either sadness or loss
of pleasure in things previously enjoyed) for at least two weeks may be suffering from
clinical depression.
Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, may be mild, moderate or severe. The
episodes may end completely or only partially on their own without treatment. If the latter
occurs, the likelihood of a subsequent depressive episode is higher and the risk is greater.
The risk of untreated clinical depression, particularly in cases of severe depression, involves
the danger of suicide in despondent individuals.
Treatment for Depression:
Clinical depression may be treated in a variety of ways. Research has shown that the most
effective approach to treating mild depression is psychotherapy, using a method called
cognitive-behavioral therapy. With this therapy, the individual learns how to assess the
psychological and social stressors that may have contributed to the depression, and how to
make appropriate behavioral changes to address the problem. Moderate to severe depression
usually responds best to a combination approach of anti-depressant medication and
psychotherapy. In providing medication, primary care physicians also provide clinical
management that includes educating the patient about the illness, medication options, side
effects and providing a treatment plan. Psychotherapy can involve supportive or psycho-
educational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal and marital therapy.
Another effective form of treatment for depression is EEG Neurofeedback. Neurofeedback
is a non-invasive treatment that re-trains brain wave patterns that have been de-stabilized by
depression.
Many of us believe that depression is "feeling down in the dumps" While sadness is one of
the symptoms of depression, the condition is much more than that. Depression affects an
individual's whole way of being and how he/she views the world. It isn't something that s/he
can "just snap out of." Following are some common symptoms of depression:
- Feeling sad, “blue” or “down in the dumps”
- Feeling slowed down or restless, unable to sit still
- Changes in appetite or weight loss or gain
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Concentration problems
- Short-term memory problems
- Difficulty making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of things you used to enjoy (anhedonia)
- Loss of libido or sexual interest
- Pessimism, negativity or hopelessness
- Irritability
- Being anxious or worried
- Physical complaints, including headaches, backaches, digestive problems
An individual suffering from five or more of these symptoms (including either sadness or loss
of pleasure in things previously enjoyed) for at least two weeks may be suffering from
clinical depression.
Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, may be mild, moderate or severe. The
episodes may end completely or only partially on their own without treatment. If the latter
occurs, the likelihood of a subsequent depressive episode is higher and the risk is greater.
The risk of untreated clinical depression, particularly in cases of severe depression, involves
the danger of suicide in despondent individuals.
Treatment for Depression:
Clinical depression may be treated in a variety of ways. Research has shown that the most
effective approach to treating mild depression is psychotherapy, using a method called
cognitive-behavioral therapy. With this therapy, the individual learns how to assess the
psychological and social stressors that may have contributed to the depression, and how to
make appropriate behavioral changes to address the problem. Moderate to severe depression
usually responds best to a combination approach of anti-depressant medication and
psychotherapy. In providing medication, primary care physicians also provide clinical
management that includes educating the patient about the illness, medication options, side
effects and providing a treatment plan. Psychotherapy can involve supportive or psycho-
educational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal and marital therapy.
Another effective form of treatment for depression is EEG Neurofeedback. Neurofeedback
is a non-invasive treatment that re-trains brain wave patterns that have been de-stabilized by
depression.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. If you are in need of mental health services, please contact a provider in your community. © 2008 Family Recovery Resources All Rights Reserved |
Women are more than twice as likely than men to suffer from clinical depression at some point during their lifetime. |
Depression affects an individual's whole way of being and how s/he views the world. |
One or both of these books from Health Communications, Inc.
can provide you with an expanded understanding of the
dynamics of depression. Women, Anger and Depression:
Strategies for Self-Empowerment by Lois Frankel, Ph.D.
explores the connection between anger and depression.
The Truth About Depression: Choices for Healing by Charles
Whitfield, M.D. offers an an in-depth look at depression and
suggests a groundbreaking recovery program.
To order, click on: www.hci-online.com
can provide you with an expanded understanding of the
dynamics of depression. Women, Anger and Depression:
Strategies for Self-Empowerment by Lois Frankel, Ph.D.
explores the connection between anger and depression.
The Truth About Depression: Choices for Healing by Charles
Whitfield, M.D. offers an an in-depth look at depression and
suggests a groundbreaking recovery program.
To order, click on: www.hci-online.com
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