Depression - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

IntroductionnnDepression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. nnCauses of DepressionnnEnvironmental Situations - Certain environmental situations, such as stress or breakup of important attachments, also may precipitate depression, especially in vulnerable persons.nnStress - Some people become depressed through being overwhelmed by change and stress. We live in a time of rapidly increasing change and the demands of adjustment are difficult. Too much of an adjustment in too short of a time may over burden a person. Stress begins to wear them out and there is a loss of resiliency. They can no longer bounce back from adversity. They begin to pull away from others and their energy decreases. Depression is the result.nnGenetic Link - There is evidence that suggests a genetic link to depression. Children, siblings and parents of people with severe depression are much more likely to suffer from depression than are members of the general population. Multiple genes interacting with one another in special ways probably contribute to the types of depression that runs in families. Scientists have not been able to identify a "depression" gene.nnPsychiatric disorders - Affective disordersare typically characterized by abrupt mood swings from depression to elation (mania) or by prolonged episodes of either mood. In fact, severe depression may last for weeks. More moderate depression occurs in cyclothymic disordersand usually alternates with moderate mania. Moderate depression that's more or less constant over a 2-year period typically results from dysthymic disorders. Also, chronic anxiety disorders,such as panic and obsessive-compulsive disorder, may be accompanied by depression.nnSymptoms of Depressionnn1) Feelings of hopelessness or pessimismnn2) Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessnessnn3) Thoughts of suicide or death.nn4) Trouble thinking, recalling things or focusing on what you're doing nn5) Trouble making everyday decisions.nn6) Think and speak more slowly than normal.nn7) Complain about problems that don’t have a physical cause, such as headache and stomachache.nn8) Diminished interest in and enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities-sex, sports, hobbies, going out with friends, etc.nnTreatment of DepressionnnPsychotherapy is considered just as effective as antidepressant medication and a combination of the two is usually the most effective. There are different forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps break negative, distorted patterns of thinking.nnCranical electrotherapy stimulation.- The brain is both a chemical and electrical machine. It produces neurotransmitters to control electrical outputs throughout the body. Alpha-Stim® treats depression, anxiety, and insomnia with tiny electrical currents similar to those found naturally in the body, using a method called cranical electrotherapy stimulation. nnCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - This therapy (CBT) involves the treatment of depression, anxiety and any sort of mental illness.Cognitive therapy is based on how thought processes work, depressed people are more inclined towards negative thought. They have a feeling of failure in them and therapists try to change the thought process towards the positive side. It is very important for the therapist to be patient while listening to the patients. Reports and data suggest that this therapy is very effective and people who take it have minimal chances of relapse.