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Clinical depression

Clinical depression



Overview - Clinical depression


Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.


Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.


Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".


The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.


How to tell if you have depression


Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.


They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.


There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.


The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.


Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.


What causes depression?


Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on.


People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.


How is depression diagnosed?


Healthcare providers diagnose depression based on a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history and mental health history. They may diagnose you with a specific type of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder or postpartum depression, based on the context of your symptoms.


To receive a diagnosis of depression, you must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least two weeks.


Your provider may order medical tests, such as blood tests, to see if any underlying medical conditions are causing your depressive symptoms.


 TREATMENT

How is depression treated?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Approximately 80% to 90% of people with depression who seek treatment eventually respond well to treatment.


Treatment options include:

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves talking with a mental health professional. Your therapist helps you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. There are many types of psychotherapy — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common. Sometimes, brief therapy is all you need. Other people continue therapy for several months or years.

Medication: Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several different types of antidepressants, and it may take time to figure out the one that’s best for you. Some antidepressants have side effects, which often improve with time. If they don’t, talk to your healthcare provider. A different medication may work better for you.

Complementary medicine: This involves treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback.

Brain stimulation therapy: Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

There are also things you can do at home to help improve depression symptoms, including:


Getting regular exercise.

Getting quality sleep (not too little or too much).

Eating a healthy diet.

Avoiding alcohol, which is a depressant.

Spending time with people you care about.


TYPE OF DOCTOR AND DEPARTMENT : PSYCHOLOGIST SPECIALIST CAN DIAGNOSES THIS DISEASE.

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