The Concept of Depression
Depression is a complex mental disorder that is still not completely understood by scientists. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this condition is widespread, and there are more than 264 million people of different ages suffering from this disease all over the world (1). Depression differs from other disorders, connected with mood swings, and it may present a serious threat to the individual’s health condition. It often leads to many sufferings and poor performance at work, at school, and in the family. The worst outcome of depression is a suicide, and every year, this problem becomes more serious, as suicide rates are rapidly growing, especially among young adolescents of 15-30 years. There are developed measures for depression treatment, which proved to be effective. However, “between 76% and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their disorder” (WTO 3). Moreover, there are numerous causes and types of depression, suggesting that it is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although, most of them are still not well-researched and understood by scientists.
Symptoms and Types of Depression Disorder
The types of depressive disorder are distinguished according to the degree of symptoms intensity and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Another important factor is the history of the person, as the absence or presence of symptoms in the past is meaningful for defining the gravity of the condition. According to these aspects, there are four common types of the disease: major depression, persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia), bipolar, and seasonal affective disorder (Merz par. 1). The first one is the classic type, implying the state where a person is absorbed with a dark mood and loses interest in all the activities, even those that used to bring pleasure. Among the symptoms of classical depression are sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, lack of energy, and the feeling of worthlessness. In this state, the appearance of negative thoughts, including death or suicide, is highly possible. For treating individuals with this type of depression, psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are generally used. However, for certain patients, electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective measure.
The second type of the condition is persistent disorder, or dysthymia, referring to low mood that has been lasting for more than two years but has not resulted in major depression. Most of the people having this type of disorder show good performance at work and in the family, despite their lack of positive feelings and low life satisfaction. Symptoms may also include problems with appetite and sleep, low self-esteem, and a state of hopelessness. The third type is bipolar disorder, also known as a manic-depressive disease (Merz, par. 4). People suffering from this condition demonstrate periods of high energy and show symptoms that are opposite to those of major depression, such as grandiose ideas, extremely high self-esteem, the constant pursuit of pleasure, and risk-taking. However, this state does not last long, as it leads to self-destruction, and is always followed by true depression. In the process of treatment of this type of disorder, medications stabilizing a person’s mood are typically used.
The last type of depression, common to all people, is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by its periodicity, usually occurring in the autumn and winter when days become shorter and the darkness prevails. In this case, mood swings are generally thought to result from changes in the body’s natural daily rhythms. The efficient therapy for treating this condition involves daily sessions using an intense light source. The common treatment for depression, including psychotherapy and medication, may also be used in these cases.
In addition, scientists distinguish two types of depression, which are inherent only for women: perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The first one is characterized by depressive episodes, occurring “during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery (also known as postpartum depression)” (Merz par. 7). This condition can have serious consequences for women, their children, and families in case it is not diagnosed and treated in time. The second type, PMDD is depression, connected with a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women usually begin feeling its symptoms after ovulation, and they end immediately after the menstruation’s beginning. For reducing the symptoms, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) may be used (Merz). Thus, there are six types of depression, with two being unique for women. Most of these conditions are efficiently treated with proper therapy and medications.
Causes of Depression
There are many possible reasons for depression development, but the nature of this condition remains not entirely clear. Nevertheless, some factors may increase the risk of the disorder occurrence. For example, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can contribute to the appearance of clinical depression in the future. There are also medications, capable of increasing the risk, such as “isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids” (WebMD 5). Depression can also appear as a result of a serious conflict with friends or relatives, stressful life events, or the death of a loved individual for those who have the biological vulnerability to the disease. Another factor, capable of influencing depression development, is substance abuse. According to the research, 43 percent of people with such issues have major or clinical depression (National Institute on Drug Abuse par. 3). In this case, a person requires help in coping with the addiction first, so they can further cure the developed disorder.
The last factor that is considered to be important regarding its influence on the risks of depression development is genetics. Chances of the disease occurrence are higher in the case of a family history of this mental condition. According to the research, there is approximately 40% of heritability when first-degree relatives (parents, children, or siblings) have depression (Torres par. 6). Researchers have also identified genes, making people more prone to low moods. Moreover, scientists believe that nerve cell connection, and the functioning of nerve circuits in the human brain has a huge impact on depression. However, there is still no full understanding of the neurological fundamentals of mood.
High-risk Groups for Depression Development
Depression is a complex condition that can affect any individual, even those who seem to have a perfect life. According to the estimations, one in fifteen adults faces the disease symptoms, and one in six people experiences its major form at a certain period of their life (Torres par. 6). Women are usually regarded to be more susceptive to the disorder than men, and the first symptoms are usually demonstrated in the late teens. Some factors increase the risk of depression, such as genetics, biochemistry, and personal issues, including exposure to violence. People, who have experienced challenging life events, such as psychological traumas, loss of job and unemployment, and others, are more prone to depression development. In turn, the disease can lead to more stress and affect the life of the person. There is also a deep connection between depression and physical health. For example, cardiovascular disease can cause mental disorders and vice versa. Thus, depression is a complex state, influenced by numerous factors that can have a strong impact on other aspects of the individual’s life.
Depression Disorder Treatment and Diagnostics
To diagnose depression, a doctor must identify specific symptoms, proving that the person has this mental disorder. This diagnosis is typically difficult to establish as it is not reflected during the general physical examination, but connected with inner problems, experienced by the individual. Moreover, its manifestation can be different in every particular case. Usually, doctors use a series of questions that allow learning about the patient’s mood swings, behaviors, and other aspects, relevant for understanding the patient’s condition. The diagnosis is always made by criteria listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Defining the type of depression is essential because it determines future curative measures. When the diagnosis is proven, there are effective treatment options that include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and antidepressant medications, which proved to be effective in depression treatment.
Conclusion
Depression is a complicated mental condition, which can affect any individual in a certain period of their life. It is a disease that can be caused by numerous factors, including different life perturbations, genetic susceptibility, experienced abuse or violence, and many others. The condition is characterized by various symptoms that can be present to a mild or serious degree. The signs of depression may include sleep deprivation, problems with appetite and weight, a decrease in performance quality, mood swings and the state of sadness or anxiety, and more. Today, there are efficient ways for helping people with depression signs, and the treatment options include different types of psychotherapy and medications. However, there remain many questions that are not understood by the scientists and need to be further researched to enlarge the opportunities for helping people suffering from the condition.
Works Cited
Merz, Beverly. “Six Common Depression Types.” Harvard Health Publishing, 2017. Web.
“Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness.” *National Institute on Drug Abuse*, 2020. Web.
Torres, Felix. “What Is Depression?” American Psychiatrist Association, 2020. Web.
“Causes of Depression.” *WebMD*, 2019. Web.
“Depression.” *World Health Organization*, 2020. Web.