Introduction
This paper will provide an in-depth study of depression, including main characteristics, theoretical approaches, public policy connected to it, the ways of treatment, and the effects of the disorder on the individual’s mental and social life.
Defining characteristics and symptoms of depression
Depression, particularly its most often appearing type MDD (major depressive disorder), is one of the most common and disabling mental disorders worldwide (McIntyre, 2019). The difficulty of its detection and treatment is caused by the diversity of the symptoms, and, therefore, the inability to choose an appropriate treatment.
The symptoms of depression may be divided into three categories: psychological, physical, and social.
Major conceptual/theoretical approaches and current classification of depression
There are two main scientific approaches to depression; one is concerned with genetic factors, and the other with environmental risk factors as a cause of the disorder. The first one is based on genetic studies; the second examines the living experience, such as financial conditions, family relationships, social status of the individual.
There are six major types of disorders described as depressive disorders: disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition.
Social management of depression: public policy, its impact, and how it might be changed to improve access to services for the patients
In order to manage depression’s impact on individuals and society, it is essential to develop a mental health policy. It must include measures for disorder’s prevention and treatment, patients’ rehabilitation, development of services for people with mental illness, and developing the ethics towards them.
There are specific agencies established for the research of depressive disorders, as well as setting the right mode of their management in society. One such institution is the National Network of Depression Centers.
Medication and treatment options for depression
There are two approaches to the treatment of depression; the first is the pharmacological method, based on antidepressants.
The second way of the treatment is non-pharmacological, which includes different methods of psychotherapy.
Effects of depression on individual, family, and society
The effects of depression on the individual may be various; all of them are based on the negative response bias, negative automatic thought processes (McIntyre, 2019).
Affected by mental disorder, the individual cannot function as a regular member of social structures, including family and other groups.
Effects of depression in the workplace
Cognitive dysfunction, as a result of depression, disables the individual’s performance in the workplace and causes lower work-productivity.
Different measures may be taken regarding mentally ill persons for improvement of their professional effectiveness; in some cases, the change of specialization may be necessary.
Conclusion
This research has examined depression as a frequent and severely disabling mental disorder, considering its characteristics and symptoms, theoretical approaches to it and ways of treatment, social management and policy, and the effects of it on individuals and society.
As McIntyre (2019) argues, “major depressive disorder is… projected to be the leading cause of disease burden worldwide by 2030” (p. 1). In accordance with this statement, this research emphasizes the importance of the serious study of depression and the ways of its treatment.
References
McIntyre, R. S. (2019). Major depressive disorder. Elsevier Health Sciences.