Depression

What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Depression is more than just a bout of the blues. It is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

It affects how you feel, think, and behave. It is not a weakness, and you cannot simply "snap out" of it. However, it is highly treatable with medication and therapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day. They affect everyone differently:

1. Emotional & Mental

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration over small matters.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities (sex, hobbies, sports).
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures.
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

2. Physical

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much).
• Tiredness and lack of energy; small tasks take extra effort.
• Changes in appetite (weight loss or weight gain).
• Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements.
• Unexplained physical problems like back pain or headaches.

⚠️ EMERGENCY: SUICIDE RISK
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, get help immediately.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (US/Canada) for free, confidential support 24/7.

Symptoms by Age

Children & Teens

Instead of sadness, younger people often show irritability or anger. Signs include refusing to go to school, clinginess, using drugs/alcohol, or self-harm.

Older Adults

Depression is not a normal part of aging. In seniors, symptoms may look like:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes.
• Physical aches or pain.
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, or sleep problems.
• Social withdrawal (wanting to stay home).

Causes

It is likely a combination of factors:

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) play a role.
• Hormones: Changes due to thyroid problems, menopause, or pregnancy.
• Genetics: It is more common in people whose blood relatives also have the condition.
• Trauma: Abuse, loss of a loved one, or high stress can trigger episodes.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, you must have symptoms for at least two weeks. Diagnosis involves:

• Physical Exam: To rule out thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies.
• Psychological Evaluation: Discussing your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns.

Treatment

Depression is highly treatable. Most patients feel better with a combination of medication and therapy.

1. Medications (Antidepressants)

• SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft): Safer and cause fewer side effects than older drugs.
• SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor): Another common class of effective drugs.
• Note: Medications can take 2-4 weeks to start working. Do not stop abruptly.

2. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying negative beliefs and replacing them with healthy ones.
• Interpersonal Therapy: focusing on resolving relationship issues that may contribute to depression.

3. Brain Stimulation Therapies

For severe cases that don't respond to medication, options include:

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Passing electrical currents through the brain to impact neurotransmitter function.
• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): Using magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells involved in mood control.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.