Can Major Depression Be Prevented
Once you have had an episode of major depression, you are at high risk of having another. The best way to prevent another episode of depression is to be aware of the triggers or causes of major depression and to continue taking the prescribed medication to avoid relapse. It is also important to know what the symptoms of major depression are and to talk with your doctor early if you have any of these symptoms.
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How Can I Help Someone With Major Depression
People with depression might not acknowledge that theyre struggling. Lack of awareness about symptoms of depression can cause people to consider their feelings normal or dismiss them as a time-limited struggle. The stigma of seeking treatment for depression can also cause people to attempt to overcome treatment without professional help. One of the best ways you can help a loved one is to become educated about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for MDD and encourage them to work with a doctor or mental health counselor. Be a compassionate listener and avoid giving unhelpful advice like,“This is just a phase, it will pass.” Another way you can help is to offer to assist with daily tasks and recognize and respond to a crisis. If you believe your loved one is in danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone. Dial 9-1-1 and stay with them until help arrives.
Can Clinical Depression Be Completely Cured
If you suffered a mental illness in the 1940s, you had some pretty grim options. And because of the enormous influx of mentally ill patients following World War II, most of the treatments available were quick and dirty. For many patients, there was the prefrontal lobotomy or electroconvulsive therapy. While the latter is still sometimes used today for extreme cases of depression, lobotomies were thankfully phased out as more effective treatments developed in the 1950s.
Today, depression affects about 121 million people around the world less than 25 percent of them have access to proper care . But for this article, let’s focus on people with access to treatment who suffer from what’s arguably the most serious form of depression: clinical depression or major depression. Most of them are treated with antidepressants, counseling or some combination thereof. If the patient’s depression elevates to more critical levels, procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation sometimes become treatment options.
That’s not to say that some people aren’t cured of depression they are. But many are not. Whether they don’t seek care to begin with, or the care they receive isn’t sufficient, unless a case of depression is dealt with thoroughly, it’s very likely the condition will continue or the person will relapse at some point in the future .
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The Basic Principles Of Ways To Treat Clinical Depression Revealed
Workout, mind-body therapies, and also organic supplements might have the power to affect your overview and also even alter your mind chemistry. A lot of these treatments are risk-free, but arent constantly proven to be efficient. SAMe is an artificial supplement that is made from normally occurring proteins in the body. It has actually been used to treat depression as well as osteoarthritis and liver illness. An evaluation by the Company for Health ways to treat clinical depression Care Study and Top quality found 47 research studies in which SAMe was used for depression as well as wrapped up that SAMe functioned much better than a placebo. There is some evidence to support making use of SAM-e, yet this requires confirmation by bigger studies. Adverse effects are uncommon, however sometimes nausea or vomiting, stomach distress, as well as anxiousness can take place.
In some cases, drug can even get worse the condition of bipolar via side effects or other medication associated troubles. Alternative bipolar disorder aid is usually able to address a lot ways to treat clinical depression more than medication can Even prior to COVID, day-to-day life brought, sometimes, a battery of feelings rising and fall in numerous levels. Eventually youre rolling along relatively well, an additional day youre struck with some form of trouble or trouble.
Supporting Your Loved Ones Treatment
One of the most important things you can do to help a friend or relative with depression is to give your unconditional love and support throughout the treatment process. This involves being compassionate and patient, which is not always easy when dealing with the negativity, hostility, and moodiness that go hand in hand with depression.
Provide whatever assistance the person needs . Help your loved one make and keep appointments, research treatment options, and stay on schedule with any treatment prescribed.
Have realistic expectations. It can be frustrating to watch a depressed friend or family member struggle, especially if progress is slow or stalled. Having patience is important. Even with optimal treatment, recovery from depression doesnt happen overnight.
Lead by example. Encourage the person to lead a healthier, mood-boosting lifestyle by doing it yourself: maintain a positive outlook, eat better, avoid alcohol and drugs, exercise, and lean on others for support.
Encourage activity. Invite your loved one to join you in uplifting activities, like going to a funny movie or having dinner at a favorite restaurant. Exercise is especially helpful, so try to get your depressed loved one moving. Going on walks together is one of the easiest options. Be gently and lovingly persistentdont get discouraged or stop asking.
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Vitamins And Supplements For Depression
The jury is still out on how well herbal remedies, vitamins, or supplements work in treating depression. While many supplements are widely available over the counter, in many cases their efficacy has not been scientifically proven. If your depression symptoms are in part due to nutritional deficiency, you may benefit from vitamin supplements, but this should be on the advice of your healthcare professional.
If you decide to try natural and herbal supplements, remember that they can have side effects and drug or food interactions. For example, St. Johns Worta promising herb used for treatment of mild to moderate depressioncan interfere with prescription drugs such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and prescription antidepressants. Make sure your doctor or therapist knows what you are taking.
Types Of Major Depressive Disorder
You might be surprised to learn that there are many different types of major depressive disorder that can affect you can make living your daily life difficult. Each type often has different causes, but they typically involve the same feeling of disinterest in activities that you once loved and an overall feeling of melancholy. These are divided into subtypes called specifiers that determine how long the diagnosis of depression lasts and the defining characteristic of each type.
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Transcranial direct current stimulation is another noninvasive method used to stimulate small regions of the brain with the help of a weak electric current. Increasing evidence has been gathered for its efficiency as a depression treatment. A meta-analysis was published in 2020 summarising results across nine studies concluded that active tDCS was significantly superior to sham for response , remission and depression improvement. According to a 2016 meta analysis, 34% of people treated with tDCS showed at least 50% symptom reduction compared to 19% sham-treated across 6 randomised controlled trials.
What Is Psychotherapy’s Role
Itâs also called talk therapy. You meet with a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other trained mental health professional. You will learn new ways to handle the challenges and mindset that depression can bring on.
If your depression is mild to moderate, psychotherapy may work as well as an antidepressant.
You can get talk therapy on your own, with your family, or in a group. Your doctor will help you find the best type for you.
Exercise is another good treatment for mild depression. In one review of studies on the topic, experts concluded that it works as well as drugs or psychotherapy in easing depression symptoms and keeping them at bay.
Different âdosesâ of exercise may work for different people. You may want to start working out for 45-60 minutes, 3-5 times a week. If that sounds like too much, remember that some is better than none. And you may still need medicine or psychotherapy to feel better.
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What Is Major Or Clinical Depression
Most people feel sad or low at some point in their lives. But clinical depression is marked by a depressed mood most of the day, sometimes particularly in the morning, and a loss of interest in normal activities and relationships — symptoms that are present every day for at least 2 weeks. In addition, according to the DSM-5 — a manual used to diagnose mental health conditions — you may have other symptoms with major depression. Those symptoms might include:
- Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
- Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
- Insomnia or hypersomnia almost every day
- Restlessness or feeling slowed down
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
- Significant weight loss or gain
Nature Of Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy is a treatment process that helps patients correct false self-beliefs that lead to certain moods and behaviors. The fundamental principle behind cognitive therapy is that a thought precedes a mood, and that both are interrelated with a persons environment, physical reaction, and subsequent behavior.6 Therefore, changing a thought that arises in a given situation will change mood, behavior, and physical reaction. Although it is unclear who benefits most from cognitive therapy, motivated patients who have an internal locus of control and the capacity for introspection likely would benefit most.
During cognitive therapy, the therapist helps the patient work through several steps. First, the patient accepts that some of his or her perceptions and interpretations of reality may be false and that these interpretations lead to negative thoughts.5 Next, the patient learns to recognize the negative thoughts and discovers alternative thoughts that reflect reality more closely.5 The patient then decides internally whether the evidence supports the negative thought or the alternative thought. Ideally, the patient will recognize distorted thinking and reframe the situation.6 As cognitive therapy progresses, it focuses more on reframing deeply held or core beliefs about self and the world.
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Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder
There are several treatment methods for major depression disorder. These approaches include psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive treatment , and other somatic therapies. However, ECT is generally avoided, except in extreme circumstances, in favor of both psychotherapy and antidepressants. A medical psychiatrist can provide both psychotherapy services and prescribe antidepressants, which differ for each person based on individual needs.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms or relating in any way to major depression disorder, you should seek assistance from a medical professional. Thankfully, major depressive disorder has become much less stigmatized in recent years. There is plenty of in-depth information available about depression, and your chosen medical professional is often likely to go through it with you so you can choose the best treatment for your lifestyle.
You should feel as though you have options. You most likely will not have to be burdened by this disease and the negativity that often comes with symptoms of depression. Talking to a counselor and a medical professional is the first step to living a happier, more fulfilling life.
Is Major Depressive Disorder The Same As Bipolar
Major depressive disorder is not the same as bipolar depression but they do share some challenging symptoms. The hallmark of bipolar depression is periods of mania along with periods of low mood. MDD does not include mania but both illnesses include depression. As with MDD, there are effective treatments for bipolar. It’s important to seek professional treatment when you live with a serious mental illness. Many people with MDD and bipolar attend school, obtain college degrees, work fulltime, enjoy happy relationships and live full lives.
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How Is Depression Diagnosed
Depression can happen along with other medical conditions. These include heart disease, or cancer, as well as other mental health conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery.
A diagnosis is made after a careful mental health exam and medical history done. This is usually done by a mental health professional.
Depression In Children And Teens
It used to be believed that children couldnt be depressed, but we now know thats not true. Children, teens, and young adults can experience depression, but it may not look the same as it does in adults.
Children may not yet have the language skills and emotional awareness to express exactly what they are feeling. An adult who is depressed may feel profound sadness, whereas a depressed child may appear angry, frustrated, and irritable.
Symptoms of depression in school-aged children and teens may interfere with school work, social activities, or friendships. For example, a child who is depressed may begin to make poor grades in school, lose interest in after school activities like sports, or no longer want to hang out with friends.
As with teens and adults, children who are experiencing depression may also have trouble sleeping, lose their appetite, or have unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches.
If you’re concerned that your child or teen is depressed, talk to your pediatrician. There are some medical conditions that can cause depression which will need to be ruled out. If your child is diagnosed with depression, finding the appropriate treatment is critical to their well-being.
You can help by putting together a network of mental health professionals, doctors, teams at school, as well as friends and people in the community, who can support your family as you learn about managing your childs depression.
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Depressive Phase Of Bipolar Disorder
Clinical depression can also be a feature of another mental health condition called bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder tend to alternate between periods of depression and periods of greatly elevated mood called mania.
In the depressive phase, symptoms can be very similar major depression. During the manic phase, symptoms at the opposite end of the spectrum are more likely, such as:
- Increased energy
- Impulsivity
- Poor judgment
Other forms of depression are classified a bit differently, often because they occur in specific situations or require different treatment approaches.
Some Common Causes Of Depression
Researchers have particularly been interested in investigating whether depression is an inherited condition. A major theory is that certain genetic changes make neurotransmitters ineffective or scarce.
The other major component is environmental triggers which may make a person who is genetically predisposed to depression more likely to develop it. Certain factors that make it more likely a person will experience clinical depression include:
- A family history of depression
- Experiencing a traumatic event or major life change
- Financial troubles
- Being very ill or injured , needing to have surgery or undergo medical treatment, or having to manage a chronic and/or progressive health condition
- Caring for a loved one who has a major illness, injury, or disability
- Taking certain medications that can cause symptoms associated with depression
- Using illegal drugs and/or misusing alcohol
If you have experienced a form of depression before, you may be more likely to experience it again or develop another form in response to certain stressors or life changes .
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What Can I Do If I Have Depression
If you have symptoms of depression, see your healthcare provider. They can give you an accurate diagnosis, refer you to a specialist or suggest treatment options.
If you or someone you know is thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life:
- Go to the emergency department of your hospital.
- Contact a healthcare provider.
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual leader.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Depression is a common condition that affects millions of Americans every year. Anyone can experience depression even if there doesnt seem to be a reason for it. Causes of depression include difficulties in life, brain chemistry abnormalities, some medications and physical conditions. The good news is that depression is treatable. If you have symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can feel better
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/31/2020.
References
How Do Antidepressants Work
Research into ketamine as an antidepressant began in the 1990s with Dr. Krystal and his colleagues Dennis Charney, MD, and Ronald Duman, PhD, at the Yale School of Medicine. At the time depression was considered a black box disease, meaning that little was known about its cause.
One popular theory was the serotonin hypothesis, which asserted that people with depression had low levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. This hypothesis came about by accidentcertain drugs given to treat other diseases like high blood pressure and tuberculosis seemed to drastically affect peoples moods. Those that lowered serotonin levels caused depression-like symptoms others that raised serotonin levels created euphoric-like feelings in depressed patients. This discovery ushered in a new class of drugs meant to treat depression, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . The first one developed for the mass market was Prozac.
But eventually it became clear that the serotonin hypothesis didnt fully explain depression. Not only were SSRIs of limited help to more than one-third of people given them for depression, but growing research showed that the neurotransmitters these drugs target account for less than 20 percent of the neurotransmitters in a persons brain. The other 80 percent are neurotransmitters called GABA and glutamate.
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