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.
Four Common Types Of Depression
by Yoho | Apr 29, 2019 | Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Dysthymia, Major Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Treatment |
Many people are aware of depression as a mental health condition. Research shows that 1 in 6 Americans will experience depression at some point in their lives. Depression, particularly when untreated, can create long-term health complications in individuals. For example, there is a correlation between individuals with depression and elevated risk factors for heart disease and dementia.
When individuals experience long-term and ongoing emotionalchanges, they may require help from a mental health professional. However, somepeople are likely unaware that there are differenttypes of depression.
Here are four of the most common depression types in the United States.
Persistent DepressiveDisorder :
Even though many forms of depression manifest similar symptom , there are differences. With occurrences of depression, one critical piece that behavioral health clinicians watch for is the consistency and timing of the symptoms.
Persistent depressive disorder is a mental health condition where symptoms of depression are present for at least two years, and maybe even longer in some cases. Another term for PDD is dysthymia.
Major Depression:
Seasonal Affective Disorder :
Bipolar disorder:
Final Thoughts:
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What Are The Risk Factors
You’re more likely to get either type of depression if youâre female. Both types can start at any age. But PDD often shows up earlier in life.
Both PDD and MDD are probably caused by a mix of life events and physical problems. More than one of them could affect you, including:
Biology.Stress may cause changes to your brain. Plus, natural brain chemicals and how they function can influence your mood.
Heredity. Depression is more likely when you have close relatives with the condition.
Stress. Trauma in your life, such as money problems or the death of a loved one, can trigger depression.
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Childhood Trauma Not A Barrier To Successful Depression Treatment Analysis Finds
Prior research has suggested that childhood trauma is linked with a poorer response to psychotherapy and prescription drug treatment for major depressive disorder, but a large meta-analysis suggested otherwise.
Although previous research has suggested that a history of childhood trauma has been linked with a worse response to treatment for major depressive disorder in adulthood, a large meta-analysis published Thursday found that is not the case.
Regardless of childhood trauma history, psychotherapy and drug therapy should be offered to all patients with MDD, the analysis said. The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
The authors said the previous studies were not definitive and that some meta-analytic studies showed high between-study heterogeneity, and some primary studies report similar or even better improvement for patients with childhood trauma than for those without after psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy.
Childhood traumaemotional/physical neglect or emotional/physical/sexual abuse before the age of 18is a risk factor for the development of MDD in adulthood. MDD in these cases may produce symptoms earlier, create cycles of illness that last longer and happen more frequently, and have a higher risk of morbidity.
In addition, a previous analysis found that adults and adolescents with depression and childhood trauma were around 1.5 times more likely to not respond or have remission from MDD compared with those without childhood trauma.
Treatment For Depression As A Co
Treatment for a co-occurring disorder where depression is present often involves different forms of psychotherapy, medications and prescription antidepressants, and other evidence-based techniques. At our inpatient addiction treatment facility in New Jersey, we offer different levels of rehab services designed to meet the needs of each patient we treat. Call us right now at to speak to one of our rehab admissions navigators to learn more about ways to pay for rehab, using insurance to pay for rehab, and treatments, and get all of the questions you have answered. Also, you can get started on your recovery by having your insurance verified through our secure
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Who Is At Risk For Depression
Depression can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender or circumstances. About 16 million Americans experience depression each year.
Women may experience depression more often than men. And your genetics or other health conditions can increase the likelihood that youll have at least one depressive episode in your lifetime.
When To Get Help For Depression
Depression is treatable and symptoms can improve with therapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medications. If you have been struggling with the symptoms of depressionespecially if they are disrupting your regular habits around sleeping or eatingits a good idea to reach out to a physician or mental health professional for support in figuring out what kind of treatment is right for you. While it may feel overwhelming, its important to seek professional help to manage depression. If left untreated, depression can get worse, and mild cases of depression can become more severe over time.
If you think a friend may be struggling with depression, talk with them about what youve noticed, and remember not to blame them for what they are experiencing. Blame will only increase their negative feelings and worsen their symptoms. Instead, encourage them to seek professional help.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or thinking about attempting suicide, reach out for support immediately. You can text START to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK to chat with a trained counselor anytime. If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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How To Cope With A Depressive Episode
At the onset of a major depressive episode, it can feel hopeless, as if there is nothing that can be done. An individual facing this may feel like there is no point in trying to do anything to lessen the severity of the episode or turn it around. There are things that can be done, though. It is important to take these steps to cope with a depressive episode, because they can limit the symptoms and even reduce the duration of the episode:
Major depressive episodes are most often part of a recurring, chronic mental illness. Some people may only ever experience one episode in their lives, but most people have multiple episodes. Understanding what it feels like to go through one of these episodes, as well as what may trigger one, is important. Being more aware allows an individual to take steps to check back in with a therapist, seek out support from family, and to engage in proper self-care to mitigate the severity of an episode.
Tropical Depression 9 Could Approach Florida As Major Hurricane Forecasters Say
- Matt CohenTimes staff
Tropical Depression Nine formed in the Caribbean Sea early Friday and could strengthen into a major hurricane as it nears Florida next week, forecasters said.
The depression is expected to become a tropical storm by Friday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A 5 p.m. update from the hurricane center showed most of the Florida peninsula is in the depressions forecast cone. Forecasters cant be certain of the exact location or magnitude of the storm so far out, but they predict it will be a major hurricane as it approaches Florida. A major hurricane is a Category 3 storm or higher and has winds of at least 111 mph.
On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 24 counties, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties in the Tampa Bay area.
The Air Force hurricane hunters are en route to investigate the storm as of 5 p.m. Friday.
5pm Advisory on #Tropical Depression 9. A storm is likely going to impact somewhere in Florida next week #FLwx
Spectrum Bay News 9 Weather
A hurricane watch has been issued in the Cayman Islands and a tropical storm watch issued for Jamaica, according to the hurricane center.
The depression is expected to pass south ofJamaica as a tropical storm Sunday and approach the Cayman Islands on Monday. Early next week, the system is forecast to move over or near western Cuba as a strengthening hurricane.
Two other named storms are still churning in the Atlantic.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Depression
While we usually think of depression as feeling sad or down for a long period of time, the symptoms of depression can vary. Symptoms include:
- Constantly feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
- Changes in appetite that are unrelated to diet goals, such as eating too little or too much
- Changes in sleeping patterns that can range from insomnia to sleeping too much
- Feeling fatigue or a lack of energy
- Losing interest or losing pleasure in your usual hobbies
- Feeling restless, irritable or frustrated, even over small issues
- Having trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or like you are not enough
- Frequently having thoughts of death or suicide. These can range from expressing thoughts like, I wish I were dead, to making plans about how you would end your life.
Depression can also have physical symptoms, like unexplained frequent headaches, stomach aches, or back aches. There are many medical issues with symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of depression, including chronic pain, migraines, and thyroid disorders. If you are experiencing these symptoms for an extended period of time with no relief, consulting a physician can help you determine whether you are experiencing a physical or mental health issue.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and dont know how to get started treating them, you can text START to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK for a free and confidential conversation at any time.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
An interdisciplinary approach is essential for the effective and successful treatment of MDD. Primary care physicians and psychiatrists, along with nurses, therapists, social workers, and case managers, form an integral part of these collaborated services. In the majority of cases, PCPs are the first providers to whom individuals with MDD present mostly with somatic complaints. Depression screening in primary care settings is very imperative. The regular screening of the patients using depression rating scales such as PHQ-9 can be very helpful in the early diagnosis and intervention, thus improving the overall outcome of MDD. Psychoeducation plays a significant role in improving patient compliance and medication adherence. Recent evidence also supports that lifestyle modification, including moderate exercises, can help to improve mild-to-moderate depression. Suicide screening at each psychiatric visit can be helpful to lower suicide incidence. Since patients with MDD are at increased risk of suicide, close monitoring, and follow up by mental health workers becomes necessary to ensure safety and compliance with mental health treatment. The involvement of families can further add to a better outcome of the overall mental health treatment. Meta-analyses of randomized trials have shown that depression outcomes are superior when using collaborative care as compared with usual care.
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Major Depression Spontaneous Remission And Placebo Response
Although the diagnosis of adjustment disorders is retained in the international classificatory systems, it is eclipsed by the focus on mood disorders among researchers, policy makers and, consequently, among clinicians . In addition, academics have also neglected the category and have failed to examine it in the large epidemiological studies such as the Epidemiologic Catchment Area and the National Co-Morbidity Survey in the USA and the National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey in the UK . Instruments used to assess common mental disorders in primary care, for example the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview , fail to consider the diagnostic label. The marginalisation of adjustment disorders in clinical practice is due to the elastic concept of depression and the rigid application of diagnostic hierarchy and criteria .
Understanding Depression And Depressive Disorders
All of us feel sad sometimes. Maybe we didnt do well on a test at school or we got into a fight with a friend. Reactions to sadness can really vary. Some people let themselves sink into their feelings and may cope by crying, spending some time alone, or maybe finding something fun to distract themselves from negative thoughts. Other people react to feeling sad by getting angry, irritable, or wanting to avoid or control things as a way to manage the feelings they cant control. When feelings of sadness are caused by an event or situation, it is common to feel better within a few days. Sometimes, though, feelings of sadness do not go away and may get worse.
While some people may casually use the term depressed when they are sad, there is a difference between sadness and depression. Someone with depression may feel sad, guilty, or hopeless, but not really understand whyand the feeling can linger for weeks or even months. If you are struggling with constant sadness or hopelessness, its important to understand what depression is, what causes it, and what you can do to manage it.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms
Major depression symptoms vary from person to person. To receive a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, some of these signs and symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Anyone who has questions should consult their doctor.
- Continued feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, emptiness
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Insomnia or other sleep issues such as waking up very early or sleeping too much
- Anxiety, irritability, restlessness
- Lack of interest or joy in hobbies and activities
- Changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain
- Moving, talking, or thinking more slowly
- Trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions
- Vague aches and pains, such as headaches, joint pain, back pain, or digestive problems
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
What Is The Outlook For Someone With Major Depressive Disorder
While someone with MDD can feel hopeless at times, its important to remember that the disorder can be treated successfully. There is hope.
To improve your outlook, its critical to stick with your treatment plan. Dont miss therapy sessions or follow-up appointments with your healthcare professional.
Never stop taking your medications unless your therapist or healthcare professional advises you to.
On days when you feel particularly depressed despite treatment, it can be helpful to call a local crisis or mental health service or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Resources are available.
A friendly, supportive voice could be just what you need to get you through a difficult time.
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Major Depression A Chronic Illness
Major depression is a serious mental illness. It is classified as a mood disorder, which means that it is characterized by negative patterns in thoughts and emotions that dont line up with a persons actual circumstances. It is also a chronic mental illness. This means it is not curable and that it can come and go, sometimes for a persons entire life. Someone diagnosed with depression may feel fine for a long period of time and then have symptoms. The period during which someone experiences the symptoms is called a depressive episode.
Most people with major depression live with it as a chronic illness. Episodes come and go, although they may be made less severe and less frequent with good treatment. In some cases, though, a person may experience a singular episode of depression, just once in a lifetime. Often these episodes of depression are triggered by a situational event: a death in the family, the loss of a job or relationship, or some kind of trauma, like a physical assault. This single depressive episode may be just as serious as those experienced by someone with recurrent major depression, with all the same symptoms and persistence.
Persistent Depressive Disorder Is A Serious Mental Illness
Just because the symptoms are often milder than those of major depression does not mean you should take PDD lightly. It reduces quality of life, makes getting through every day more difficult, and increases the risk of developing other mental illnesses or a substance use disorder. It can also increase the risk of suicide.
Its important to seek a diagnosis if you feel down all the time. Dont assume lack of severity means you have to live this way. Like major depression, dysthymia is treatable. You can learn to manage this illness, improve your mood, and enjoy a greater quality of life.
You dont have to live with this constant, low-level of depression and hopelessness. Help is similar as for other types of depression and is just as important for managing symptoms and potential complications.
Treatment is similar to what people with major depression receive: medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. While some people assume this condition is not serious enough for antidepressants, studies show medications can be helpful for many people with PDD.
Of course, you should never use medication alone to treat depression. Combined with therapy that helps you manage your negative thoughts and moods, the proper course of medications can also be effective in reducing symptoms and episodes. Lifestyle changes help too, including a healthy diet, exercise, and relying on social support.
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Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a condition that occurs in children and youth ages 6 to 18. It involves a chronic and severe irritability resulting in severe and frequent temper outbursts. The temper outbursts can be verbal or can involve behavior such as physical aggression toward people or property. These outbursts are significantly out of proportion to the situation and are not consistent with the childs developmental age. They must occur frequently and typically in response to frustration. In between the outbursts, the childs mood is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day. This mood is noticeable by others, such as parents, teachers, and peers.
In order for a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder to be made, symptoms must be present for at least one year in at least two settings and the condition must begin before age 10. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is much more common in males than females. It may occur along with other disorders, including major depressive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety, and conduct disorders.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can have a significant impact on the childs ability to function and a significant impact on the family. Chronic, severe irritability and temper outbursts can disrupt family life, make it difficult for the child/youth to make or keep friendships, and cause difficulties at school.
Treatment typically involves and/or medications.