Depression and its Treatments
Mental health issues can cause individuals to suffer in everyday life. People with untreated mental health problems are unable to function adequately and lead a healthy and content life. Individuals need to focus on the symptoms and their mental state. If they experience mentioned symptoms and excessive anxiousness that hinder the functioning of their life, then they should consult a psychiatrist who can help in diagnoses and guidance regarding treatment.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that has an immense impact on the life of an individual. People diagnosed with depression, excessive anger, sadness, and anxiety; that cause inadequate functioning in every aspect of life. It affects thought processes, behavior, mood, and overall sense of well-being.
What are the Different Types of Depression?
There are four main types of depression.
- Major Depression: The individual remains in a dark state and loses interest in almost everything. The individual thinks about death and ways to attempt suicide. It is treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.
- Persistent Depression Disorder: The individual is noticed to have low mood and pleasure for years. The person might be able to function in everyday life but lacks interest and happiness.
- Bipolar Disorder: The person experiences episodes of extreme mood. The person might experience grandiosity and heightened self-esteem.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type is related to the seasons and changes in the weather. When the days become shorter the person might experience irritability and anxiousness. The treatment involves light therapy and medications.
What Symptoms Correlate to Depression?
The symptoms of depression include:
- Unexplained mood swings
- Irrational aggressive behavior
- Unable to maintain personal hygiene
- Feeling sad, alone, and empty most of the time
- Engage in excessive use of alcohol and other drugs
- Thoughts about suicide and death
- Reduced sexual desire and performance
- The person experiences insomnia
- Felling of fatigue and sadness
- Physical symptoms include headaches
- Compromised cognitive ability
- Change in appetite and weight
What Causes An Individual To Suffer From Depression?
The causes can be either related to genes or the environment. The known causes include:
- Genetics: If there are people in the family diagnosed with mood disorders, then it is more likely that others may also suffer from depression.
- Childhood Trauma: Childhood trauma can induce fear and anxiety and can eventually lead to depression.
- Activity in the Brain: Less activity in the frontal lobe correlates with the symptoms of depression.
- Substance abuse: The use of alcohol and other drugs increases the chances of developing mental disorders.
- Other medical conditions: Individuals diagnosed with ADHD and other chronic illnesses are prone to develop depression due to a lack of medical and emotional support.
What Tests Help in Diagnosing Depression?
The tests include blood testing to rule out the chances of hypothyroidism. The psychologist would use multiple psychological tests that include;
- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
- The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale
- Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
- Beck Depression Inventory
What are the Effective Treatment Options?
The treatment options include;
- Medication: Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications instantly help reduce the symptoms.
- Psychotherapy: It helps to overcome negative feelings.
- Light Therapy: Exposure to light helps to improve the mood and eliminate the symptoms of depression.
- Exercise: Workout produces endorphins that affect elevate the mood.
- Supplements: Supplements are proven beneficial as the overall health of the individual has an impact on the mood.
Who Can Help?
A psychiatrist can help in the diagnosis and managing of the symptoms. Individuals who notice the symptoms should consult a psychiatrist in Islamabad for diagnoses and guidance regarding treatment options. The clients can enhance their quality of life by taking medications and psychotherapy.
