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Introduction
Depression is a
strong feeling of sadness, dejection and
hopelessness. It is a brain disorder that affects
your whole body. Although life is filled with
unexpected events such as the death of a loved one,
loss of a job, major illness, or other catastrophic
events, not everybody becomes depressed. Most
individuals suffer only temporary feelings of
depression and find ways to adjust to life’s
challenges. However, there are certain individuals
who experience a major depressive episode when faced
by stressful situations.
Causes
The causes of depression are too complex to be
totally explained by a single social, biological, or
developmental theory. Several factors seem to work
together to trigger depressive disorders. Heredity
does seem to have a role, as studies have shown.
Additionally, having too little or too much of
certain neurochemicals in the brain have shown to be
the cause of depression.
Studies of brain functioning have revealed a complex
system of neurotransmitters that produce chemicals
that transfer signals from nerve cell to nerve cell.
Some of these neurotransmitters, such as serotonin,
are responsible for feelings of well-being.
Environmental or other associated health factors,
such as a serious loss, chronic illness, pregnancy,
childbirth, difficult relationships, financial
problems, alcohol, drug abuse and medications can
also trigger a depressive episode.
Symptoms
The symptoms of depression include:
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or
inappropriate guilt
- An increase or decrease in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering
or making decisions
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the
time
- Decreased sex drive
- Feeling pessimistic or hopeless
Treatment
Chronic depression is
commonly treated with a combination of drug and
psychotherapy. Drugs are used to treat the symptoms
of sadness and to correct any chemical imbalances in
the brain that contribute to depression. Therapy
helps to resolve any personal issues that may have
caused the depression. There are many different
types of antidepressants and it is helpful to have a
basic understanding of each type. The most commonly
used drugs for uncomplicated depression are the
tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors, (SSRIs). If a patient
does not respond to one type, therapy is often
switched to the other
Another type of anti-depressants are the
monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, and
tranylcypromine. Commonly known as "MAO inhibitors,"
these drugs are used in cases of atypical
depression. Symptoms of atypical depression that are
usually improved by MAO inhibitors include mood
reactivity, irritability, excessive sleeping,
overeating, bodily agitation, and over sensitivity
to rejection. However, they can cause severe and
life-threatening side effects if combined with
certain other drugs or foods.
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