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Depressive disorder or simply depression, is more than just feeling sad or going through a hard time. It is a serious and real mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be life changing for those who have it and their families. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and treatment consisting of medication, psychotherapy, support and a healthy lifestyle, many people can feel better.
It's important to realize that feeling down at times is part of normal life. Sad and upsetting events happen to everyone. But, if an individual is feeling down or hopeless on a regular basis, they could be dealing with depression.
Some people will only experience one depressive episode in their lifetime, but for most, depressive disorder is reoccurring. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.
Depression is also very common. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 8.1% of American adults ages 20 and over had depression in any given 2 week period from 2013-2016. People of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, but it does affect some groups more than others.
Depression can be more than just a constant state of feeling "blue."
Major depression can cause a variety of symptoms. Some affect a persons mood, and others affect the body. Symptoms may be ongoing or come and go.
The symptoms can be experienced differently between men, women, and children.
Anger, aggressiveness, irritability, anxiousness, mood swings, crying, and restlessness.
Feeling empty, sad, hopeless, guilty, and feelings of incompetence ("I can't do this.")
Loss of interest, no longer finding pleasure in favorite activities, feeling tired easily, withdrawal from social interaction, thoughts of suicide, excessive drinking or drug use, and engaging in high-risk activities.
Reduced sexual desire and lack of sexual performance.
Inability to concentrate, difficulty completing tasks, and talking or thinking more slowly.
Insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleepiness, not sleeping throughout the night, and oversleeping.
Fatigue, decreased energy, changes in apatite, changes in weight, increased cramps, headache, pains, and digestive problems.
Symptoms can vary.
Depression doesn't have just one single cause. It can be triggered by a crisis, physical illness, or something else completely. It can even occur spontaneously. Scientists believe several factors contribute to depression:
When people experience trauma at a young age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains react to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.
People with a family history of depression or other mood disorders are at a higher risk of developing one themselves.
Relationship status and changes, financial situation, family, and where they live can all influence whether a person develops depression or not.
Imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is depressed. Depression is also associated with changes in how the pituitary gland and hypothalamus respond to hormone stimulation.
Certain conditions can put people at a higher risk for depression. These include: chronic illness, chronic pain, insomnia, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some medical conditions (like hypothyroidism) can mimic depressive disorder. Some medications can also cause symptoms of depression.
21% of adults with a substance use disorder also experienced a major depressive episode in 2018. Co-occurring disorders require coordinated treatment for both conditions, as alcohol can worsen depressive symptoms.
There isn't one single test to diagnose depression, but a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based off of a person's symptoms and psychological evaluation.
They will most likely ask about:
Because depression can be linked to other health problems, a healthcare provider may also conduct a physical exam and order blood work. Sometimes thyroid problems or a vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms of depression.
Don't ignore these symptoms of depression. If a person's mood doesn't improve or gets worse, seek medical help. Depression is a serious mental illness with potential for complications.
Although depressive disorder can be a devastating illness, it often responds well to treatment. The key is to get a specific evaluation and treatment plan. Safety planning is important for individuals who have suicidal thoughts. After an assessment rules out other medical conditions, a treatment plan can include any or a combination of the following:
Including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family focused therapy, trauma therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy.
Including: antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
Exercise can increase the body's production of endorphins. This can help mild-moderate symptoms of depression. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 3-5 days a week.
Exposure to doses of white light using a box light can help regulate mood and improve symptoms of depression. This works by trying to regulate the hormone melatonin.
Including: acupuncture, meditation, faith, herbal supplements, and nutrition can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Talk with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or combining them with medication.
Depression can be temporary, or it can be a long-term challenge. Treatment doesn't always make depression go away completely. However, it does normally make symptom manageable. Managing symptoms of depression involves finding the right medication and therapy. This might take some time and a couple different combinations but don't give up. Keep talking to a healthcare provider until they find what works right.