Depression

Depression (Major Depressive Affective Disorder; Unipolar Disorder; Unipolar Mood Disorder)

Description depression

Depression is a mental illness characterized by a deep sense of grief and lack of interest in any activity. Constant bad mood affect the functionality and privacy. Also, depression can cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical, and emotional. It can last for weeks, months or years. People, depressed patients, rarely recover without treatment.

Causes of Depression

The exact cause of depression is unknown voniknoveniya. They may be associated with certain types of chemical reactions brain. Although the exact cause of depression is not installed, there are factors, which may play a role in its occurrence.

Risk Factors for Depression

Depression is more common in women. There are a number of factors, which can increase the risk of depression:

• A family history of depression;
• The presence of a spouse with depression;
• Episodes of depression in the past;
• Hormonal changes;
• Chronic diseases;
• Other disorders, related mental health, such as anxiety, addiction, insomnia and personality disorders;
• Traumatic brain injury in the past;
• The history of drug or alcohol abuse;
• Violence in family;
• Child abuse and neglect, or sexual abuse;
• Obesity;
• Aggressiveness last;
• Emotional or social factors, such as:
  • Little or no social support;
  • Negative thought patterns and beliefs;
  • Low self-esteem;
  • Lack of personal control over circumstances;
  • Feelings of helplessness.

Symptoms of depression

Symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Some people may have only few symptoms, while others may be many.

Symptoms may vary over time and may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness;
• Hopelessness;
• Guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness;
• Feeling tired;
• Restlessness or irritability;
• Sleeping problems, early awakening, or vice versa, severe drowsiness;
• Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities;
• Problems with concentration, remembering, or making decisions;
• Loss of interest in sex;
• More or less, than usual, Food consumption;
• Weight gain or weight loss;
• Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts;
• Physical symptoms, are not amenable to standard diagnosis and do not respond to medical treatment.

Diagnosis of Depression

There are no specific diagnostic tests for depression. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, paying particular attention to the following items:

• Alcohol and drug use;
• Thoughts of death or suicide;
• The presence of family members, who have or have had depression;
• Dream;
• Previous episodes of depression.

Tests can be performed to assess the mental state. This will help your doctor to get more information about the thoughts, memory and mood. Medical examination and other tests can help rule out the presence of other diseases.

Treating Depression

Treatment may include the use of drugs and / or psychotherapy.

Severe depression may require hospital treatment, especially if you are in danger of harming themselves or others.

Antidepressants for depression

Antidepressants can be most effective for people with severe depression. These medications need to be taken over 2-6 weeks to reach their maximum effectiveness. There are many different types of medicines to treat depression. Doctor will prescribe the most effective medication, which will bring the greatest benefit and has the least side effects.

Therapy

Psychotherapy for depression consists of various types of counseling. They include cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT), interpersonal therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or a combination thereof. Therapy is assigned to, to help you cope with difficulties in relationships, change negative thinking and behavior, and understand the complex feelings.

Diet and exercise

Changes in diet for depression

Studies show, that diets high in tryptophan and certain vitamins can be useful in the treatment of depression. There is also some evidence that, Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce depressive symptoms.

If you want to take supplements or change your diet, Please consult with your doctor.

Food supplements and herbal medicine intake

St. John's wort may be an effective alternative to standard medicines, having fewer side effects. Nonetheless, St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, antidepressants such as, birth control pills, blood thinners, Other medications. It is important to consult a doctor, before taking any herbs.

There is also some evidence, that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), hormone, which is available as a dietary supplement, It can help some people with depression.

Exercise for depression

Regular exercise helps to relieve some of the symptoms of depression. Physical activity plays an important role in reducing the symptoms of depression.

Medical treatments for treating depression

Эlektrosudorozhnaya therapy (MFA)

MFA – the use of electrical stimulation of the brain to induce artificial convulsive seizure. ECT may be used to treat severe or life-threatening depression. ECT is also used for parties, who can not take drugs or if other treatments proved ineffective. It is considered a safe and effective procedure.

Vagus nerve stimulation (RLS)

RLS is used as a method for the treatment of depression, when drugs and other methods have not brought the desired effect. Stimulator, special device, It stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (Central nervous system)

TMS involves the use of low-frequency magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. The change in electric field stimulates nerves. There are many studies, which show advantages in the treatment of depression TMS. It can be used, if the use of medication and psychotherapy has not brought relief.

Other treatment options for depression

Bright light therapy

Your doctor may recommend bright light therapy. It includes the time of exposure to high levels of light from a special source of strong light.

Meditation

Meditation can help reduce the symptoms of depression.

Prevention of depression

Methods of reducing the likelihood of depression include:

• Knowledge of the personal risk of depression;
• Passage of psychotherapy, if necessary;
• Social support;
• Learning stress management techniques;
• Regular physical activity and exercises;
• Refusal of alcohol or drug abuse;
• Adequate sleep, and Recreation;
• Eating healthy food, including fruit, vegetables and whole grains.