What is depression?

Although it is often associated with sadness, depression is a mental illness that is much more complex and ongoing than a temporary feeling. In fact, sadness is only one possible sign of depression — those with depression often show changes in their moods, behaviors and physical functioning (known as somatic symptoms).

People who are depressed often experience a lack of interest in activities or situations that were previously enjoyable or motivating to them. They might have trouble focusing or completing tasks, and my retreat and avoid social situations. While some people suffering from depression have a decreased appetite and inability to sleep, others may sleep and eat more than usual. Depressed people may have a low sex drive, and may often feel tired or have low energy levels.

Depressed people often have a defeatist outlook, and may have a feeling of hopelessness about their lives and their futures. They often have a poor self-image, and may repeatedly dwell on their own faults and the negative aspects of their lives.

Anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with depression, with many depressed people also suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, phobias or other conditions. Depression often is lifelong and occurs in episodes. With treatment, the episodes subside, and ongoing treatment can prevent future episodes.

Certain types of depression only occur in specific situations. Postpartum depression happens in women after giving birth and is related to hormonal changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs in the winter months and is thought to be caused by a lack of natural sunlight.

Overall, the exact cause of depression is not fully understood, although it is known that the brain plays a key role. Scientists have shown, through MRI imaging, that the centers of the brain that regulate mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior look different in depressed people than in those who are not depressed. However, the nature of these differences is not yet clear, and they still do not explain the cause of depression.

In some cases, depression runs in families, but those without family history may still suffer from depression. Ongoing research is being conducted in hopes of better understanding the genetic causes of depression. Some of this research has suggested that depression is a combination of genetics and environment. Episodes of depression may also occur in response to a life event, such as trauma, death of a loved one, relationship problems, or any other upsetting or disruptive event.

There are various ways to treat depression. One way is through the use of antidepressant medications. Currently, most antidepressants target the brain’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, to achieve changes in mood. These medications often take 2 to 4 weeks — sometimes as long as 6 weeks — to take full effect. It is important to continue to take them as prescribed to avoid the recurrence of symptoms.

Some antidepressants may have side effects, such as headaches, insomnia, nausea or sexual side effects. A dose decrease or a switch to a different medication may be needed if these side effects persist.

Many people with depression also benefit from psychotherapy. Also known as “talk therapy,” this treatment teaches a depressed person to challenge or modify their negative thoughts. Other types of psychotherapy may help a person to process and resolve the traumatic situations that may have caused or worsened their depression.

Reference:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.

http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?sect ion=Depression.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0016626/.