Depression

Depression information for patients and their loved ones

Clinical depression is a type of psychiatric disorder that is marked by a consistently sad or low mood and an inability to enjoy pleasurable activities. It is typically accompanied by feelings of low self-worth, agitation, lethargy and insomnia or hypersomnia. Many people experiencing a depressive episode report that they are unable to take pleasure in things they normally would enjoy.

Types of Clinical Depression

In addition to major depressive disorder, which is the most common presentation of depression, clinicians have identified numerous subtypes of this psychological condition. These include:

  • Manic depression. Also known as bipolar disorder, manic depression is characterized by alternating periods of extreme activity and hyper-elevated mood with periods of extreme lethargy and low mood. Mixed episodes, during which elements of mania and depression are simultaneously present, may also occur.
  • Postpartum depression. This type of depression strikes mothers who have recently given birth to children. In a typical case of postpartum depression, abnormally low mood sets in within three months of giving birth and lasts anywhere from one to three months.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you suffer symptoms of severe depression during cold-weather months for two or more consecutive years with no symptoms occurring during spring and summer, a doctor may diagnose you with seasonal affective disorder.

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders

The methods used to manage and treat depression vary from case to case, but there are some commonalities among the therapies used to treat the various subtypes of the disorder.

Psychotherapy, both in individual and group sessions, can be extremely beneficial in some cases. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be used, especially in cases involving comorbid anxiety disorders.

Pharmaceutical treatments for depressed people include both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are also used in some cases. As an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, some patients have found that St. John’s Wort, tryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids are effective ways to combat symptoms.

More and more doctors are now prescribing workout routines as depression treatments because increasing numbers of clinical studies indicate that rigorous activity has a highly beneficial effect. However, depression information is rapidly changing as doctors gain further insight into the condition, so you’ll have to have your symptoms assessed by a qualified clinician to find the most effective treatment.