Depression:
Depression (commonly known as Major Depressive Disorder) is a medical condition affecting your mood and ability to function. It has a detrimental impact on your feelings, thoughts, and behavior. It is estimated by the world health organization that 5% of adults suffer from depression. Suicide attempts are also part of the symptoms of depression
Sadness and/or a loss of interest in previous interests are indications of depression. An estimated 3.8% of the world’s population suffers from depression, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms, the influence on the person’s functioning, and the length of the episode, a depressive episode can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Among the symptoms of depression are:
- Feeling very sad, despairing, or worried
- Loss of enjoyment in once-enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite
- Increased fatigue or energy loss
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Having trouble focusing or remembering things
- Having bodily issues such as headaches, cramps, pains, and digestive problems
- Changes in how much you sleep
For a diagnosis, symptoms of depression must persist for at least two weeks and must indicate a shift from your post-level of functioning. Not every sign of depression is present in every person. While some people may only have a few symptoms, others could have numerous. For severe symptoms of depression diagnosis, there must be several enduring symptoms in addition to a depressed mood.
What causes depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the US. Though it can start at any age, it frequently does so in adulthood. Symptoms of Depression result from a complex combination of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events are more likely to develop depression.
Various factors can cause depression:
- Genetics: A family history of depression may exist. You could be more prone to developing depression if a family member already struggles with it.
- Life events: Tension, the death of a loved one, traumatic experiences, loneliness, and a lack of social support can all contribute to depression.
- Biochemistry: Differences in a few brain chemicals may be a factor in the development of depressive symptoms.
- Medical conditions: Chronic physical pain and illnesses might contribute to depression. Diabetes, cancer, and other similar diseases frequently coexist with depression in some people.
- Environmental factors: Some people may be more susceptible to depression if they are constantly exposed to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty.
- Medication: Depression is a side effect of some prescription meds. Alcohol and recreational drugs can both cause depression or intensify it.
How is depression syndrome diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will conduct an interview with you to determine whether you have clinical depression. You can fill out a questionnaire and provide a family history. In order to determine whether you have any further medical conditions, your doctor may also conduct an examination or request lab testing.
A medical professional may carry out a full diagnostic assessment before treatment, including an interview and a physical exam.
How is depression disorder treated?
Even the most severe symptoms of depression are treatable. Meanwhile, treatment is more successful the sooner it is started. Treatment for depression includes:
Psychotherapy: or “talk therapy,” is sometimes used to treat mild depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment method for depression. CBT helps a person recognize negative thinking to change thoughts more positively.
Medication: A prescription medicine called antidepressants might be prescribed to help modify one’s brain chemistry which causes depression. Antidepressants take a few weeks – to work, and often help symptoms to improve.
Self-help: People can take a variety of actions to assist lessen the symptoms of depression. Regular exercise, a good diet, stable, and quality sleep, and avoiding alcohol can all help lessen the symptoms of depression.
Alternative treatments: Complementary treatment can help those with minor depression or reoccurring symptoms of the condition. Massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback are all forms of therapy.
Brain stimulation treatment: People who suffer from severe depression may benefit from brain stimulation therapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive treatment (ECT), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are examples of brain stimulation therapies.
What things can you do to prevent depression?
If you’ve previously struggled with depression, you could be more prone to do so again. Get treatment if you are experiencing signs of depression but you can recover more quickly with care. Start:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Maintaining a nutritious diet
- Engaging in regular self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and exercise,
- Getting some physical activity
- Connecting with other people, and talking with people you trust
- Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, or drugs
- Cut back on social media time
- Maintain your treatment plan
- Plan for unavoidable known triggers
Treatment, Medication, and therapy for depression at Novus Beginning Psychiatry in Sugar Land, Texas
Follow these steps to begin counseling at Novus Beginning Psychiatry:
- Get in touch with our office to Schedule an Appointment or to learn more about the major symptoms of depression.
- Meet our Experienced Psychiatrist who will look for solutions to assist you with your psychological health
- Visit our website and learn more about human psychology.
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to be updated about psychological issues.
Additional Services We Provide
At Novus Beginning Psychiatry, we provide therapy and medication treatment services for people of all ages having anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, depression, ADHD, autism, and women’s issues. We provide couples and marriage counseling, counseling for children, young adults, and teenagers, Family therapy, men’s issues, trauma counseling, and group counseling. Please contact Novus Beginning Psychiatry immediately if you’d like to know more about our psychiatrist, therapist, and counseling service.
