Introduction
Mental health is an important factor in the lives of every individual, which requires people to have knowledge of some of the most common mental illnesses. Due to the changing times, people are exposed to various circumstances, which can lead to developing mental conditions. It is, therefore, important for people to have knowledge of some of the most common mental illnesses including information on what such conditions are, as well as what causes them among others. Depression is one of the most common mental conditions that sometimes goes unnoticed especially in certain communities, owing to the lack of knowledge on the same. Depression as a mental condition can be understood by establishing what the condition is, what causes it, the different types of depression, those at risk of getting depression, its signs, and symptoms, its diagnosis, as well as how it is treated. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to provide information on depression with regards to what the condition is, what causes it, the different types of depression, its signs and symptoms, its diagnosis, as well as how it is treated. This research will be conducted in an effort to provide an understanding of the mental condition and promote mental health.
What is Depression?
Depression is a term used to refer to a mental condition that signals an abnormal emotional state that is common, debilitating, as well as potentially lethal (Oyebode, 2015). Depression can be described as being associated with a continuum of severity. Depression can range from mild, which is characterized by a more transient depressed state or mood, to more severe, chronic forms. In many instances, people have confused depression with sadness, which is a normal emotional state. However, depression is an indication of an abnormal emotional state, which when it becomes severe and requires professional treatment, is referred to as clinical depression. According to research, there is a high likelihood that depression and sadness are distinct psychopathological experiences (Oyebode, 2015). Psychopathological is a term used to refer to two things with one being the study of mental distress or mental illness and the other being the study of the manifestation of experiences as well as behaviors that may be an indication of psychological impairment or mental illness. This means that the two are different, hence caution should be taken not confuse one for the other as this may hinder chances of administering effective treatment to the patient.
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Sadness should not be conducted for depression and vice versa because the two have different typologies (Oyebode, 2015). Typology is a term used to refer to a classification in accordance with general type. Therefore, sadness and depression do not belong to the same type of condition and are classified separately. However, research has indicated that depression can also be associated with other mental illnesses and conditions such as bi-polar. As a result, depression can be categorized depending on the causes as well as the symptoms that manifest in an individual, thus types of depression.
Types of Depression
When people think about depression, they either think about clinical depression which requires treatment or the typical depression that everyone experiences from time to time. However, there are more types of depression each associated with various symptoms, treatments as well as causes. The different types of depression are attributed to the manifestation of depression symptoms in an individual. In addition to that, the symptoms of depression vary depending on the severity and the causes, thus the need to establish the two before classifying depression in an individual (American Psychiatric Association., & American Psychiatric Association 2013). For instance, while major depressive disorder, commonly abbreviated (MDD) may not have a particular cause or one that is identifiable in a particular individual, postpartum depression is associated with women and childbirth. There are two primary types of clinical depression namely the depressive phase of bipolar disorder and major depression. However, there are other forms of depression that cannot necessarily be categorized as clinical depression including postpartum depression among others (American Psychiatric Association., & American Psychiatric Association 2013).
On the one hand, Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or unipolar depression is the type of abnormal emotional state that people associate with the term depression (Schimelpfening, 2018). This is what people think of when they think about depression in general or normal everyday conversations. This type of depression is typically characterized by feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed, sleeping problems such as insomnia, change in appetite that may lead to weight loss, decision-making problems, as well as the inability to fully concentrate among others.
In addition, the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, owing to the fact that depression is a mental condition associated with bipolar disorder, is the abnormal emotion state for people with bipolar. Individuals who suffer from bipolar have a tendency to alternate between highs and lows. The high moments are periods of greatly elevated mood, which is commonly referred to as mania, while the low moments are the periods of depression, where people with bipolar are at an abnormal emotional state (Martin, 2007). During depressive periods of the illness, an individual may display some of the symptoms associated with major depression such as feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed, and sleeping problems such as insomnia among others. However, during the manic phase, people with bipolar condition may experience symptoms that are completely opposite from those associated with the depressive periods/major depression. These include impulsivity, hypersexual behavior, sleeplessness, rapid speech, racing thoughts, poor judgment, as well as increased energy (Martin, 2007). There are other forms of depression that are not necessarily categorized as clinical psychology, such as postpartum depression.
According to the American Psychiatric Association and American Psychiatric Association (2013), postpartum depression is associated with women and childbirth. Pregnancy can result in a significant sift with regards to a woman hormones, which often affects the woman’s moods. Depression among some pregnant women is common, which can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth, which is what is termed as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can range from persistent sadness and lethargy all the way up to postpartum psychosis, which is typically associated with delusion, hallucinations, as well as confusion (Schimelpfening, 2018). Women who are undergoing postpartum depression may experience feelings of being burdened, which may translate into them not caring for their newborns as should be. Therefore, it is important for those around new mothers to offer support and comfort to such women so as to help in instances of postpartum depression.
Other types of depression include persistent depressive disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), atypical depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that is present for more days than not for a period of at least two years (Schimelpfening, 2018). Persistent depressive disorder can be associated with mildness, being moderate, or being severer. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), results in symptom similar to those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as food craving, but with more pronounced mood-related symptoms (Schimelpfening, 2018). When a person is experiencing Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) they may exhibit irritability, inability to concentrate, fatigue extreme feelings of anxiety or stress, as well as moods swing that are associated with instances of crying among others.
Seasonal affective disorder, abbreviated (SAD), is major depression that has seasonal patterns. SAD is associated with a disruption to the body’s normal circadian rhythm, which triggers the condition. The circadian rhythm is influenced by light entering through an individual’s eyes. This means that seasonal variations in the day/night patterns can disrupt the body’s normal circadian rhythm triggering depression. People who live in the far northern or far southern regions of the earth are likely to experience Seasonal affective disorder. However, this can be treated with light therapy which will offset the seasonal loss associated with daylight (Schimelpfening, 2018). Atypical depression is the type of depression that is not associated with the typical characteristics of major depression. It is instead characterized by excessive eating and weight gain, excessive sleep, excessive fatigue, strongly reactive moods, as well as intense sensitivity to rejection (Schimelpfening, 2018). Atypical depression is rather common and can often go unnoticed thus the need to be conversant with the different types of depression. However, unlike other types of depression, atypical depression can easily be treated by a depressant known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO).
Causes of Depression
Many studies have presented their findings arguing that there is no clear way of establishing or determining what causes depression. Many of the studies’ findings suggest that depression can be influenced by the interplay of various factors, some of which may not even be related in any way. The interplay of the various factors may not directly cue depression but may make an individual prone to the mental condition. Some studies have argued that depression can be an inherited condition whereby some of the brain’s mood-regulating chemical fail to function properly or as they should. Environmental factors may also contribute to an individual becoming prone to depression, especially if they detrimental implications on an individual’s mental health and well-being.
Among the cause of depression is the genetic and biological makeup of an individual. Adoption, family and twin studies have suggested that there is a possible link between depression and genetic (Beck & Alord 2009). However, researchers cannot fully ascertain the genetic risk factors associated with developing the mental condition. Therefore, currently, most researchers speculate that having parents or siblings with the mental condition is an associated risk factor. Twin studies have shown that in instances where twins, fraternal and identical, have depression, their percentages are linked to their shared genetic composition, thus the linking of depression to genetic and biological makeup. Another cause of depression is an imbalance of brain chemistry, which is associated with the failure of neurotransmitters to regulate mood due to their imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances produced in the brain that are responsible for facilitating communication between the different parts of the brain. However, when there is imbalance or shortage of supply of certain neurotransmitters, an individual may experience symptoms associated with clinical depression.
The hormones found in females, also sex hormones, can also be responsible for causing depression. Many studies have presented findings on which of the sexes suffers more from major depression than the other, with findings indicating that women suffer from the condition twice as much as men do (Schimelpfening, 2018). Owing to the indication that the onset of depressive disorder among women occurs during a woman’s reproductive years, hormones are as a risk factor for depression among women. Therefore, women are especially susceptible to depressive disorders when their hormones are in flux such as during their menstrual period, perimenopause, as well as during childbirth (Schimelpfening, 2018. Linking depression to women’s hormones is further reinforced by the fact that the risk of developing depression declines after a woman goes through menopause. Circadian Rhythm Disturbance also causes depression, particularly the type known as Seasonal affective disorder, abbreviated (SAD). The circadian rhythm is influenced by light entering through an individual’s eyes. This means that seasonal variations in the day/night patterns can disrupt the body’s normal circadian rhythm triggering depression (Schimelpfening, 2018). Therefore, the individuals who live in the far northern or far southern regions of the earth are likely to experience this type of depression.
Stressful life events and other environmental factors can also trigger depression owing to the overwhelming effect they may have on an individual. When a stressful event such as losing one’s job or being in a stressful relationship occurs it can cause difficulty in coping with the loss, thus contributing to the onset of depression (Beck & Alord 2009). Certain studies have linked the production of the hormone cortisol to stressful periods. In addition to that researchers have argued that the hormone has the possibility of affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin hence contributing to depression. Others studies have indicated a connection between drug abuse and depression, despite the notion that people use drugs to cope with depression meaning they already have it before they start using drugs. However, studies have shown that drugs, including certain prescription drugs such as Inderal (propranolol hydrochloride) and Lariam (mefloquine) among others, as well as alcohol contribute to depression. Some of the groups of drugs that have been known to contribute to depression include statins, stimulants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, as well as benzodiazepines (Pattern & Love, 1993). In the event an individual experiences depression that is not linked to other causes but instead on a certain medication, they should review the medication and consult their physician. This should be done to establish whether the depression is as a result of the medication.
Grief and loss have also be associated with depression since dealing with the loss of a loved one can be quite devastating. As a result, grieving individuals may experience many of the symptom associated with depression (Beck & Alord 2009). Depression following the loss of a loved one is typically characterized by poor appetite, trouble sleeping, as well as loss in interest or pleasure in activities. Depression resulting from grief and loss is expected to diminish over time. However, when the depression gets worse it may develop into major/clinical depression, which may require professional help to treat. Physical health problems can also cause the person suffering from them to develop the mental condition of depression (Beck & Alord 2009). Owing to the fact that the body and mind are linked, health problems with the body can result in health problems with the mind, thus the development of mental illnesses and conditions. Therefore, people have certain challenges with their physical health may start experiencing a negative change with regards to the stat of their mental health state. Illness, such as physical injury can contribute to episodes of major depression due to the stress it triggers within the person suffering from the illness. In addition to that, there are certain lenses that are associated with the symptoms of depression such as liver disease, thyroid disorders, as well as Addison's disease.
Poor nutrition has also been linked to depression owing to the fact that the deficiency of certain of a variety of minerals and vitamins cause symptoms associated with depression. According to certain studies, diets that are either low in omega-3 fatty acids or one that has an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 are linked to increased rates of depression. In addition to that, diets that are high in sugar content have also been linked to depression (Beck & Alord 2009). Abuse is also another leading cause of depression as it can cause trauma, which can contribute to the development of symptoms associated with depression (Beck & Alord 2009). Abused people tend to develop tendencies of fear and wanting to isolate themselves, which causes them to develop the symptoms associated with depression. Victims of abuse who cannot share their experiences with others keep those emotions inside, which can cause them to feel worthless, and hence develop depression. Victims of abuse such as domestic violence or rape tend to become less responsive to the activities that once triggered joy and happiness, which slowly contributes to the development of symptoms associated with depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depending on the type and cause of depression, some of the common symptoms associated with the mental condition have been previously mentioned. But a general outlook on the signs and symptoms indicate them as including feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed, sleeping problems such as insomnia, change in appetite that may lead to weight loss, decision-making problems, loss in appetite as well as the inability to fully concentrate among others, especially in the case of major depression.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression
In most cases, the diagnosis of depression is dependent on a doctor’s ability to make a proper diagnosis based on a patient’s set of symptoms, as well as what they can note about the patient during an examination to establish the same. Therefore, one would say that the diagnosis of depression is more of an art than it is science. However, there are specific laboratory tests that can be conducted to rule out other mental conditions as associated with the development of depression, hence there is no definitive test for depression as of yet.
However, clinicians and psychiatrists currently rely on The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to rule out other mental illnesses in an effort to diagnose depression (Kendler, 2016). Depression can be treated using certain methods including the use of medication. A patient suffering from depression can be given medication such as antidepressants to control the symptoms of depression. The most popular choice regarding antidepressants is that of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), owing to their effectiveness, as well as having fewer side effects compared to previous antidepressants. Another way of treating depression is through psychotherapy, or talk therapy, which is also a common choice of treatment. The efficacy of psychotherapy is especially seen when combined with antidepressants (Cuijpers, Sijbrandij, Koole, Andersson, Beekman, & Reynolds III, 2014). For patients who do not respond to antidepressant therapy or psychotherapy, other options of treatment such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can be used.
Conclusion
Depression is a mental condition that signals an abnormal emotional state that is common, debilitating, as well as potentially lethal. There are different types of depression with the main ones being major/clinical depression and depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Depression can be caused by many things including grief and loss, drug, abuse, stressful events and environment, as well as female hormones among other causes. The mental condition is associated with certain general symptoms including feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities that one previously enjoyed, sleeping problems such as insomnia, weight loss, decision-making problems, loss in appetite as well as the inability to fully concentrate among others. Although the diagnosis for depression is yet to be established doctors conduct exams and observation in an effort to do the same. Depression patients can seek psychotherapy or antidepressant therapy as treatment methods.
References
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