I have learned that depressive disorder commonly known as depression is a common mental condition that affects a person’s mood. The disorder generates severe signs that affects a person’s feelings, thoughts as well as handling of daily chores such as eating, working and sleeping (NHMH, n.d). Diagnosis of the disorder requires that symptoms be present for at least two weeks duration.
I have acquired new knowledge that depression has different categorizations. The first, persistent depressive disorder is a form of depression that lasts for a minimum of two years period. Postpartum depression is a form that is characterised by mild depressive and anxiety symptoms affecting women (NHMH, n.d). The signs may however clear two weeks after delivery. Psychotic depression occurs in individuals who have a form of psychosis coupled with severe depression. Symptoms include experiencing disturbing false beliefs, seeing or hearing hallucinations. Seasonal affective depression affects individuals during winter months and fades during spring and summer seasons (Mayoclinic.org, n.d). Symptoms include weight increase, withdrawal from social circles and change in sleep pattern. Bipolar is a form of depression characterised by low mood episodes which meet the threshold of depression disorder.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
From the knowledge I have acquired, additional symptoms include irritability, persistent sadness, anxiety, guilt feelings, helplessness or worthlessness. Decreased energy, fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies and fun activities, slowed talking, restlessness feelings and difficulties in concentration, making decisions and remembering also indicate likelihood of depression.
Risk factors linked to depression include major life changes, traumatic predispositions, certain physical diseases, medications as well as previous depression history.
Treatment of depression requires combination of medications and psychotherapy. Brain stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy can also be used if the aforementioned treatments fail. Medication entail use of antidepressant medicines. Psychotherapies examples include talk therapy or counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
I also have learned that beyond treatment, persons affected by depression are advised to be active and exercise, set realistic goals and spend time with others rather than isolating themselves.
References
National Institute of Mental Health NHMH (n.d). Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Mental Health Information. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
Mayoclinic.org (n.d). Mood disorders - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/
