Overview: Depression
Apparently, depression refers to a mood disorder that leads to a persistent loss of interest and a feeling of sadness (Herrman et al., 2009). Connectively, depression affects the way one feels, thinks and behaves and can lead to many different physical and emotional problems. Critical to note is that despite the fact that depression can occur once in one’s lifetime, typically, people experience multiple episodes. Most of the common symptoms of depression include sadness, hopelessness, Sleep disturbances, angry outbursts, frustration or irritability, restlessness, agitation, Anxiety, Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, among other symptoms. Notably, some of the leading causes of depression include biological differences, brain chemistry; inherited traits band hormones (Glassman et al., 2011). According to the Healthy People 2020, several determinants or indicators have been linked to depression which includes age, gender, and race, education level, income level, geographic location and sexual orientation. Further, other social factors include school and work conditions, employment opportunities, social support, family, interpersonal or community dynamics, which influence the risk or outcomes of depression both positively and negatively.
Treatment or Management of Depression Prior to 1900
Evidently, at the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment, which was in the 1700s and early 1800s, depression was being thought as unchangeable and inherited weakness of temperament (Herrman et al., 2009). Connectively, this would lead to the common belief that those affected by depression needed to be locked up or shunned. Consequently, most of those with this mental illness would become poor and homeless while some would be committed to institutions. Before the end of the nineteenth century, depression would be distinguished from schizophrenia in 1895 by Emil Kraepelin, who was a German psychiatrist. In this period, Psychoanalysis, which is a psychotherapy based on psychodynamic theory would become popular as depression treatment method. Although most physicians took depression as brain and physical disorder, in 1917, Sigmund Freud recommended the use of psychoanalysis in resolving unconscious conflicts as well as reducing the need for self-abusive behavior and thoughts. It is important to underscore that in the late 1800s and early 1900s, treatments were not adequate for those suffering from severe depression. Thus, many victims were desperately treated with lobotomy, which was being taken as a way of calming the situation. In most cases, Lobotomies would become unsuccessful since they were leading to poor judgments, poor decision making and personality changes among the victims (Herrman et al., 2009) . Together with aforementioned treatment methods, electroconvulsive therapy was also applied for those with depression, though it was one of the popular treatments for schizophrenia.
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Treatment or Management of Depression Around 1950
As the search for organic cause as well as treatments for mental diseases continued, in 1952 it was noted that isoniazid, a tuberculosis medication, could also be used in treating depression, which led to the popularity of medications in dealing with this mental illness (Rosenbluth et al., 2015) . However, new theories would emerge of how to deal with depression, which included Behaviorism, Cognitive Behavior, Client-centered (Humanistic), and Family Systems therapies.
Treatment or Management of Depression Today
Currently, the aforementioned therapies are commonly used, but others have been introduced. The most common forms of therapies include Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). However, much emphasis and advancements have been made on the types of medications being used in the treatment of depression. Notably, different types of antidepressants have been introduced. Other forms of medications include the use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and Benzodiazepines (sleeping pills and tranquillizers).
Summary
Depression is one of the common mental illnesses that affect many in the society. As noted above, though there was discrimination for those with depression before the nineteenth century, the society has changed its attitude towards these people. Further, developments and discovery of different forms of treatments, both psychotherapies and medications have been introduced.
References
Glassman, A., Maj, M. M., & Sartorius, N. (2011). Depression and Heart Disease . New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Herrman, H., Maj, M., Sartorius, N., & Wiley InterScience (Online service). (2009). Depressive disorders . Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Rosenbluth, M., Kennedy, S. H., & Bagby, R. M. (2015). Depression and personality: Conceptual and clinical challenges . Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub.
