Depression may range from the very mild, moderate, to severe forms of this condition depending upon the symptoms associated with each condition and the extent the condition interferes with our everyday functioning. A major depression can result from a single traumatic event in your life, or may develop slowly as a consequence of numerous personal disappointments and life problems. Some people appear to develop the symptoms of a major depression without any obvious life crisis causing it.
Not everyone who is depressed show symptoms. For some, the symptoms may be few and far between. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals, with regard to age, sex and even time. Major depression can respond to treatment, and never occur again within your lifetime. Some people tend to have recurring depression, with episodes of depression followed by periods of several years without depression, followed by another episode, usually in response to another trauma.
An endogenous depression is a biologically caused depression, due presumably to either genetic causes or a malfunction in the brain chemistry. Major depression is one of the most common chronic conditions. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth. This is a result of the hormonal and physical changes that they have experienced.
Major depression is characterized by some of these symptoms. Insomnia, change in appetite, guilt, excess fatigue, irritability, feeling of hopelessness, lethargy and suicidal tendencies. If depression is very severe, it may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These are usually consistent with the depressed mood, and may focus on themes of guilt, personal inadequacy, or disease.
Medications for major depression include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and some newer antidepressant drugs. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people who don't respond to other treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), alters brain functioning in a way similar to ECT, with fewer side effects.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through well-balanced meals. Avoid alcohol and drugs which make depression worse and may interfere with medications. Regular exercises and relaxation tecniques, sleep, and supportive interpersonal relationships through group and family therapies help in speeding the curative process.
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article source: Healthy Living Article Directory.com
