Depression

DEPRESSION

Everything You Need to Know
About Depression

complied by SMNC 38

PATCHARIDA AREEPORM

SUMET WILASRI

SURADSAWADEE POLMONTRI

CONTENT

1 What is depression
2 Depression symptoms
3 Depression causes
4 Treatment for depression
5 Natural remedies and lifestyle tips
6 Depression test
7 Types of depression
8 Depression and anxiety
9 Depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)
10 Depression with psychosis

11 Depression in pregnancy
12 Depression and alcohol
13 Preventing depression
14 Outlook for depression

Depression What is depression ?

1

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. It may be described as feelings of
sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities.

It’s also fairly common. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Trusted Source estimates that 18.5 percent of American adults had symptoms of
depression in any given 2-week period in 2019.

Though depression and grief share some features, depression is different from
grief felt after losing a loved one or sadness felt after a traumatic life event.
Depression usually involves self-loathing or a loss of self-esteem, while grief
typically does not.

In grief, positive emotions and happy memories of the deceased typically accompany
feelings of emotional pain. In major depressive disorder, the feelings
of sadness are constant.

People experience depression in different ways. It may interfere with your daily work,
resulting in lost time and lower productivity. It can also influence relationships and
some chronic health conditions.

Conditions that can get worse due to depression include:

arthritis
asthma
cardiovascular disease
cancer
diabetes
obesity

It’s important to realize that feeling down at times is a normal part of life. Sad and
upsetting events happen to everyone. But if you’re feeling down or hopeless on a
regular basis, you could be dealing with depression.

Depression is considered a serious medical condition that can get worse without
proper treatment.

1

Depression Depression symptoms

2

Depression can be more than a constant state of sadness or feeling “blue.”

Major depression can cause a variety of symptoms. Some affect your mood and
others affect your body. Symptoms may also be ongoing or come and go.

General signs and symptoms
Not everyone with depression will experience the same symptoms. Symptoms
can vary in severity, how often they happen, and how long they last.

If you experience some of the following signs and symptomsTrusted Source of
depression nearly every day for at least 2 weeks, you may be living with
depression:

feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”


feeling hopeless, worthless, and pessimistic

crying a lot
feeling bothered, annoyed, or angry
loss of interest in hobbies and interests you once enjoyed
decreased energy or fatigue
difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
moving or talking more slowly
difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
appetite or weight changes
chronic physical pain with no clear cause that does not get better with
treatment (headaches, aches or pains, digestive problems, cramps)
thoughts of death, suicide, self-harm, or suicide attempts

The symptoms of depression can be experienced differently among males,
females, teens, and children.

2

Depression symptoms

Depression

Males may experience symptoms related to their:

mood, such as anger, aggressiveness, irritability, anxiousness, or
restlessness
emotional well-being, such as feeling empty, sad, or hopeless
behavior, such as loss of interest, no longer finding pleasure in favorite
activities, feeling tired easily, thoughts of suicide, drinking excessively,
using drugs, or engaging in high-risk activities
sexual interest, such as reduced sexual desire or lack of sexual
performance
cognitive abilities, such as inability to concentrate, difficulty completing
tasks, or delayed responses during conversations
sleep patterns, such as insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleepiness,
or not sleeping through the night
physical well-being, such as fatigue, pains, headache, or digestive
problems

3

Depression Depression causes

3

Females may experience symptoms related to their:

mood, such as irritability
emotional well-being, such as feeling sad or empty, anxious, or
hopeless
behavior, such as loss of interest in activities, withdrawing from social
engagements, or thoughts of suicide
cognitive abilities, such as thinking or talking more slowly
sleep patterns, such as difficulty sleeping through the night, waking
early, or sleeping too much
physical well-being, such as decreased energy, greater fatigue,
changes in appetite, weight changes, aches, pain, headaches, or
increased cramps

4

Depression Depression causes

There are several possible causes of depression. They can range from
biological to circumstantial.

Common causes include:

Brain chemistry. There may be a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain
that manage mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, and behavior in people who
have depression.

Hormone levels. Changes in female hormones estrogen and progesterone
during different periods of time like during the menstrual cycle, postpartum
period, perimenopause, or menopause may all raise a person’s risk for
depression.

Family history. You’re at a higher risk for developing depression if you
have a family history of depression or another mood disorder.

Early childhood trauma. Some events affect the way your body reacts to
fear and stressful situations.

Brain structure. There’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of
your brain is less active. However, scientists don’t know if this happens
before or after the onset of depressive symptoms.

Medical conditions. Certain conditions put you at higher risk, such as
chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart
attack, and cancer.

Substance use. A history of substance or alcohol misuse can affect your
risk.

Pain. People who feel emotional or chronic physical pain for long periods of
time are significantly to develop depression.

5

Depression Depression causes

Risk factors

Risk factors for depression can be biochemical, medical, social, genetic, or
circumstantial. Common risk factors include:

Sex. The prevalence of major depression is twice as high in females as in
males.
Genetics. You have an increased risk of depression if you have a family history
of it.
Socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status, including financial problems
and perceived low social status, can increase your risk of depression.
Certain medications. Certain drugs including some types of hormonal birth
control, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers may be associated with an increased
risk of depression.
Vitamin D deficiency. Studies have linked depressive symptoms to low levels
of vitamin D.
Gender identity. The risk of depression for transgender people is nearly 4-fold
that of cisgender people, according to a 2018 study.
Substance misuse. About 21 percent of people who have a substance use
disorder also experience depression.
Medical illnesses. Depression is associated with other chronic medical
illnesses. People with heart disease are about twice as likely to have depression
as people who don’t, while up to 1 in 4 people with cancer may also experience
depression.

The causes of depression are often tied to other elements of your health.

6

Treatment for depression

Depression

4

You may successfully manage symptoms with one form of treatment, or you may find
that a combination of treatments works best.

It’s common to combine medical treatments and lifestyle therapies, including the
following:

Medications
Your healthcare professional may prescribe:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications and tend to
have few side effects. They treat depression by increasing the availability of the
neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain.

SSRIs should not be taken with certain drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs) and in some cases thioridazine or Orap (pimozide).

People who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare professionals about the risks
of taking SSRIs during pregnancy. You should also use caution if you have narrow-
angle glaucoma.

Examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine
(Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil XR, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft).

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs treat depression by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitters serotonin
and norepinephrine in your brain.

SNRIs should not be taken with MAOIs. You should use caution if you have liver or
kidney problems, or narrow-angle glaucoma.

Examples of SNRIs include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla), duloxetine (Cymbalta,
Irenka), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), milnacipran (Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor
XR).

7

Treatment for depression

Depression

Psychotherapy

Speaking with a therapist can help you learn skills to cope with negative feelings.
You may also benefit from family or group therapy sessions.

Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” is when a person speaks to a
trained therapist to identify and learn to cope with the factors that contribute to their
mental health condition, such as depression.

Psychotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment in improving
symptoms in people with depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Psychotherapy is often used alongside pharmaceutical treatment. There are
many different types of psychotherapy, and some people respond better to one type
than another.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses electrical currents to induce a seizure, and
has been shown to help people with clinical depression. It’s used in people with
severe depression or depression that is resistant to other treatments or
antidepressant medications.

During an ECT procedure, you’ll receive an anesthetic agent which will put you to
sleep for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Your healthcare professional will place cardiac monitoring pads on your chest and
four electrodes on specific areas of your head. They will then deliver short electrical
pulses for a few seconds. You will neither convulse nor feel the electrical current and
will awaken about 5 to 10 minutes after treatment.

Side effects include headaches, nausea, muscle aches and soreness, and
confusion or disorientation.

Patients may also develop memory problems, but these usually reside in the
weeks and months after treatment

8

Depression Natural remedies and lifestyle tips

5

Natural remedies and lifestyle tips

Exercise
Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity 3 to 5 days a week. Exercise can increase your
body’s production of endorphins, which are hormones that improve your mood.
Avoid alcohol and substance use
Drinking alcohol or misusing substances may make you feel better for a little bit. But in the
long run, these substances can make depression and anxiety symptoms worse.
Learn how to set limits
Feeling overwhelmed can worsen anxiety and depression symptoms. Setting boundaries
in your professional and personal life can help you feel better.

Take care of yoursel
You can also improve symptoms of depression by taking care of yourself. This includes
getting plenty of sleep, eating a healthy diet, avoiding negative people, and
participating in enjoyable activities.
Sometimes depression doesn’t respond to medication. Your healthcare professional
may recommend other treatment options if your symptoms don’t improve.
These options include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial
magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression and improve your mood.

9

Depression Natural remedies and lifestyle tips

Supplements
Several types of supplements may have some positive effect on depression symptoms.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
Some research ! suggests this compound may ease symptoms of depression.
The effects were best seen in people taking SSRIs. However, the results of this
research is not conclusive and more research is needed.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-HTP may raise ! serotonin levels in the brain, which could ease symptoms. Your body
makes this chemical when you consume tryptophan, a building block of protein.
However, more studies are needed.
Omega-3 fatty acids
These essential fats are important to neurological development and brain health.
Adding omega-3 supplements to your diet may help ! reduce depression symptoms.
However, there is some conflicting evidence and more research is needed.
Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements, as they may interact with other
medications or have negative effects.

10

Depression Natural remedies and lifestyle tips

Vitamins
Vitamins are important to many bodily functions. Research suggests two vitamins
are especially useful for easing symptoms of depression:
Vitamin B: B-12 and B-6 are vital to brain health. When your vitamin B levels are
low, your risk for developing depression may be ! higher.
Vitamin D: Sometimes called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is important for
brain, heart, and bone health. There may be ! a link between vitamin D deficiency
and depression, but more research is needed.
Many herbs, supplements, and vitamins claim to help ease symptoms of
depression, but most haven’t shown themselves to be effective in clinical
research.
Learn about herbs, vitamins, and supplements that have shown some promise,
and ask your healthcare professional if any are right for you.

11

Depression Depression test

6

There isn’t a single test to diagnose depression. But your healthcare provider can make
a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a psychological evaluation.

In most cases, they’ll ask a series of questions about your:

moods
appetite
sleep pattern
activity level
thoughts
Because depression can be linked to other health problems, your healthcare
professional may also conduct a physical examination and order blood work. Sometimes
thyroid problems or a vitamin D deficiency can trigger symptoms of depression.

It’s important not to ignore symptoms of depression. If your mood doesn’t improve or
gets worse, seek medical help. Depression is a serious mental health illness with the
potential for complications.

If left untreated, complications can include :

weight gain or loss
physical pain
substance use disorder
panic attacks
relationship problems
social isolation
thoughts of suicide
self-harm

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Depression Types of depression

7

Depression can be broken into categories depending on the severity of symptoms.
Some people experience mild and temporary episodes, while others experience
severe and ongoing depressive episodes.

There are two main types: major depressive disorder and persistent depressive
disorder.

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the more severe form of depression. It’s
characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
that don’t go away on their own.

In order to be diagnosed with clinical depression, you must experience five or more
of the following symptoms over a 2-week period:

feeling depressed most of the day
loss of interest in most regular activities
significant weight loss or gain
sleeping a lot or not being able to sleep
slowed thinking or movement
fatigue or low energy most days
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
loss of concentration or indecisiveness
recurring thoughts of death or suicide

13

Depression Types of depression

Persistent depressive disorder

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) used to be called dysthymia. It’s a milder, but
chronic, form of depression.
In order for the diagnosis to be made, symptoms must last for at least 2 years. PDD
can affect your life more than major depression because it lasts for a longer period.

It’s common for people with PDD to:
lose interest in normal daily activities
feel hopeless
lack productivity
have low self-esteem
Depression can be treated successfully, but it’s important to stick to your treatment
plan.
Read more about why depression treatment is important.
Living with depression can be difficult, but treatment can help improve your quality of
life. Talk to your healthcare professional about possible options.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already
have a doctor.

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Depression Types of depression

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression refers to depression that happens after childbirth. It is a
common disorder after pregnancy, affecting 1 in 9 new parents.

It’s common for people to experience “baby blues,” or feelings of sadness or
emptiness after childbirth. For many people, these symptoms go away in a couple of
days.

But if you feel sad, hopeless, or empty for longer than 2 weeks post-childbirth, you
may have postpartum depression.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can range from mild to severe and can include:

feeling restless or moody
feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
having thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself
not having an interest in the baby, feeling disconnected, or as if your baby is
someone else’s
having no energy or motivation
eating too little or too much
sleeping too little or too much
having trouble focusing
having memory problems
feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad parent
withdrawing from activities you once enjoyed
withdrawing from friends and family
having headaches, aches, or stomach issues that don’t go away
feeling empty, unconnected, or as though you might not love or care for the baby

Postpartum depression is thought to be triggered by the dramatic hormonal changes
that take place after pregnancy.

15

Depression Types of depression

Bipolar depression occurs in certain types of bipolar disorder when a person
experiences a depressive episode.

Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes distinct changes in mood, energy,
concentration, and the ability to carry out your day-to-day tasks.

There are three types of bipolar disorder, all of which include periods known as
manic episodes, where you feel extremely “up,” elated, or energized, and depressive
episodes where you feel “down,” sad, or hopeless.

If you have bipolar disorder, it can be hard to recognize the harmful effects of each
“mood episode.”

People having a depressive episode :

feel very sad, hopeless, or empty
feel slowed down or restless
have trouble falling asleep, wake up too early, or sleep too much
have an increased appetite and weight gain
talk very slowly, forget things, or feel like they have nothing to say
have trouble concentrating or making decisions
feel unable to do basic tasks
have little interest in activities
have a decreased or absent sex drive
have thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms during a depressive episode last every day for most of the day and can
last for several days or weeks.

If bipolar disorder is treated, many will experience fewer and less severe symptoms
of depression, if they experience depressive episodes.

These 7 treatments may help ease symptoms of bipolar depression.

16

Depression Depression and anxiety

8

Depression and anxiety can occur in a person at the same time. In fact, research has
shown that over 70 percent of people with depressive disorders also have symptoms
of anxiety.

Though they’re thought to be caused by different things, depression and anxiety can
produce several similar symptoms, which can include:

irritability
difficulty with memory or concentration
sleep problems

The two conditions also share some common treatments.

Both anxiety and depression can be treated with:

therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy
medication
alternative therapies, including hypnotherapy

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of either of these conditions or both of
them, make an appointment to talk with your healthcare professional. You can work
with them to identify coexisting symptoms of anxiety and depression and how they can
be treated.

17

Depression Depression and obsessive-compulsive

9 disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes
unwanted and repeated thoughts, urges, and fears (obsessions).

These fears cause you to act out repeated behaviors or rituals (compulsions) that
you hope will ease the stress caused by the obsessions.

People diagnosed with OCD frequently find themselves in a loop of obsessions and
compulsions. If you have these behaviors, you may feel isolated because of them.
This can lead to withdrawal from friends and social situations, which can increase
your risk for depression.

It’s not uncommon for someone with OCD to also have depression. Having one
anxiety disorder can increase your odds for having another. Up to 80 percent of
people with OCD also have major depression episodes.

This dual diagnosis is a concern with children, too. Their compulsive behaviors,
which may be first developing at a young age, can make them feel unusual. That
can lead to withdrawing from friends and can increase the chance of a child
developing depression.

18

Depression with psychosis

Depression

10

Depression with psychosis

Some individuals who have been diagnosed with major depression may also have
symptoms of another mental disorder called psychosis. When the two conditions occur
together, it’s known as depressive psychosis.
Depressive psychosis causes people to see, hear, believe, or smell things that aren’t
real. People with the condition may also experience feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, and irritability.
The combination of the two conditions is particularly dangerous. That’s because
someone with depressive psychosis may experience delusions that cause them to
have thoughts of suicide or to take unusual risks.
It’s unclear what causes these two conditions or why they can occur together, but
treatment can successfully ease symptoms. Treatments include medications and
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Understanding the risk factors and possible causes can help you be aware of early
symptoms.

19

Depression Depression in pregnancy

11

Depression in pregnancy

Pregnancy is often an exciting time for people. However, it can still be common for a
pregnant woman to experience depression.

Symptoms of depression during pregnancy include:
changes in appetite or eating habits
feeling hopeless
anxiety
losing interest in activities and things you previously enjoyed
persistent sadness
troubles concentrating or remembering
sleep problems, including insomnia or sleeping too much
thoughts of death or suicide
Treatment for depression during pregnancy may focus entirely on talk therapy and
other natural treatments.

While some women do take antidepressants during their pregnancy, it’s not clear
which ones are the safest. Your healthcare provider may encourage you to try an
alternative option until after the birth of your baby.

The risks for depression can continue after the baby arrives. Postpartum depression,
which is also called major depressive disorder with peripartum onset, is a serious
concern for new mothers.

Recognizing the symptoms may help you spot a problem and seek help before it
becomes overwhelming.

20

Depression Depression and alcohol

12

Depression and alcohol

Research has established a link between alcohol use and depression. People who
have depression are more likely to misuse alcohol.

Out of the 20.2 million U.S. adults who experienced a substance use disorder,
about 50 percent had a co-occurring mental illness.

Drinking alcohol frequently can make symptoms of depression worse, and
people who have depression are more likely to misuse alcohol or become
dependent on it.

21

Depression Preventing depression
13

Depression isn’t generally considered to be preventable. It’s hard to recognize what
causes it, which means preventing it is more difficult.
But once you’ve experienced a depressive episode, you may be better prepared to
prevent a future episode by learning which lifestyle changes and treatments are
helpful.
Techniques that may help include:

regular exercise
getting plenty of sleep
maintaining treatments
reducing stress
building strong relationships with others
Other techniques and ideas may also help you prevent depression.

Read the full list of 15 ways you may be able to avoid depression.

22

Depression Outlook for depression
14

Depression can be temporary, or it can be a long-term challenge. Treatment doesn’t
always make your depression go away completely.
However, treatment often makes symptoms more manageable. Managing
symptoms of depression involves finding the right combination of medications and
therapies.
If one treatment doesn’t work, talk with your healthcare professional. They can help
you create a different treatment plan that may work better in helping you manage
your condition.

23

How to fight depression?

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