What is Depression?
Depression can be commonly seen in modern society. Although it is common, it should not be taken lightly. If a person is seen in a serious mood and all symptoms persist for two weeks or more, then it qualifies as depression. Its symptoms manifest the way the person thinks, feels, handles his daily routine. It also affects his sleeping, eating, and working patterns. Sadly, few people recognize the condition despite the condition causing significant distress, impaired functioning, and even suicide. Depression treatment should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid loss of life and improving the mental condition of the patient.
Types of Depression
Persistent depressive disorder – When the depression lasts for at least two years, then it is known as Persistent depressive disorder. A person with this condition may experience major depression phases along with less severe phases, but if the symptoms last for two years, then it is considered to be persistent depressive disorder.
Postpartum depression is a common phenomenon that lasts more than two weeks after the birth of their baby. If the depressive traits vanish within the two-week phase, it is considered as baby blues and does not qualify as depression. Women with postpartum depression feel extremely sad, anxious and exhausted and find it difficult to take care of themselves and their babies.
Psychotic depression occurs when a person develops some delusions or hallucinations apart from depression. While delusion refers to having pronounced and disturbing false beliefs, hallucinations refer to hearing or seeing things that others cannot hear or see.
The seasonal affective disorder is seen commonly during winters as there is less exposure to sunlight. Seasonal depression is usually associated with social withdrawal, weight gain, increased sleep, during which happen every time the winter months approach.
Bipolar disorder is a condition often confused with depression but is different. It is categorized under depression because the person sometimes feels low and sometimes the person experiences extreme feelings of high – euphoria or irritability. These moods are called “mania” or “hypomania” depending on the severity
Treatment for Depression in Ludhiana is readily available at Manas clinic.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
- Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or “empty”
- Feeling hopeless and pessimistic
- Feeling Irritable
- Feeling guilty, and worthless without any apparent reason
- Loss of interest in daily activities and hobbies
- Depletion in energy or feeling fatigued all the time
- Moving or talking very slowly
- Feeling restless or not being able to sit still
- Difficulty in concentration, remembering things, or making decisions
- Difficulty in sleeping, experiencing an early-morning awakening, or tendency to oversleep
- Loss or increase in appetite and/or weight
- Suicidal tendencies, thoughts, and attempts
- Feeling aches or pains, cramps, headaches, or digestive problems without any clear physical cause which do not go away with treatment.
It should be kept in mind that not everyone who is under depression experiences every symptom. There may be people who experience only a few symptoms while there may be others who experience many symptoms. The severity and frequency of the symptoms will vary on the individual and the stage of the illness.
You can now avail of Depression Therapy in Ludhiana at Manas Clinic.
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression therapy in Punjab is readily available in various cities. Following are the risk factors for depression –
- Having a personal or family history of depression
- Major life changes like the death of some beloved, trauma, or stress
- Physical ailments like diabetes, cancer, etc
- Certain medicines like anti-tuberculosis medicines, contraceptives steroids, etc
- Abuse of Psychoactive substances, drugs, alcohol, cannabis, etc
- Severe neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Dementia, etc
- Head injury etc
Treatment for Depression
Depression is treatable and should be started as early as possible. Early treatment is more effective. Usually, medications and psychotherapy are used to treat depression. If these treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms, then electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used. Other brain stimulation therapies may also be used if other treatments fail.
As the symptoms of each patient are different, he requires different treatment.
ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS
Antidepressants are specifically formulated medicines that help in the treatment of depression. They help with the way the brain uses mood controlling chemicals. In some cases, one may have to try different antidepressant medicines before finding the one that suits well and helps in alleviating the symptoms and giving manageable side effects. Medication used on you or your close family member in the past can be a favorable option.
Antidepressants take time to show their effects. Their full effect can be seen in 2 to 4 weeks. So give the medicine some time before concluding its efficacy. It will take some time before you can see an improvement in your sleep, appetite, and concentration problems. The last thing which will improve is the mood so you will have to be patient.
COUNSELING FOR DEPRESSION
Several types of psychotherapy are recommended for people with depression. Different types of therapies are chosen for different types of patients according to their symptoms. Some therapies are – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Problem-solving therapy
BRAIN STIMULATION THERAPIES
If medications do not help in reducing the symptoms of depression, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used. Modern ECT is performed on an outpatient basis which comprises several sessions, conducted at the frequency of three times a week, for two to four weeks.
ECT may result in some side effects like disorientation, confusion and memory loss. Usually, these side effects last for a short time, but memory problems can linger for a long time during the treatment course. Modern ECT is completely safe and effective. The treatment is pain-free and the patient doesn’t feel the electrical impulses. Before ECT the patient is put under anesthesia. The patient regains consciousness after one hour after the treatment.
Some other more brain stimulation therapies which treat depression are-
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS)
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
If you or someone you know has depression, get in touch. If you or someone you know has depression, get in touch with the doctor as soon as possible. Who knows, your timely action might save someone from the agony of mental ailment and suicidal tendencies. Timely treatment can save many lives.