Depression
Depression, is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It is a condition that requires understanding and monitored care. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Those who seek out care and receive a formal diagnosis will be provided a treatment plan consisting of a road map as to what their treatment options are. Treatment for depression typically consists of medication management, psychotherapy and possible lifestyle changes.
Causes
Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a known event, such as a life crisis, physical illness or something else, but it can also occur spontaneously. Several factors have been known to contribute to depression:
Trauma
When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.
Genetics
Mood disorders, such as depression, tend to run in families.
Life Circumstances
Marital status, relationship changes, financial standing and where a person lives influence whether a person develops depression.
Brain Changes
Imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is depressed. Depression is also associated with changes in how the pituitary gland and hypothalamus respond to hormone stimulation.
Other Medical Conditions
People who have a history of sleep disturbances, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop depression. Some medical syndromes (like hypothyroidism) can mimic depressive disorder. Some medications can also cause symptoms of depression.
Drug and Alcohol Misuse
Co-occurring disorders require coordinated treatment for both conditions, as alcohol can worsen depressive symptoms.
Treatments
Although depressive disorder can be devastating, it often responds to treatment. It is therefore important to get a clinical evaluation and treatment plan. An assessment rules out medical and other possible causes, a treatment plan can include any or a combination of the following:
Psychotherapy
includes methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal therapy.
Brain Stimulation Therapies
can be tried if psychotherapy and/or medication are not effective. These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive disorder with psychosis or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for severe depression.
Medications
including antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic medications.
Exercise
can help with prevention and mild-to-moderate symptoms.
Light Therapy
which uses a light box to expose a person to full spectrum light in an effort to regulate the hormone melatonin.
Alternative Approaches
including acupuncture, meditation, faith and nutrition can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.