Everyone goes through periods of sadness. Difficult life events or challenging experiences can trigger feelings of unhappiness, frustration, and disappointment. As time passes and you learn to adjust, those feelings generally fade. But for people struggling with major depressive disorder, those feelings persist, creating a constant and pervasive sense of hopelessness.
According to a 2017 study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 17.3 million American adults struggle with the symptoms of major depressive disorder. Although it’s one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, fear and stigma often prevent people from seeking proper treatment. To help you understand what depression looks like, and how you can get help to manage the symptoms, here are five important facts you need to know about major depressive disorder.
Depression impacts every aspect of your life.
An episode of major depressive disorder lasts for at least two weeks, and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair. While no two people will experience depression in the same way, most episodes are severe enough to cause significant disruption in work, school, or relationships.
Some of the most commonly recognized symptoms of a major depressive episode include:
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities
- Low energy or extreme fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Restlessness
- Abnormal sleeping patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems
Depression can happen to anyone.
There is no single cause of major depressive disorder. Rather, researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetics, biological differences, brain chemistry, and environment. Depression usually begins in adolescence or adulthood and is more frequently seen in women than men. Some of the risk factors for developing major depression include:
- Family history – Depression often runs in families, and research suggests that children of parents with major depressive disorder are more likely to develop it.
- Trauma – Living through physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, or problems with finances or relationships can trigger a major depressive episode.
- Chronic illness – Depression can co-occur with serious illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
- Major depressive disorder isn’t the only kind of depression – Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step to receiving the right kind of treatment. By evaluating your symptoms, a medical professional can ascertain whether you’re struggling with major depressive disorder or another, similar condition, such as:
- Dysthymia – Also known as persistent depressive disorder, dysthymia is characterized by a consistent depressed mood lasting at least two years.
- Psychotic depression – Depression can cooccur with symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions.
- Seasonal affective disorder – During the winter months, people may experience seasonal depression due to a lack of natural sunlight.
Left untreated, depression can lead to serious complications.
Major depressive disorder is a highly treatable condition, but without appropriate care, the symptoms can worsen and cause serious complications, such as:
- Excessive weight gain
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Physical illness
- Social isolation
- Self-harm, such as cutting
- Suicidal thoughts and ideation
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of major depression, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for major depressive disorder is not one-size-fits-all.
There are many effective treatments for major depressive disorder, but what works for one person may not work for another. Many patients find relief from their symptoms through a combination of psychotherapy and medication, but it may take some trial and error to find the treatment plan that works best for you.
Participate in a depression clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers
If you’ve had trouble finding an effective medication to treat your major depressive disorder, you may consider participating in a clinical trial at Synergy Research Centers in San Diego. Not only will you have access to cutting-edge depression treatments, but you’ll also learn more about your condition and potentially receive compensation for your time. In addition, your participation will help to advance scientific knowledge about depression, and help others experience relief from this debilitating disorder.
To see if you qualify for our clinical research study for patients with major depressive disorder, call us today at (888) 539-0282.