Research into mental illness has grown significantly in the last few decades, providing specific diagnoses and treatment options for a range of conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Depression, which was once classified by medical professionals as “the blues” or “hysteria,” is now recognized as a diagnosable mental illness that falls into the mood disorder category. While everyone goes through periods of sadness or grief, there is a distinction between normal unhappiness and medical depression. Here’s what you need to know about depression as a mental illness:
Common symptoms of depression
Depression differs from normal mood shifts primarily in the type of symptoms and their longevity. Profound sadness that lasts longer than two weeks and negatively affects your ability to function at home and work may be a sign of depression. Other common symptoms include:
- Changes in appetite and sleeping patterns
- Lack of energy
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Persistent thoughts about self-harm
- Preoccupation with death
Depression affects everyone differently, and even people who don’t suffer from depression can experience some of the symptoms from time to time. But if you are experiencing more than one of the common symptoms listed above and they don’t go away on their own, it may be wise to seek a professional evaluation.
Types of depression
There is more than one type of medical depression, and while the various types might share common symptoms, there are also key differences that will determine the best treatment plan.
Major depression: Symptoms last most of the day, every day, for weeks or even months at a time, and do not correlate with anything positive or negative happening in your life.
Persistent depression: Symptoms last for two years or more, often decreasing in severity for months at a time before worsening again.
Manic depression: Also known as bipolar disorder, manic depression consists of periods of mania or excessive happiness alternating with periods of depression.
Depressive psychosis: Symptoms can involve hallucinations or delusions, along with physical symptoms such as slowed movements or difficulty sitting still.
Perinatal depression: Occurs during pregnancy or within four weeks of childbirth, with symptoms including anxiety, exhaustion, extreme worry, difficulty caring for yourself or your baby, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A severe form of PMS with physical and psychological symptoms including extreme mood swings, panic attacks, lack of energy, sleep problems, headaches, and joint or muscle pain.
Seasonal depression: Also called seasonal affective disorder, seasonal depression is related to certain seasons, especially winter when sunlight is most limited, with symptoms tending to improve in spring.
Situational depression: Triggered by a specific event or situation such as the death of a loved one, serious illness, abusive relationships, unemployment, and severe financial or legal troubles, with symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with your daily life.
Causes of depression
Depression can result from biological or circumstantial causes. Biological causes include genetic disposition or a family history of depression, brain structure (such as a less active frontal lobe), and medical conditions, including chronic illness or pain or insomnia. Circumstantial causes can include drug use and early childhood trauma, which can affect the way your body reacts to fear and stress.
Treatment for depression
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for depression, and many patients have to try several different options before finding the one (or combination of treatments) that works best. Medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety, and antipsychotic drugs can help, along with psychotherapy, which helps patients learn how to cope with negative feelings. Other treatment options include light therapy, acupuncture, exercise, self-care, and herbal supplements.
New research into treatment for depression in San Diego
Medical science continues to improve in the treatment of depression and other mental illnesses, but there are still many people who are unable to find relief with current available treatments. Research and clinical studies are crucial for helping us to learn more, develop more effective treatments, and provide relief for those who need it most. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with depression and would like to participate in a clinical study, Synergy Research Centers in San Diego is currently enrolling volunteers for a major depression clinical study. To sign up or learn more about the process, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 303-6130.