According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. These are people of all ages, all races, and all walks of life. The global pandemic certainly isn’t helping. One study concluded that the prevalence of depression symptoms in the United States is three times what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. But what exactly is depression, and how is it diagnosed and treated? Read on for a brief overview.
What is depression?
Depression, otherwise known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is a serious medical condition that is generally characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities. People who suffer from depression can have a variety of different symptoms that range from mild to severely debilitating. Depression symptoms can negatively impact a person’s daily life and relationships at home, work, and school.
Although scientists have studied depression for decades, we still don’t know its exact causes. There are, however, certain risk factors that may contribute to the development of depression, including genetics, brain chemistry, and psychological and environmental factors.
How is depression diagnosed?
Depression can be difficult to diagnose in part because the symptoms show up differently depending on the individual. For example, many women’s symptoms of depression tend to present as sadness or feelings of worthlessness, while men are more likely to experience anger and irritability. Children and teens may present symptoms associated with other disorders, such as anxiety or substance abuse. The internet abounds with self-assessment tools, but it’s best to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a qualified mental health professional who has experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Depression symptoms often overlap with those of other mental health disorders, and a misdiagnosis can delay treatment or even worsen symptoms. In addition to understanding and evaluating patient-reported symptoms, mental health professionals who specialize in depression also have access to a range of diagnostic tests and screening tools designed to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of depression. An accurate diagnosis is an important step toward finding effective depression treatment.
Depression treatment
Depression treatment usually involves some combination of psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, and healthy lifestyle changes. Medication helps to treat imbalances in brain chemistry and psychotherapy helps the individual to identify and manage psychological triggers. Lifestyle changes, such as getting adequate sleep and exercise, can also help reduce stress and stimulate feel-good brain chemicals.
Some people find the right combination of therapeutic modalities right away, but others try a number of different combinations before they find the one that works to relieve their symptoms of depression. There are also an unfortunate few who suffer from what’s called treatment-resistant depression, which means they are unable to find relief even after trying several traditional methods and medications. Alternative methods that have helped to minimize symptoms in some people with treatment-resistant depression include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), ketamine therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
We have so far to go in our understanding and treatment of depression. Scientists work around the clock to help advance our knowledge and create new and effective treatments so that all people with depression can live symptom-free, productive, and healthy lives.
Clinical research trials aim to advance the treatment of depression
At Synergy Research Centers, our clinical studies aim to advance the treatment of depression and other mental and physical health disorders. We’re currently enrolling participants between the ages of 18 and 75 for inpatient and outpatient research studies for depression in San Diego. The duration of the studies vary from 6 to 12 weeks, and some offer cash compensation to participants for time and travel expenses. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with depression and you’re interested in learning more about how you can help advance depression research and simultaneously gain access to cutting edge treatments and therapies, please give us a call or fill out our enrollment form today.