Depressive disorder is the condition that affects individuals who experience severe forms of sadness impairing their way of thinking and their ability to perform the normal functions. The symptoms for each type can range from minor to severe forms and can affect individuals of all ages. Although the exact cause of depression is not known, it can be associated with changes in the neuroendocrine function, could be hereditary or from psychosocial contributing factors. There are several forms of depressive disorders that can occur as the result of certain illness, medication induced or be the result of social conditions. Some of the types include major depression, psychotic depression, antenatal and postnatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Major depression
The major depression is the commonly diagnosed form of depression where the individual experiences overwhelming depression for more than two weeks. Individuals suffering from this can find their everyday tasks challenging or to become motivated. The exact cause of this is not known although it is believed to be associated with chemical changes that occur in the brain which may be genetic or triggered by stress. The depression can also be triggered by various factors such as certain medications, alcohol use, sleeping problems and stressful events in life.
Psychotic depression
This occurs when the individual has a severe form of clinical depression along with delusions, hallucinations with symptoms of psychosis. The delusion or the hallucinations are mostly associated with the individual’s deeply disturbed mood such as delusions of guilt. They are also prone to psychomotor retardation which affects their thoughts and physical movements. They are also at increased risk of thoughts of suicide. It is believed that most individual suffering from this form of depression may be the result of a traumatic event in childhood.
Postpartum depression
Women may experience depression after pregnancy which can be triggered by hormonal changes. It is associated with the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone that elevates during pregnancy which tends to drop 24 hours after birth. The study suggests that the rapid change in the hormone level can initiate the depression.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of depression can include persistent sadness, feeling pessimist, fatigue, restlessness, thoughts about suicide, difficulty with concentration or making decisions, loss of interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, weight changes and headaches. Some individuals experiencing depression may only have few symptoms. The severity of the depression is based on the duration along with the frequency. Among some of the affected individuals, the symptoms can differ depending on the stage of depression.
Diagnosis
There are no specific physical tests for depression but various diagnostic examinations such as blood or urine tests can rule out possible conditions that present similar symptoms. The physician may ask about the individual’s medical history, symptoms present which can all assist in the evaluation of depression and the severity of it.
Treatment
Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy or the combination of both. Antidepressants are usually administered to treat depression which can control the mood or the stress. This usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks to effectively work. Abruptly stopping the medication is associated with withdrawal symptoms and hence should be discussed with the physician. Some individuals also benefit from talk therapy while other types of depression treatment can include cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/psychotic-depression.aspx
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000945.htm
