What is Depression?

Depression is a biological neuropsychiatry disease that each year affects over 19 million American adults and over 5 million children and teens. Numerous scientific (both animal and human) studies demonstrate abnormal levels of specific neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA etc.) in depressed patients, as well as imbalance in endocrine system (thyroid, adrenals, pituitary). Also, latest neuro-imaging (functional MRI, PET) studies suggest, that depressive mood changes are related to diminished metabolic activity in the frontal cortex, hypothalamus and other components of brain limbic system. Genetic studies have demonstrated strong familial inheritance patterns for bipolar and unipolar depression. Depression doesn't discriminate and affects people of all races, ages and groups. For reasons not yet known, women are twice as likely to suffer from depression than men. There are several types of depression:

Types of Depression

The average age of occurrence of initial depressive episode is about 40 years. According to the statistics, as many as 15% of the general population will experience severe depression during their lives. It is a well known fact that almost 20% depressed patients attempt suicide during the course of their illness, and depressed women attempt suicide twice as often as men; however, men are twice as likely to succeed.

It is estimated that nearly 50% of depressed individuals never received treatment, and many receiving treatment are not successfully treated. Depression may be underestimated in children and elderly. In school-age children’s antisocial behavior, academic problems, or school avoidance may mask underlying depressed mood. Depression in the elderly manifested mostly by somatic complaints which become primary goal of treatment.

Individuals with depression often experience psychological, emotional and physical distress as a result of their feelings. We all have our 'ups' and 'downs', but those with depression experience their feelings for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time.

Symptoms of clinical depression persist for a period of time not less than 2 weeks and include, but are not limited by, the following aspects:

Symptoms of Depression

Emotional:

hopelessness, pessimism, sadness, anxiety, worthlessness, loss of interests, feeling guilty, suicidal thoughts

Cognitive:

indecisiveness, poor concentration, inability to process info, forgetfulness, destructiveness, thoughts of death, thoughts of death

Physical:

restlessness, loss of appetite, tiredness, change of weight, persistent fatigue, sexual problems, aches and pains, digestive problems

There are numerous possible reasons of Secondary Depression:

Very important to remember that if somebody experienced episode of depression, there is more than a 60% chance that it will recur within the next 3 years. If left untreated, the disorder can become chronic and may increase in severity with each episode.

There are different options for treating depression that include medications, electroconvulsive treatment, vagus nerve stimulation, alternatives and behavior therapy, etc. Treatment of depression requires an active participation by the individual and speaking with a mental health professional is highly recommended. Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member.

Each year over 17 million American adults experience a period of clinical depression. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person.

Depression and bipolar depression are presented separately on this website because of the unique problems encountered with bipolar disorder. Individuals interested in information about bipolar disorder should also review the information on depression, as bipolar disorder usually includes depressive episodes as well. Bipolar disorder was formerly called manic-depressive disorder. It is a type of depression, and it characterized by the presence of mood swings, especially "manic highs" that often result in high risk self-damaging behavior. Most individuals with bipolar disorder have both depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.

Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well-being. We all have felt sad at one time or another, but that is not depression. Sometimes we feel tired from working hard, or discouraged when faced with serious problems. This too, is not depression. These feelings usually pass within a few days or weeks, once we adjust to the stress. But, if these feelings linger, intensify, and begin to interfere with work, school or family responsibilities, it may be depression.

Clinical depression is a very common psychological problem, and most people never seek proper treatment, or seek treatment but they are misdiagnosed with physical illness. This is extremely unfortunate because, with proper treatment, nearly 80% of those with depression can make significant improvement in their mood and life adjustment.