What is Clinical Depression - Causes and Treatment

What is clinical depression? Clinical depression is marked by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that last for six months or more. It is a treatable mood disorder , however, it can be chronic and recurring. Most people manage their clinical depression with treatment regimens, consisting of antidepressant medications and therapeutic counseling, either in a group setting or privately with a professionally trained health care provider.

Three types of clinical depression:

Unipolar depression:

The most major type and is marked by the common symptoms of depression. It's duration of six months or more is what earns it the clinical status. Treatment is administered for the duration of the illness.

Bipolar depressive disorder:

Is another name for manic-depressive disorder. The manic depressive alternates between feelings of intense happiness and deep depression.

Dysthymia:

It is the most mildest form of depression, usually presenting itself as feelings of sadness and pessimism that last for months. It is most commonly characterized by feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, and anxiety. You may also experience feelings of worthlessness and helplessness.

It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible when you or a loved one may be showing any of the above signs and symptoms.

Causes of clinical depression:

The causes of clinical depression can be as varied as there are people. Many people handle and react to life events in a different manner than the next person. Sometimes clinical depression can show up out of nowhere without rhyme or reason. Many times it can be due to stressful life situations, or the sudden death of a friend or loved one.

Other causes may include:

• Premenstrual and postnatal hormonal changes.


• Hormone deficiencies.


• Alcoholism.


• Drug dependency.

Treatment:

It is estimated that approximately 12 per cent of population suffers from depression. It occurs in all ages, races, and both genders, but has a higher prevalence in women than men. Treatment includes:

1. Tricyclic antidepressants,


2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors,


3. selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Supplemental lithium and thyroid medications may be necessary to improve how well antidepressants perform. Psychological symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, will require antipsychotic medication such as quetiapine. This medication has also been approved for depression, as well as bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) utilizes electrical current to help with mood improvements of one who has severe depression, and who may not be responding to other treatments available.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a treatment that modifies brain function, resembles ECT, but with reduced incidence of side effects. There has also been improvement shown using treatments involving light therapy during the winter months. Additionally, restoration of the normal sleep patterns can help to give relief of symptoms of depression.

Talk with your health care provider if you are having signs and symptoms of clinical depression.

by Barb Hicks, RN