Depression Types and Treatment

When you’re dealing with the symptoms of bipolar depression, it’s easy to feel like you’re consumed by the condition or feeling lost to the world around you. For patients with bipolar disorder, the depressive symptoms, also called bipolar depression, can be more disabling than mania. A major depressive episode consists of many of the symptoms some are: they occur nearly every day for at least two weeks. Depressed mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, crying.  Loss of interest or finding less pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable. Significant weight loss, when not dieting, weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much is prominent. Agitation can be present or a slowing down of thoughts and physical movements; fatigue or loss of energy.  You may experience feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. Often there is poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions and thinking about death or suicide.

 There are different types of depression Major Depression Disorder; Unipolar depression; Bipolar depressive disorder

Depression may be described as feeling sad, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way from time to time but for short periods. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration can interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.

The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. It may be due to a problem with your genes, or triggered by certain stressful events. Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if there is no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression. Alcohol or drug abuse, certain medical conditions such as underactive thyroid, cancer, or chronic pain can cause a person to become depressed. Certain medications such as steroids; sleeping problems; stressful life can lead to depression. The death or illness of someone close to you; divorce; childhood abuse or neglect; job loss; Social isolation common in the elderly

Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Certain questions can help your doctor make a diagnosis of depression and determine how severe it may be.

Medications that you take for another health problem can cause or worsen depression. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.  Changing your dose or switching to an alternative drug may prove helpful. Never stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor.

Therapy is counseling to talk about your feelings and thoughts, and help you learn how to deal with them. Types of therapy include: Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you how to change negative thoughts.  How to become more aware of your symptoms and how to spot things that makes your depression worse. You'll also problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can help you understand the issues that may be behind your thoughts and feelings. A support group of people who are having problems like yours can also help.

 Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for severe depression and it is generally safe, it may improve mood in those with severe depression or suicidal thoughts who do not get better with other treatments. It may also help treat depression in those who have psychotic symptoms.

Often \to ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.

 The prognosis for people with major depression is good with antidepressants for a few weeks. But many people need to take the medicine for months to fully feel better and prevent the depression from returning. For people who have repeated episodes of depression, quick and ongoing treatment may be needed to prevent more severe, long-term depression. Sometimes people will need to stay on medications for long periods of time. People who are depressed are more likely to use alcohol or illegal substances. Complications of depression also include: increased risk of physical health problems and suicide.

To defeat depression takes patience and some time before the depression lifts.  Having a good relationship with you doctor can ease the symptoms.

Taking care of yourself physically; getting exercise; eating a well balanced diet and proper sleep can all help you deal with the depression. Continuing to take your medication all can lead to relieving the most persistent depression.