What is depression?

Depression is a common medical condition that negatively affects how one thinks, feels and acts. It causes feeling of sadness, loss of interest and a persistent low mood. Depression is a problem that affects at least 4 out of 5 people of the world’s population sometime or the other. Many people believe that depression is a sign of mental weakness which is not true. Every one of us are vulnerable to developed depression. Early treatment can improve the quality of life.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression may present through various symptoms that such as:

• Feeling sad or remaining in a depressed mood for most time of day
• Appetite changes leading to weight gain or weight loss
• Loss of pleasure or interest in activities one previously enjoyed
• Increased fatigue and loss of energy
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Increase in pacing, hand-wringing or other purposeless physical activity
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Slow movements and speech
• Thoughts of suicide or death

To diagnose depression, a person must have one or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks.

Can depression be treated?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses, with almost 90% of patients responding positively to treatment. Before depression can be diagnosed, a mental health professional will conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation, which may include a physical examination and an interview.

The exact cause of depression is not known but it is seen that antidepressants help modify brain chemistry to provide the patient with relief from some or all symptoms. These medications are not tranquilizers or sedatives and neither are they habit-forming. The type and dosage of antidepressants will depend on the individual’s condition.

Another way to combat depression is through therapy. Supportive Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments in helping people overcome depression.