Facts On Depression

What is Depression?

• Depression is a common and sometimes serious disorder of mood that is pervasive, intense and attacks the mind and body at the same time.
• Depression may be associated with an imbalance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that carry communications between nerve cells which control mood and other basic bodily functions, such as appetite and sleep.
• Other factors may also come into play, such as negative life experiences such as stress or loss, other medical illnesses, medicines, and certain personality traits and genetic factors.

Types of Depression

• Major depression is a common type of depression and is characterized by t lease five of the key symptoms (see list below)
• Dysthymia is a milder, chronic form of depression that lasts two years of more.
• Bipolar depression is the depressive phase of manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder), in which there are both extreme highs and extreme lows of mood. Bipolar depression symptoms are similar to those of major depression, and may involve excessive sleep and appetite with very low energy.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows seasonal rhythms, with symptoms occurring in the winter months and diminishing in spring and summer, and can occur in major depression or bipolar disorder.

What Are The Symptoms of Depression?

• Persistent sad or empty mood.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Inability to sleep or oversleeping.
• Restlessness or sluggishness.
• Decreased energy or fatigue.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Treatment of Depression

• More than 80% of people with depression improve with treatment within several months, although it may be necessary to try multiple forms of treatment until the right ones are found.
• Antidepressant medications may take several weeks to be effective.
• Psychotherapy (talking therapy) has multiple aims, from helping the person develop new ways of thinking, improving relations with other people, or resolving current conflicts or those remaining from childhood.
• Self-help groups can provide a supportive environment for individuals with depression, their family and friends.
• For the majority of persons, the combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective treatment.

Depression and Suicide

• Major depression and bipolar disorder are the psychiatric diagnoses most commonly associated with suicide.
• About two-thirds of people who complete suicide have a depressive disorder at the time of their deaths.
• Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming approximately 30,000 lives each year.
• Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15-24, kill themselves.
• Suicide rates among youth have increased more than 300% since the 1950’s.
• Four times as many men kill themselves, as do women, but three to four times as many women attempt suicide.
• 70% of persons who commit suicide communicate their intentions. Take the talk of suicide seriously.

Provided by the Screening for Mental Health, Inc.

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