True Clinical Depression

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Major depression Depression is often described as feeling sad, blue, miserable and down in the dumps. But depression can also include feelings of extreme anger, irritability, hostility and violent behavior. Some of us feel this way at one time or another for short durations. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration take over your life for an extended period of time. Causes The exact cause of depression is uncertain. A large number of researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or triggered by events in a person's life. Some forms of depression tend to run in families, but depression can also appear in people who have no family…show more content…
Screening tests for depression can be helpful in making the diagnosis. Before diagnosing depression, your health care professional needs to rule out medical conditions that can mimic symptoms of depression. Treatment Medicines that you take for other medical conditions can start or increase depression. You may need to change prescriptions. Do not change or stop taking any of your medications without consulting your doctor. Adults who are so severely depressed that they are unable to care for themselves, and cannot be safely cared for at home should be treated in a psychiatric unit. Most people benefit from antidepressant drug therapy, along with psychotherapy. It takes time to feel better, but there are usually day-to-day improvements. Some people with major depression may feel better after taking antidepressants for a few weeks. However, many people need to take medication for 4 - 9 months to get a full response and to prevent depression from coming…show more content…
TALK THERAPY Most people with depression also improve with psychological counseling. Talk therapy is a good place to express feelings and thoughts, and most importantly, learn about ways to properly deal with them in a productive fashion. Types of talk therapy include: * Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to deal with negative thoughts and learn problem-solving skills. * Psychotherapy can help someone with depression understand the issues that trigger their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. * Joining a support group with similar problems can also help. Ask your therapist or doctor for a recommendation. Prevention To improve your management of depression at home: * Use medications correctly and be aware of side effects. * Be observant for early signs that depression is increasing and know how to respond when it does. * Exercise more, seek out activities that bring you pleasure, and maintain good sleeping habits. * Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. They can make depression worse over time, and may also impair your thoughts about
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