Depression is one of the leading causes of disability-causing disease. It can appear at any age from the age of 10, with adolescents being one of the most vulnerable at-risk groups.
According to data handled by the World Health Organization, more than 120 million people suffer from it worldwide. WHO indicates that this number will increase if certain factors such as stress or comorbidity (the presence of two or more diseases in the same person converge). But what is depression and what are its causes, symptoms, and treatment?
What is Depression?
Depression is a pathology associated with different affective symptoms, such as apathy, sadness, irritability, impotence, decay, or despair, where other symptoms of volitional, somatic, or cognitive type may also be present. Therefore, the conclusion we reach is that depression can affect the person at the psychic and physical level.
Because of their character and personality, some people are more likely to suffer from this disease. We refer to individuals with low self-esteem, perfectionists, responsible, demanding, meticulous, and with little tolerance for failure. In addition, they are people who need to have everything under control and do not admit improvisation.
As we have already mentioned, it may appear at any age, although the incidence is higher between the ages of 15 and 45. In addition, it should be noted that young people often show different symptoms compared to adults: behavioral symptoms in the face of somatic symptoms.
Causes of Depression
Once we have addressed what depression is, it is up to list the causes that promote depression, including biochemistry which would also explain its appearance.
People who feel depressed often show high levels of a hormone, cortisol, and some chemical agents, such as dopamine, serotonin, or noradrenaline. These levels can increase due to hereditary issues.
Family origins can also be associated with their appearance. A child can get the wrong idea of the world from the behavior he sees in his or her parents, or have grown up in a slightly enriching environment.
On the other hand, certain emotional losses can irremediably lead to depression, although it may not manifest itself immediately. Other factors may explain your presence, either in the face of the inability to adapt to changes or in the absence of a job opportunity.
Depression is a very complex disease, the development of which depends on some risk factors or imbalances in the neutral transmitters of the brain. Over the years, it has been the subject of numerous studies, leading to several conclusions:
- The incidence of depressive disorder is higher in women than in men.
- The most important risk factors include chronic (physical or mental) diseases and their possible relationship with alcohol and tobacco use.
- Men with a history of panic attacks are more likely to develop a major depression.
- Association between depression and migraine. Thus, people with higher depression tend to suffer more migraines, while those suffering from migraines are at higher risk of severe depression.
- Within the genetic factor, depression could be explained by the role of g in the serotonin transporter, so there was a decrease in the transport of the neurotransmitter.
- Certain diseases may increase the risk of depression. Cardiac pathologies and endocrines such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea, Addisson’s disease, or Cushing syndrome.
- First- and second-degree family members of patients with a history of major depression are quite more likely to suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression
As a rule, depression usually lasts for more than two weeks, in which the patient is shown with grindation and apathy. The symptoms you usually have during this time are:
- As effective as hopelessness, sadness, guilt, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or disability to enjoy the moment.
- Cognitives between concentration losses, indecisions, or more or less significant neglects.
- Somatics refers to changes in appetite, hypersomnia, insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, sexual dysfunction, agitation, chest pain, or fatigue.
Prevention
Knowing what depression is, knowing its symptoms, and what the most appropriate psychotherapeutic or pharmacological treatment is in each case is very important. However, following a method of prevention is essential to prevent its occurrence. Here are some simple tips to start changing the negative attitude in front of life:
- Try to always look at the positive side or at least insist on the presence of optimistic thoughts.
- Doing sport daily, paying attention to physical health.
- To have a daily calendar, where you can collect the responsibilities of the day to-day.
- Accept and avoid comparisons with other people who are considered most privileged.
- Express yourself and don’t hide emotions.
- If necessary, meet regularly with a therapist.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
- Don’t be afraid to start treatment established by our trusted doctor.
Types of Depression
We can distinguish various types of depression, something that is convenient to know to address each of them properly:
- Major depression has several symptoms that limit the daily activity of the affected person, either when studying, working, sleeping, or even eating. This disease can lead to periodic relapses.
- Distimy is a depression of less serious. Symptoms remain for a long time, although they are not limiting. In the same way, it can appear several times throughout life.
- Bipolar disorder is a type of manic-depressive disorder. This pathology appears less frequently than previous ones and stands out for recurring mood changes between very high and very low. People who have it may have one or all the symptoms of depression.
- The maniac cycle gives rise to energetic and overactive people. Mania can affect the individual’s behavior and, if not treated, can be transferred to a psychotic state.
- In postpartum depression, women feel distressed and can barely sleep. It is not very well known why some mothers have anxiety, irritability, and a bit of sadness, although it may be related to the hormonal mismatch suffered after childbirth.
Treatment for Depression
Receiving the affection and understanding of people close is very important. In addition, sometimes people who have a depressive picture must be encouraged to follow the treatment to the end. Precisely within the treatment against depression we find two different methods: pharmacological and psychotherapy.
Antidepressants are often used to regulate serotonin imbalance in the brain, a chemical that controls the appetite, emotions or sleep.
Different scientific methods are used in the treatment of psychotherapy that vary, the aim of which is to eliminate the symptoms and patterns of behavior affecting healthy mental development.
When the risk of suicide is high in a patient, you may not take the medication or not improve with it, or electroconvulsive therapy is used as a result of other physical illness. This method consists of stimulating the central nervous system, being especially effective in severe or resistant depressive disorders. Either way, it is a technique that continues to generate controversy between its supporters and opponents today.