Depression is a common disease around the world, more than many think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated to affect more than 300 million people and can become a serious health problem, especially when it is long-term and of moderate to severe intensity.
This disease should not be confused with the usual variations of mood or with other specific emotional responses to problems that arise in our day-to-day lives.
WHO warns that depression is a harsh disease, which can cause great suffering and alter work, school, or family activities. At worst, he says, it can lead to suicide. According to their data, about 800,000 people commit suicide each year.
Symptoms and types of depression
According to the organization, depending on the number and intensity of symptoms, depressive episodes can be classified into three levels: mild, moderate, or severe.
In this sense, it is worth distinguishing between depression in people with and without a history of manic episodes. Both types of depression can be chronic and recurrent, especially if not treated.
– Recurrent depressive disorder. It is characterized by repeated episodes of depression. During these, according to WHO, there is a depressed mood, loss of interest, and energy reduction that results in a decrease in activity. The estimated duration is at least two weeks.
The symptoms of anxiety are several, such as feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, sleep and appetite alterations, difficulties in concentration, and even symptoms without a medical explanation.
Depending on the number and intensity of these, they can be classified into three. In the case of mild depression, there is no difficulty in continuing its usual work and social activities. If this is a serious depressive episode, it is highly unlikely that the patient will be able to maintain his social, work, or domestic activities, or, in any case, with great limitations.
– Bipolar affective disorder. According to the WHO, it is one of the most serious stages. This type of depression is characterized by manic and depressive episodes separated by intervals with a normal mood.
How to identify any of these episodes: high or irritable mood, excessive self-esteem, hyperactivity, and decreased need to sleep, among others.
Factors that contribute to and prevent prevention
According to the WHO, depression is the result of complex interactions between social, psychological, and biological factors. This does not help complex personal or work situations, such as mourning for the death of a loved one or unemployment.
The organization points to another factor that complicates the recovery from this illness: depression, in turn, can generate more stress and dysfunction, and worsen the life situation of the affected person.
In addition, it points out that there are relationships between depression and physical health. Cardiovascular diseases can also cause depression, and vice versa. Finally, WHO recalls that prevention programmes are shown to reduce the disease.
Treatment and diagnosis
WHO refers to some effective treatments for moderate and severe depression. For example, psychological treatments, such as behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Among the different psychological treatments to consider are face-to-face, individual, or group psychological treatments, always delivered by professionals.
Antidepressants, the organization says, can be effective in moderate to severe depression, but are not the treatment of choice in mild cases.