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They are also known as unipolar or major depressive disorders and are characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or lack of interest in external stimuli.
The unipolar state connotes a difference between major depression and bipolar depression, which refers to an oscillating state between depression and mania.
In contrast, unipolar depression focuses only on the “low” or negative emotions and symptoms that one may have experienced. Fortunately, major depression is well understood in the medical community and is often easily treatable through medications and talk therapy.
Below you will find a guide to everything from the symptoms and causes of major depression to the statistics and treatment you can seek from a medical professional if you think you need help.
Patient statistics
According to the American Medical Association Journal, the incidence of depression throughout life in the United States is more than 20-26% for women and 8-12% for men.
Although it is not a large majority, it represents an integral part of the population, many of whom do not seek recurrent treatment for their depression.
While these men and women have lifetime episodes, the average age for onset of major depression is 32 years, as reported by the US Census. UU Population estimates by demographic characteristics in 2005.
Keeping this in mind, it is essential to note that women are disproportionately affected by major depression compared to men, as reflected in the significant percentages cited above.
Here are several reasons why women are more commonly affected by major depression disorder, mainly due to the tendency of depression to coincide with other diseases and mental disorders.
It can collate with anything from pregnancy to more chronic or recurring problems. The National Institute of Mental Health has observed that 25% of patients with cancer, one-third of patients with HIV, and one third of heart attack survivors suffer from significant depression.
While those particular conditions are more prevalent in men, Psychology Today has stated a physiological reason commonly cited for women who experience major depression more than men.
It is due to fluctuating hormones and genetic predisposition, particularly during puberty, childbirth, and menopause.
However, major depression is a severe problem for both sexes and, if left untreated, can have fatal results. Fortunately, there is good news.
The National Institute of Health has noted that approximately 80% of patients seeking treatment for significant depression show improvement within four to six weeks from “starting medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments. “
Causes
Although the prevalence of major depression is widespread, the causes of major depression are equally numerous and have their origin in various places. The neuron medical journal cites genetics as a predominant cause of the major depressive disorder, with an approximately three times higher risk for TDM.
Major Depressive Disorder or TDM
In the first grade (parents, siblings, offspring), individuals with MDD are more likely than the general population. The most significant determinant of your depression is your family tree, but there is also an essential physiological and anatomical basis.
Concurrent medical conditions and diseases can be a severe risk factor for having a major depressive episode. In addition, the symptoms of the disorder itself can cause depression.
For example:
- I am changing my appetite, eating in excess, or without treatment.
- Deregulate your sleep schedule or compensate for your circadian rhythms.
- Adjusting these patterns and habits often will not treat your depression, but it can be a big step in relieving your other symptoms and professional treatment.
It is unknown to what extent the anatomical and physiological factors have on significant depression, but it is believed to be substantial.
Along with socioeconomic factors (the loss of a job and a sense of economic deprivation, for example), the above is considered the main reason you would suffer a major depressive disorder.
Types
You may be surprised to learn that many different types of major depressive disorder can affect you, making life difficult for you.
Each type often has different causes but usually involves the same feeling of disinterest in the activities you once loved and a general sense of melancholy.
These are divided into subtypes called specifiers that determine how long the diagnosis of depression lasts and the defining characteristic of each type.
Seasonal affective disorder or SAD
It is classified as a disease caused directly by the time of year. It occurs most frequently in the winter months when sunlight is not so readily available.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that SAD can be “effectively treated with phototherapy, but almost half of the people with SAD do not improve with phototherapy alone.” Guidance and medications are also recommended.
Psychotic depression often develops if you have been hallucinating or believe in delusions that are not consistent with reality. A traumatic event can cause this if you have already had depression in the past.
Postpartum depression is common among first-time mothers who experience hormonal changes after childbirth.
The stress of raising a new child and the changes in your body can affect your mood. In addition, the Canadian Mental Health Association states that adopting parents can also suffer some of the symptoms of postpartum depression.
People with melancholic depression often exhibit the most typical signs of depression, including weight loss and less interest in the activities they once loved.
You may experience a depressed mood similar to losing someone you love or intense pain. Atypical depression is often directly related to your mood and interactions with others. Symptoms include hypersomnia, heaviness in the extremities, and social anxiety.
If you suffer from catatonic depression, you will likely experience motor and behavioral problems. It can be immobilized or have involuntary movements. According to the National Institute of Health of the US National Library of Medicine. UU
It is a “psychotic disorder that presents a significant risk to the patient’s well-being, as well as an additional barrier to treating the underlying disorder.” The signs and symptoms of catatonia severely interfere with the essential activities of daily life.
Signs and symptoms
There may be several contributing factors related to the cause of your depression. Usually, these manifest themselves in coping behaviors and reactions to your feelings. Depending on the type of depression you have, you may experience several symptoms:
- Negative thinking with the inability to see positive solutions.
- Agitation.
- Restlessness.
- Inability to focus.
- Irritability.
- Get away from your loved ones and regular activities.
- Sleep more.
- Exhaustion and lethargy.
- Morbid, suicidal thoughts.
- Loss or gain of weight.
Treatment
There are several treatment methods for major depressive disorder. These approaches include psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other somatic therapies.
However, ECT is generally avoided, except in extreme circumstances, in favor of psychotherapy and antidepressants.
A medical psychiatrist can provide psychotherapy services and prescribe antidepressants, which differ for each person based on individual needs. If you experience any symptoms or are related to major depressive disorder, you should seek help from a medical professional.
Fortunately, the major depressive disorder has become less stigmatized in recent years. There is a lot of in-depth information available about depression. The medical professional you choose will likely do it with you to choose the best treatment for your lifestyle.
