Depression affects millions of people around the world. It can be hard to understand, but it is treatable.Treatment options include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. If these don't work, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or brain stimulation may be used.
Depression is a complex condition that involves the balance of chemicals in your brain. This balance is affected by a variety of factors, including the way you feel.
Depression is a medical condition
Depression is a serious mood disorder that affects more than 280 million people worldwide (about 3.5% of the population). It may be treated with medication, psychotherapy and other methods.
Depression can be a result of a number of factors, including brain structure and function, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. It may also be triggered by illness, addiction or other medical conditions.
In addition, depression can be a side effect of certain medications and medical treatments. This is especially true for patients who have other medical problems, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Usually, your doctor will run a physical exam and ask about your mood and thoughts. They can then use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to make a diagnosis.
Depression in children
Depression in children is more common than adults and can affect their mood, sleep, energy and appetite. It can also impact their schoolwork and social relationships.
It’s important for parents to be aware of depression signs and symptoms in children so they can help their child seek professional help. This can be done by contacting their doctor, who will check for depression by asking about your child’s feelings and behaviour and may do a physical exam.
Your doctor will then assess your child and build a mental health treatment plan. This can include a referral to a paediatrician, psychiatrist or other mental health professional for further evaluation. The treatment can include talk therapy, medication or a combination of the two.
Depression in adults
Depression is a common condition that affects a variety of people around the world. It can be triggered by a number of different causes, including life changes or events that affect your emotions and well-being.
You may feel depressed because of a problem at work, a relationship breakdown or an illness. It can also be brought on by stress or a traumatic event, such as a bereavement.
Depression is a medical condition that can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”). Some types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help balance hormones that affect mood.
Depression in the elderly
Depression can be a devastating illness for older adults, but it's just as treatable as it is for younger people. If you or someone you love is depressed, encourage treatment and help them find a doctor.
A variety of depression treatments are available, including medication and psychological therapy. But keep in mind that depression often stems from a challenging situation or life challenge, so a treatment plan should address that as well.
Elderly patients have a higher rate of recurrent depression than do younger populations and tend to have more symptomatic episodes. Consequently, they are more likely to be undertreated for their depression. In addition, elderly adults are more sensitive to drug side effects and are vulnerable to interactions with other medicines they take. They also have an increased risk for falls and fractures when taking SSRI antidepressants. These concerns mean that older adults must be monitored closely while on these medications. Studies have also shown that depression may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
