There are many psychiatric disorders that doctors have identified. One that is becoming nearly epidemic is "clinical depression." Why it's more common today is another story, but clinical depression usually refers to the more severe type of depression. But clinical depression is actually known as major depression disorder (MDD) to doctors, and is also called, "major depressive disorder."
Most people, however, are more familiar with the term, "clinical depression" when describing MDD. In any case, people with MDD can often do little more than just deal with their symptoms; dealing with this disease is a full-time job by itself. The symptoms of major depression disorder can include physical as well as emotional problems, including loss of sex drive, weight fluctuations, sadness, lethargy, negativity, and lack of self-esteem, among others. Suicide and other thoughts of self-harm often accompany more extreme cases.
Some forms of depression that we otherwise think of as separate forms of depression on their own, are actually types of Major Depression Disorder. These include SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and Postpartum Depression. For these types of depression to qualify as MDD, the patient must have a minimum of 5 of the classic symptoms of depression and have been in a low mood for over 2 weeks. When these symptoms are present, a person needs to be treated as soon as possible, because it is clear he or she is not just experiencing a case of 'the blues.'
There are many recommended treatments for MDD, but the most common are medication, psychotherapy, and even ECT (Electro-Convulsive-Therapy, a.k.a. "electroconvulsive therapy").
Some new treatments are starting to be used today, with some people swearing by their effectiveness and others swearing at them. Light therapy, for instance, has proven effective for seasonal affective disorder, whereas it was once considered bogus.
There are other natural remedies for depression, however, that have not been as effective. St. John's Wort, for instance, is one herbal treatment that works for some people (mild depression only) but not for others. Acupuncture falls in this category as well.
But don't wait until things get critical with your friend or loved one (or yourself!). Get some sort of treatment going ASAP. Whether the treatment is 'official' established depression treatment or some weird alternative treatment, the important thing is to get something going.
It would be best to find a qualified medical person who would look for any physical reasons for the depression first. (Things such as diet, disease, and heredity).
Then emotional problems should be looked into, and this includes past trauma, bereavement, any suppressed mental struggles and so forth.
So the therapist needs to be a good detective of sorts, along with being a trained therapist. Because lots of things can contribute to MDD, including a history of drug and alcohol abuse, prior sexual abuse, lack of enough sunlight, just to name a few. These are important skills to have in order to accurately identify the cause of the depression and be able to put together the best treatment program. - 30415
Most people, however, are more familiar with the term, "clinical depression" when describing MDD. In any case, people with MDD can often do little more than just deal with their symptoms; dealing with this disease is a full-time job by itself. The symptoms of major depression disorder can include physical as well as emotional problems, including loss of sex drive, weight fluctuations, sadness, lethargy, negativity, and lack of self-esteem, among others. Suicide and other thoughts of self-harm often accompany more extreme cases.
Some forms of depression that we otherwise think of as separate forms of depression on their own, are actually types of Major Depression Disorder. These include SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and Postpartum Depression. For these types of depression to qualify as MDD, the patient must have a minimum of 5 of the classic symptoms of depression and have been in a low mood for over 2 weeks. When these symptoms are present, a person needs to be treated as soon as possible, because it is clear he or she is not just experiencing a case of 'the blues.'
There are many recommended treatments for MDD, but the most common are medication, psychotherapy, and even ECT (Electro-Convulsive-Therapy, a.k.a. "electroconvulsive therapy").
Some new treatments are starting to be used today, with some people swearing by their effectiveness and others swearing at them. Light therapy, for instance, has proven effective for seasonal affective disorder, whereas it was once considered bogus.
There are other natural remedies for depression, however, that have not been as effective. St. John's Wort, for instance, is one herbal treatment that works for some people (mild depression only) but not for others. Acupuncture falls in this category as well.
But don't wait until things get critical with your friend or loved one (or yourself!). Get some sort of treatment going ASAP. Whether the treatment is 'official' established depression treatment or some weird alternative treatment, the important thing is to get something going.
It would be best to find a qualified medical person who would look for any physical reasons for the depression first. (Things such as diet, disease, and heredity).
Then emotional problems should be looked into, and this includes past trauma, bereavement, any suppressed mental struggles and so forth.
So the therapist needs to be a good detective of sorts, along with being a trained therapist. Because lots of things can contribute to MDD, including a history of drug and alcohol abuse, prior sexual abuse, lack of enough sunlight, just to name a few. These are important skills to have in order to accurately identify the cause of the depression and be able to put together the best treatment program. - 30415
About the Author:
Chuck's amazing survival of a suicide attempt when he was just sixteen years young inspired him to write a book to help others. To discover more about Major Depression Disorder, go to his site at http://www.dealwithdepression.org
