Depression - A Biochemical Illness
fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, “talk,” or interpersonal therapies that ease the pain of depression. “Depression,” National institute of mental health (NIMH), NIH Pub. No.00-3561,(2000).
In terms of human suffering, the consequences of untreated depression are beyond measure. This illness is considered to be a whole body illness, involving your body, mood and thoughts. They include the loss of self-esteem, alcohol and drug abuse, family and career disruption, and in many cases, death.
Not everyone who has depression will experience all the same effects and symptoms. Severity of symptoms varies from individual to individual. Symptoms include persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, decreased energy, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Irritability and restlessness, insomnia, oversleeping, appetite and/or weight loss or over eating and weight gain. Thoughts of death and suicide, suicide attempts.
According to Depression (2001) Disease (p.52), psychological test such as the Beck Depression Inventory can be used to determine the onset, severity, duration, and progression of depressive symptoms. The dexamethasone suppression test may show a failure to suppress cortisol secretion; however, this test has a high false-negative rate. Toxicology screening may suggest a drug-induced depression. Depression (2002)Disease (p.52) Springhouse, Penn.: Springhouse corporation
Researchers found that the prevalence of major depression for a lifetime was 16.2% (32.6-35.1 million U.S. adults) and for 12- months was 6.6% (13.1-14.2 million U.S. adults). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA; Atlanta; (July 13, 2003) Major depression. Retrieved July 9, 2003 from Ebscoe database.
Even among those suffering from depression, most do not know that they have a treatable illness. Most people blame themselves and are blamed by others. This leads to the alienation of family and friends who, if they knew the illness would likely offer support and help them find treatment.
Depressive disorder is not a passing blue mood. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a feeling that can be willed or wished away. People with this illness cannot simply pull themselves together and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or even years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help those who suffer from depression and its effects.
Bibliography
Depression sourcebook (1st Edition). (2002).What causes depression.(p.19) Detroit, MI.:Omnigraphics, Inc.
National institute of mental health (NIMH), Depression. NIH Pub. No.00-3561, (2000)
Depression (2001) Disease (p.52), Springhouse, Penn.: Springhouse corporation
Medical letter on the CDC&FDA; Atlanta; (July 13,2003) Major depression. Retrieved July 9, 2003 from Ebscoe database