Psychiatric Illnesses-Major Depression

Major Depression is described as the feelings of low mood, sadness, unhappiness, miserable, etc. It is commonly experienced by people in their daily lives. However, in case of Major Depression, the

feelings of sadness, anger or frustration lasts for weeks or longer duration and severely interfere with everyday life.

Causes of Major Depression

• Low levels of norepinephrine causes depression
• Genetic defects
• Family history
• Combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors
• Period of emotional stress
• Illness
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Certain medical conditions such as long pain or underactive thyroid, cancer
• Certain medications such as steroids
• Sleeping problems
• Stressful life events

Ø  Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend

Ø  Failing a class

Ø  Death or illness of someone close to you

Ø  Divorce

Ø  Childhood abuse or neglect

Ø  Job loss

Ø  Social isolation

Symptoms of Major Depression

• Negative attitude towards life
• Agitation
• Dramatic change in appetite
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Anger and discouragement
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Becoming isolated
• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Restlessness and irritability
• Very difficult to concentrate
• Weight gain or loss
• Severe depression may result in Hallucinations and delusions

Signs and tests

• Health care provider will ask many questions to the patient and take a history of mood and other mental health symptoms.

• Doctor may also ask the patient to undergo check blood and urine tests for ruling out any medical causes of depression.

Treatment of Major depression

Treatment for Major depression comprises of Antidepressant Medication, Talk Therapy and other therapies like ECT, TMS, etc.

Medications

Medication includes various Antidepressant drugs; however they are more effective in major depression and takes long time to show effective results.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Medicines

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Other antidepressants

• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• tricyclic antidepressants
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Talk Therapy

The talk therapy is indicated in people with dysthymia where patient is encouraged to talk about his/her feelings and thoughts. Patient also learns various ways for dealing with his/her symptoms.

Types of talk therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It involves teaching the depressed patients about ways of correcting negative thoughts. People can also learn problem-solving skills and to be aware of their symptoms.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy: This therapy helps the depressed patient to understand the psychological factors that are causing their depressive thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Joining a support group: In this therapy, patients are encouraged to join a support group of people who have similar mental health problems.

Other Therapies

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating manic or depressive phase of bipolar disorder
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Light therapy may relieve symptoms of depression in the winter time