DEPRESSION
What is depression?
Depression (also called major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression) is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities.
It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
People with depression may experience feelings of sadness, increased irritability or frustration, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness, or lack of energy.
Some people with depression have frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
What causes depression?
Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression.
Some risk factors for depression are:
- Personal or family history of depression
- Major life changes, trauma, or stress
- Certain physical illnesses and medications
What are some types of depression?
There are different types of depression, some of which develop due to specific circumstances:
- Major depressive disorder, which includes symptoms of depression most of the time for at least 2 weeks that typically interfere with one’s ability to work, sleep, study, and eat.
- Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia), which often includes less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, typically for at least 2 years.
- Perinatal depression, which occurs when a woman experiences major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression).
- Seasonal affective disorder, which comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter and going away during spring and summer.
- Depression with symptoms of psychosis, which is a severe form of depression where a person experiences psychosis symptoms, such as delusions (disturbing, false fixed beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that others do not see or hear).
How is depression treated?
Depression is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Examples of evidence-based approaches specific to the treatment of depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
If you believe you or your child is experiencing symptoms of depression that are interfering with daily life, please call (470) 610-0414 to speak with one of our providers. We look forward to working with you!
Any questions? Contact us