Introduction
Depression has a lot of social stigmas attached to it. We often come across people who have been misunderstood for this mental illness, pushing them to spiral down. Mental health is still a taboo in society, yet we can’t unseen it because mental illness such as depression is real. And many individuals are suffering, alone without any help. According to the World Health Organization, about 10% of the world population suffers from depression, while 20% are adolescents. And this is only an official number. One of the significant mental health issues that we need to address is Major Depression. Many have a presumption that depression has no cure, but it does have a treatment.
Major depression or depression is curable. There are various treatments available for depression. Even severe cases of depression are cured with the right set of treatment. In this article, you help you understand more about Major Depression and different types of MDD.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), also known as major depression, clinical depression or depression, in general terms, refers to severe mood disorder. It is a mental health disorder that causes persistent low mood with loss of interest in activities. Major depression has numerous causes that include genetic, physical and psychological factors. They vary from person to person.
Forms or types of Major Depressive Disorder
There are different types of MDD, and treatment for each of them varies from person to person.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Situational depression
- Psychotic depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Peripartum/Postpartum Depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Atypical depression
- Catatonic depression.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Symptoms of MDD
Symptoms of MDD are different for different people. The most commonly seen symptoms of major depression are:
- Persistent low or anxious mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Increased fatigue
- Restlessness
- Loss of focus
- Negative and Suicidal thoughts
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Change in sleep pattern
Diagnosis of MDD
A person suffering from MDD need not show all the symptoms. Each person is different, and only a complete diagnosis helps in understanding depression.
If a person is experiencing any of the depressive symptoms consistently for more than two weeks, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Consulting and following the guidance of the best psychiatrist in Coimbatore from the early stages is necessary. A psychiatrist or psychologist diagnoses MDD by understanding the physical and mental condition of the person. It includes filling a questionnaire and describing the exact symptoms faced. And one may have to describe past experiences or family history with any kinds of mental disease.
Different types of Major Depression treatment
MDD is curable, and its treatment includes medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both with lifestyle changes.
Only in cases with high depression and chances of harming yourself or others, hospitalization for depression is necessary. Otherwise, outpatient treatment is enough to cure depression.
Medications
Medications for depression include antidepressants, antipsychotics or a combination of both.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter of the brain that controls human mood. An increase in serotonin improves mood, while a decrease in serotonin level leads to low mood. Antidepressants avoid breaking down the serotonin in the brain. It results in a higher amount of serotonin, resulting in a happy mood.
Commonly prescribed antidepressants are:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
SSRIs are primary antidepressants prescribed by doctors as they have the least side effects. SNRIs are equally prescribed as SSRIs, depending on which suits the patient better. SNRIs affect norepinephrine along with serotonin resulting in a good mood.
When both SSRIs and SNRIs do not help in reducing depressive symptoms, tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed.
Any antidepressant has both benefits and side effects. A person taking an antidepressant is under close observation during the initial stages to know the effect of medications and their suitability.
Abrupt stoppage of medication without the advice of a doctor is highly risky and may worsen depression. Hence, proper medical guidance is required while starting and discontinuing the medication. For people who are for some reason unable to take depression medication, there are highly effective treatments like TMS.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy refers to talking therapies or counselling in general. Different therapies are prescribed based on the needs of an individual while talking therapy is considered the best therapy for depression.
Psychological treatment for depression helps an individual in self-assessment. It indulges the patient in identifying the causes and triggers of MDD. Hence, it helps in taking the necessary steps to avoid feeling depressed. It also helps in eliminating negative thoughts and behaviors, developing self-esteem and dealing with challenges in life.
Some of the other therapies also recommended are:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Group therapy
Depending on the needs of the patient and the type of MDD, a combination of medications and psychotherapy are prescribed.
When none of the medications and psychotherapy shows any result, brain stimulation treatments are considered.
Brain stimulation treatments include:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)- Weak electric currents are passed through the brain to relieve depression.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)- Magnetic pulses are used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)- Vagus nerve in the brain is electrically stimulated to relieve depressive symptoms.
These treatment methods are only used in highly critical cases or when none of the medications has been helpful.
Lifestyle changes
Depending solely on medications and therapies without making any lifestyle changes does not help cure MDD. Lifestyle changes to aid in faster recovery from depression.
- Regular walk and exercise
- Indulging in yoga and meditative practices
- A habit of journaling and reflecting on thoughts
- Avoiding alcohol, drugs and cigarettes
- Intake healthy food
- Proper sleeping routing
- Indulging in social activities
- Reading about depression
Conclusion
Major depression is curable with the right set of treatment. If a person gets medical guidance at the early stages, it may help to prevent suicidal attempts. Hence, one should never ignore warning signals and try to seek medical help at the earliest to avoid getting severe MDD.
