Free Essay

Recognition and Treatment of Depression

In: Other Topics

Submitted By jessicabreaux
Words 1425
Pages 6
Recognition and Treatment of Depression
Jessica Breaux
ENG/147 (AAIH1HE318)
August 3, 2015
Anne Thurmer

Recognition and Treatment of Depression
People do not want to recognize depression because then they feel as if they have failed those whom they look up to or those that look up to them. Those that do have depression are unaware of it because they are uneducated about the different types, signs, and symptoms. Depression is a mental disease that disrupts a persons’ life and is marked by relapses over time. There are different types of depression including dysthymia and clinical. Dysthymia is usually last for short periods (hence the name short-term depression) and is diagnosed mostly during childhood. Typically beginning in the mid to late 20s, clinical or major depression is much more severe than dysthymia (Depression, 2004). Depression is more likely to occur in a person who is physical inactivity, smoking, in a small social network, physically impaired, prone to heart attacks; diabetic or obese (Arehart-Treichel, 2012). If detected early enough the treatments both medication and alternative can be effective in preventing further depression. Beginning prevention as early as possible could prevent the onset of clinical depression later in life. Therefore, doctors and parents need to diagnose depression in young people at an early age by recognizing the physical and emotional signs so that we can offer treatment options whether it is with or without medications.
People often overlook the signs of depression because they are too busy trying to make a life for themselves. There are many signs of depression and can take many forms, be in a numerous combination, and can vary from person to person. Therefore, not every person will have the same symptoms or signs. Some of the physical signs are lack of social interactions, self-mutilations, overeating or the lack of, weight gain or loss without dieting; dizziness, headaches, inexplicable crying, fatigue, and changes in sleep (Depression, 2004). Scientist and researchers have not found a definite cause for depression. In my opinion, depression can arise because of many things, most of which begin during childhood. When children are in school and find themselves in situations such as being bullied, chosen last continuously, the outcast of a particular group, or having to be independent may lead to some form of depression. In addition, those who are being physically abused or yelled at constantly (verbal abuse), loss of a close relative, and being sexually abused can be causes of depression. Some of the emotional signs that people need to be aware of are always wanting to be alone, feeling like an outcast, feeling as if you are worthless, lose interest in life, work, and other pleasurable activities including sex (Depression, 2004); thoughts of death, loss of energy, feelings of guilt, and even concentration (Gurung, 2001). The emotional signs are felt, and a person must seek professional help to be diagnosed with or without depression. Depression can be in coexistence with other health issues such as smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, and heart disease (Sinha and Rush, 2006). Instead of seeking professional help, many people have a tendency to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with depression; as a result, the symptoms worsen (Depression, 2004). Depression (2004) states, “Depression frequently coexists with hostility and irritability. This can be directed toward the source of the problematic relationship (such as the spouse) or deflected toward others (such as the children).” Some people can even have difficulty making decisions, concentrating, remembering, having a clear state of mind, and some have complained of delusions and hallucinations. Depression has many effects on different people. Every person deals with depression in a different way. To help manage their symptoms some people rely on medication, while others turn to alternative treatment options.
Medication is the most common treatment option for most people suffering from depression. The most commonly prescribed medications are TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). These medications are mind altering and need professional monitoring. Women and men equally respond to treatment with IPT (Interpersonal therapy) but men also need TCAs while women do not. Young women, however, can take MAOIs and function normally. While effective in some women CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) is not for everyone (Sinha and Rush, 2006). Some people have amazing results with medication such as clear thinking, more sociable, more active and overall a better outlook on life; while others have problems with medications such as allergies, the wrong dosage, and the potential to make the depression worse. A few other side effects can be bowel blockage, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and even excessive sweating. With all of these side effects in mind, scientists have developed medications that improve mood without these awful side effects. Although you can wake up in the morning, take a pill and not have to worry about your depression you still have to take them as prescribed because of the risk of overdosing (Gurung, 2001). “At the molecular level, depression is thought to be caused by inadequate numbers of neurotransmitters in the brain,” as written in Depression (2004). Therefore, some people do not have an option of taking medications and causing them to be useless because of these inadequate numbers. After taking medications for almost six months with side effects and no success, I began to look deeper into alternative medicines and treatments. Upon researching some of the alternative options, I had decided to take alternative actions without medications. Although, some studies have shown that "exercise improves mood" and ultimately helps in preventing the reoccurrences of depression, the effects of alternative treatments need further investigation (Sinha and Rush, 2006, pp. 51-52). Other studies have shown that several medicinal herbs can treat depression far better than standard antidepressant medications without the negative effects on the human body (Gurung, 2001). Other forms of alternative treatments are talking to a counselor, exercising, yoga, and Pilates. Therefore, with alternative treatments is a lifestyle type of change versus depending on medications to make you feel better. Some other alternative treatment options are ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), CBT, IPT, yoga, and mindful meditation. There are also herbal medicines, acupuncture, exercise, stress management, and a few others that are less effective in treating depression (Sinha and Rush, 2006). Although, treatment with ECT should be a last resort, it can be an alternative in extreme cases of severe depression or if a person absolutely cannot wait for traditional medications to kick in, but no one can explain why this treatment works (Gurung, 2001). The downfall to doing these alternative treatments are you must do them daily and learn how to deal with, live with, and cope with your depression.
Research shows depression being the number one cause of disease by the year 2020 (Steiner, 2007). Therefore, the knowledge and recognition of signs is crucial in preventing this particular prediction. Some people still depend on medication, despite the side effects, for the treatment of their depression, while others try a lifestyle change with alternative treatments. By preventing this disease, these people will be able to function normally, be more social amongst others, and have a more positive outlook on life. I believe that the world could benefit from preventing this disease because the number of suicides would be significantly less.

References
Arehart-Treichel, J. (2012, December). Healthy, positive life strategies may reduce depression in women. Psychiatric News, 47(24), 19-19, 23. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1327237850?accountid=458
Depression. (2004). In K. Carlson, S. Eisenstat, & T. Ziporyn, New Harvard guide to women's health, the. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/content/entry/hupwh/depression/0
Gurung, R. A. R. (2001). Depression. In Encyclopedia of Sociology (2nd ed., Vol. 1, pp. 648-657). New York: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved from http://go/galegroup.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CCX3404400093&v=2,1&u=uphoenix_uopx&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w&asid=6d268544818a4bc7677cd3aed7f710bf
Rosenthal, M. (2004). In S. Loue and M. Sajatovic (Eds.), Encyclopedia of women’s health. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer Scienc+Business Media. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/content/evtry/sprwh/depression/0
Sinha, R., & Rush, J. A. (2006). Understanding of depression in women: Applying empirical research to practice and policy: Treatment and Prevention of Depression in Women. United States: American Psychological Association.
Steiner, M. (2007). Treatment of Depression in Women. Utrecht, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Preschool Depression Summary

...The purpose of the article titled “ A Novel Early Intervention for Preschool Depression: finding from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial" by Luby was to test whether or not parent child interaction therapy emotion development (PCIT-ED) was a successful treatment than developmental and parenting intervention (DEPI) when dealing with preschool depression since previous studies did not pay particular attention to preschool children. PCIT is a treatment that focuses on enhancing a better developmental relationship and more nurturing parenting. Children between three and seven years old were used as the sample group to identify depression. The groups were tested by using the Preschool Feelings Checklist (PFC) at the community pediatricians’ office...

Words: 454 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Therapy Plan Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

...that make her regurgitating food and deal with the fear she has of being overweight and her friends calling her fat as the mother and friends explained. We will apply the cognitive theory of depression to help her since experts have confirmed that the techniques that the theory proposes are actually effective especially in dealing with eating disorders. This is just a recap of what we are going to discuss in this paper so let being our detailed discussion. THE COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THEORY To being our discussion we are going to talk about the cognitive behavior theory, and as we mentioned earlier cognitive behavior has been proven to be the best method of dealing with psychotherapeutic disorders and for our case we are going to use it to develop a therapy plan to help the 23year old girl overcome her eating disorder. Additionally, cognitive behavior therapy has its advantage and disadvantage and as we have mentioned it is effective in treating, also it does not take long as compared with other types of therapy. The only disadvantage to this form of therapy is that the treatment can only work if the individual agrees and is willing to be helped, as we will later find out in our discussion ( Nemade, Staats Reiss, Dombeck and 2007). The use of cognitive therapy and techniques is procedural treatment...

Words: 1951 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Post Partum Depression

...following the birth of her child. These particular changes can leave a new mother feeling sad, anxious, afraid and confused (Nami.org). For many women, these feelings; which are known as baby blues, go away fairly quickly. But when they do not go away or rather they get worse, a woman may be experiencing the effects of postpartum depression (PPD). This is a serious condition that describes a range of physical and emotional changes and that requires prompt treatment from a health care provider. According to Mauthner, (1999) postpartum depression occurs when women are unable to experience, express and validate their feelings and needs within supportive, accepting and non-judgmental interpersonal relationships and cultural contexts. Postpartum depression is defined as a mild to moderate mood disturbance occurring between birth and six months post birth, rather than the less frequent, more severe postpartum psychosis, or the more prevalent but transient blues (Crokenberg & Leerkes, 2003). The postpartum period is unique in the development of mental illness. As stated by O'hara & Zekoski (1988), approximately 10% to 30% of mothers report clinical levels of depression during the postpartum period. Although the current literature divides the spectrum of postpartum mood disorders into three distinct categories, these classifications frequently blend at the margins. At the mildest end of the...

Words: 1416 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Depression Recovery Plan Essay

...Introduction: Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch, it is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, medical repair, and a good recovery plan. (Mental Health Conditions, 2015) Depression is “a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and is often unable to live in a normal way.” (Depression, 2011) Any type of depression is very serious and should be taken care of in a cautious and caring manner. The main types of depression include major depression, dysthymia, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, atypical depression, psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and situational depression. (Lliades,...

Words: 840 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Mental Illness Media Analysis

...outdated negative stereotypes that only increase the stigma surrounding mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association (2017) notes that media portrayal of the mentally ill is usually shown in three ways: The individual is violent and therefore a danger to society, the individual is childlike and unable to care for themselves, and finally the individual is carefree and rebellious and therefore on the edge of societal norms. The portrayal of these stereotypes has also caused a skewed public perception of treatment. Which the public views with either fear and subsequently exclusion towards the mentally ill individual or with the belief that the individual is unable to take care of themselves and all life-altering decisions should not be left to the individual (American Psychiatric Association, 2017). News Stations are prolific in their negative showing of mental illness. Jahangir, Nawaz, and Khan (2014) found that only fourteen percent of news stories showed treatment and recovery from mental illness in a positive way. News reports more commonly connect mental illness with violence and destruction. Another and highly controversial example of the negative media portrayal is the 2015 Netflix series Thirteen Reasons Why. Netflix marketed this highly anticipated drama towards teenagers and young adults, a group that is mentally and emotionally impressionable. The series depicted the bullying that ultimately led to the suicide of sixteen-year-old Hannah Baker, as well as the...

Words: 1148 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Childhood Depression

...study of adolescent depression and it's characteristic features has gained a lot more attention and research in recent years, especially due to the fact that the rate of adolescent depression has seemed to have increased of late. A great deal more research has been done on adult depression in the past, thus the study and interpretation of adolescent depression is a relatively new research field in comparison as discussed by Crowe (2006) Adult criteria was used to diagnose adolescent depression in early studies of adolescent depression, which was in the 1970s and 1980s era. The variations in the comparative rates of the presence of particular symptoms between adolescence and adults was found to be rather small by the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project found by Roberts et al. 1995, cited by Crowe (2006). Although there is evidence that children meet adult criteria for depression, there are still uncertainties about the validity of the concept of depressive disorder in children and adolescents found by Harrington (2001) as cited by Crowe (2006) The DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association2000; p. 353) suggests that ‘the core symptoms of a major depressive episode are the same for children and adolescents, although there is data that suggest that the prominence of characteristic symptoms may change with age’ as discussed by Crowe ( 2006) This essay will aim at discussing problems related to identifying, diagnosing and the assessment of adolescent depression, taking into account...

Words: 2149 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Pychiatric Disorders and Disease

...Hohlbein February 20, 2015 Abstract The biopsychology of Psychiatric disorders (disorders of psychological function sufficiently severe to require treatment). One of the main difficulties in studying or treating the psychiatric disorders is that they are difficult to diagnose. Because they cannot identify the specific brain pathology associated with various disorders, their diagnosis usually rests entirely on the patients symptoms. The diagnosis is guided by the DSM-IV-TR (the current edition of the Diagnostic and statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Associations. I will be discussing the following psychiatric disorders Schizophrenia, Anxiety Disorders, Affective (emotional) disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Tourette syndrome. These disorders are all very important and are treatable. Most people can live happy and healthy lives if treatments are followed by a doctor. The major difficulty in studying and treating schizophrenia is accurately defining it (Heinrichs, 2005; Kreuger & Markon, 2006). Its symptoms are complex and diverse; they overlap greatly with those of other psychiatric disorders and frequently change during the progression of the disorder. Also, various neurological disorders have complex partial epilepsy; have symptoms that might suggest a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In recognition of the fact that the current definition of schizophrenia likely includes several different brain diseases some experts prefer to use the plural form to refer...

Words: 1632 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Concept Analysis

...Head: DEPRESSION IN THE ADOLESCENT ONCOLOGY PATIENT ​1       Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis Joliette Tiffany Grice University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing               In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of N5327 Section 400 Analysis of Theories in Nursing Ronda Mintz-Binder, DNP, RN June 10th, 2012 Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis We all go through up and downs in our mood, sadness is a normal reaction to life’s trials and tribulations. Many people use the word depression to explain these feelings, but depression is much more than just a feeling of sadness. According to Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary (2002), depression is an abnormal emotional state characterized by exaggerated feelings of sadness, melancholy, dejection, worthlessness, emptiness, and hopelessness that are inappropriate and out of proportion to reality. Depression may be expressed in a wide spectrum of affective, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or may easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people. The adolescent oncology patient may suffer from all of these symptoms due to the life altering circumstances that a cancer diagnosis brings. However, due to side effects of treatment medications...

Words: 4707 - Pages: 19

Free Essay

External Contributing Factors to Depression

...External Factors Contributing to Depression Depression is most commonly characterized by depressive moods and feelings of low self worth or guilt, a disease affecting approximately 121 million people (World Health Organization, 2011). Despite these high numbers, the many factors that contribute to depression remain under debate. Depression is commonly treated with antidepressant medication that aims to normalize brain function, often through the uptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (Moncrieff, 2010). Research has supported the use of this type of medication with results that indicate prolonged use of antidepressants can reduce the chances of relapse (Kim, Lee, Paik, & Kim, 2011). Many deduce that because medication targets and treats physical abnormalities related to depression, biology must be the main contributor. Against this rational however, much research that exists today declares a balance of biology and external factors as contributors to depression (Cole, McGuffin, & Farmer, 2008). In contrast to discoveries of this nature, a study conducted in Taiwan concludes that many depression sufferers perceive the cause of their depression to be social and cultural factors, making little mention to biology (Fu & Paraboo, 2009). Although medication has proven successful in many cases for alleviating depressive symptoms, considerable amounts of research have determined that external factors such as personal misfortunes or stress, cultural and societal influences, such...

Words: 2045 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Frankline

...definition. Many documents reflect the complexity of this concept, which usually views stress and the risk of occupational burnout as the typical results of poor mental working conditions. Some professions are more vulnerable than others. It is true, as the research in many countries shows, that professionals such as lawyers, social workers, teachers or secretaries have a higher risk of depression, and workers in health services and farmers have a higher risk of suicide. One tends to focus on the “dark side of the moon”, sometimes forgetting that work could and should be a source of personal growth and satisfaction. Experts working on the psychological disorder at work place for Mental Health and Well-being, state that the workplace can provide a healthy culture and environment that is psychologically supportive to the workforce. It also helps to promote the social inclusion of people with mental health problems, providing an income allowing them to more fully participate in society On the other hand, mental health influences the quality of work performance. Poor mental health, especially depression, results in higher absenteeism rates, lower productivity and problems with making decisions. In some extreme cases, a mental condition could be dangerous for co-workers and/or clients. But more and more often a new issue is being discussed – inefficient work called presenteeism. This phenomenon is frequently caused by mental health problems ignited by poor management, poor leadership...

Words: 680 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mental Health Research Paper

...concern is becoming more common in today’s society. However, there is a raising concern for the correlation between aging and mental health. With age comes health concerns due to the fact that all organ systems in the body undergo an aging process. Mental illnesses in older adults include, but are not limited to: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This paper will discuss the raising concern of mental health and aging, new treatment options, approaches to mental health in the elderly, and recent studies conducted on each of these critical and debilitating diseases. Depression is a very common, yet devastating disease originating from the brain. It can affect...

Words: 1837 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Role Of Mental Health In Kenya

...specific disorders, knowing how to seek mental health information knowledge of risk factors and causes, of self-treatments, and of attitudes that promote recognition and appropriate help-seeking. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease or infirmity Kenya is listed as one of the 70% African countries that sets aside less than 1% of its health budget to mental health care, even when a quarter of the patients going to the hospital appear to have mental health symptoms (Jonathan, 2012). There are many negative perceptions or complete lack of knowledge on the area resulting to people not getting the appropriate medical care, lack of enough psychiatrists and social isolation upon diagnosis. Mental illnesses are commonly termed as the white man’s problems as if to detach it from ever affecting...

Words: 1830 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Szt Task 2

...secondary effects of treatment of the disease process. Three of my four grandparents have died from terminal cancer and it has taught me that the patient has to be an active part of the decision making for care. One of my grandfather’s chose not to receive any further treatment options other than palliative care after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s nodular lymphoma with metastasis to his liver and lungs. He chose this option to enjoy the remaining amount of life with his twelve grandchildren and wife. The physicians gave him limited experimental options for treatment with no surgical resolve and he asked the important question for him at the time. Will it prolong my life at the same quality that I have now? The physicians told him that it would probably prolong his life but much of it would be in hospitals and with progressed illness due to the treatments. This led to his choice for palliative care and he lived an additional three years. We enjoyed all of the time we had together and we as a family supported his decision. My other grandfather chose to pursue all of the medical options available to treat his Hodgkin’s lymphoma that was caught in the very early stages. He enjoyed a very long life to the age of ninety-two and survived the disease for twenty-two years. We also enjoyed all of our time with him but he had several bad years in the early years of diagnosis where he was too ill to get out of bed. Thankfully with progress of chemotherapy he found a treatment option that allowed...

Words: 2372 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Bipolar Disorder

...to discuss bipolar disorders. This paper will include a discussion on what bipolar disorders are how each episode of bipolar affects the person mental status and some of the treatment for this disorder. Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that includes a continuum of depression, mixed moods, hypomania and mania (Benazzi, 2007). Bipolar disorder has two main diagnoses which are bipolar I and bipolar II. Diagnosis of bipolar I is made when mania is presented for at least a week, and is severe enough to cause hospitalization (Benazzi, 2007). On the other hand bipolar II is linked to hypomania lasting for at least four days, and does not require hospitalization, however, both bipolar I and bipolar II have periods of depression (Benazzi, 2007). Bipolar disorder, or manic depressive disorder, is a disorder that is characterized by extreme mood changes (Benazzi,2007). A person that suffers from this disorder can go from begin energetic, and outgoing to feeling of worthlessness, and may become irritated. These extreme mood shifts can be altered in a short amount of time, or take months or even up to a year to go through a mood transition (Salto, 2002). A person that suffers from bipolar disorder that goes for treatment is still not out of danger; the dramatic changes during treatment can cause the person who has bipolar to have many mixed emotions and put these people at high risk for suicides (Marneros, 2009). People that suffer with bipolar disorder may...

Words: 1764 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Out of Depression

...Out of Depression Abstract: The paper is trying to transmit some basic information about Depression, the top 1 mental disease in today’s society. The content includes 5 parts: the definition of depression, its effects on the patients, the family as well as the society, its main causes, the different situation on it in developed and developing countries, and suggestions in dealing with it individually,such as got a big purpose in mind,and discuss on how the whole society should deal with it,such as set up a common fair recognition on Depression. Introduction: Nowadays,with the rapid development of our society, our material lives are far more satisfying. But why people seem less happy than ever before? Complaints arising all the time, psychological disorder cases soaring, suicide rate increasing, we are now facing a new crisis, the mental health crisis, which restrain our pursuit of happiness and even threaten our lives. And according to the surveys, among all those mental disease, Depression has become most wide-spread and threatening one in the world. As it has such a great impact on our life, it is necessary to learn something about it and try to figure out some possible solutions. Have you ever suffered a depressed mood, feeling so sad or empty that you just want to have a long cry? Have you ever lost the interests on everything all at once and felt seemingly endless fatigue? Have you ever felt disappointed or guilty of yourself and call yourself useless? Try hard...

Words: 2319 - Pages: 10