Diagnosis
The preliminary cause of major depression stems from exposure to long-term stress. A doctor will evaluate the symptoms reported by a patient and possibly speak to family before making a diagnosis and prescribing the best course of treatment. Patients who meet the criteria for major depression must have five or more symptoms of depression that lasts for two weeks or longer. Some of the symptoms include changes in appetite and sleeping patterns, agitation, pessimism, feeling of self-hate, worthlessness and helplessness, and having a lack of concentration or control over life.
Causes
Victims of childhood abuse or victims of crime and war often suffer major depression. Losing a loved one, or experiencing separation or divorce are also instigators. While these are the major causes of this form of depression, other causes may provoke major depression and vary from each patient. Often patients who have major depression have recurrent episodes, where major depression appears again, after healing from a previous episode. The cause of major depression may have lasting effects on a patient. The American Psychiatric Association defines depression recurrent as a life-long disorder where major depression reappears in episodes throughout a patient's lifetime.
Biology of Brain Chemicals
A chemical imbalance in the brain occurs when the brain cannot regulate or process the toll that stress takes on the body. As a prime example, stress may cause a lack of regular or restful sleep. When the body does not get regular sleep or sleep long enough, the body's internal clock is unable to regulate the hormones that normally synchronize during the sleep cycles. Serotonin orchestrates the hormones during sleep and plays a role in regulating mood, sleep and appetite. Serotonin also makes another important chemical, norepinephrine, which helps the body respond to stressful situations. A lack of norepinephrine may cause behavioral changes, such as agitation, anger, guilt, lack of concentration or desire for social interaction, among others. Dopamine is another important chemical that gives you desire or enthusiasm, and the drive to seek pleasure and rewards. New research suggests that the chemical glutamate may play a significant role in depression.
Treatment Options
Medication may help relieve the symptoms of major depression. Anti-depressants can replace the lack of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine or other chemical needed for optimal mind and body function. Severe cases of major depression may require anti-psychotics. A doctor may prescribe a medication or a combination of medications. It may take several weeks to see results after starting a new medication for major depression.
Individual and family counseling are usually the other forms of treatment recommended for patients with major depression. Often, a team consisting of doctors and therapist may coordinate a treatment plan for the patient or engage in the treatment process. Some of the professionals and services may include a psychiatrist for medication management, a psychologist for individual and family counseling, a social worker to find living arrangements, and an occupational therapist for learning skills and making career choices. Other team members may include an art therapist, dance therapist, recreational therapist, among others.
If you or a loved one has thought, feelings or plans of suicide get medical attention. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including herbal medications. Give the medication and other prescribed treatments time to work. In the meantime, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and be sure to get regular exercise and sleep.
