Major depression is a diagnosis found in the DSM-IV-TR, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals, and is characterized by a persistent sad mood as well as other symptoms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 15 million American adults suffer from major depression each year. It's a serious disorder that can affect a person's ability to be successful at work and make and maintain healthy relationships.
Basics
Everyone feels sad sometimes and experiences stress. People who cope with these feelings and stressors in healthy ways usually move on; however, some people don't know how or can't handle the feelings they're experiencing. When the symptoms of depression and a person's mood start to impact the individual's life, he may be suffering from a form of depression.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Major depression is diagnosed after someone has been experiencing a sad or irritable mood along with other symptoms, such as issues with sleeping and eating, trouble concentrating, restlessness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. A person who's depressed might also have thoughts of suicide. Most of the time, a person will lose interest in activities that used to make her happy. For example, she might stop attending her weekly brunch with her friends and stop taking morning walks with her dog. You need to see a licensed mental health professional or a doctor in order to receive a diagnosis of major depression.
Causes
No one can point to one single cause of major depression. Usually, it's a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. The Mayo Clinic reports that people who suffer from depression seem to have significant changes in their brains, might have imbalances with their hormones and neurotransmitters, and may have a genetic predisposition for depression. Many times, life events such as the death of a spouse can influence the development of depression.
Medication
One of the forms of treatment usually suggested for someone suffering from major depression is medication, especially if the person is an adult and is having suicidal thoughts. The most common form of medication used to treat major depression is antidepressants. The Mayo Clinic reports that most doctors will start by prescribing an SSRI and then move on to other forms of antidepressants if the person experiences negative side effects or does not respond to the medication.
Other Treatments
Psychotherapy is another form of treatment for major depression. The most common form of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, works by helping someone understand how his thoughts affect his emotions and behaviors. Therapists help clients learn about the depressive disorder and its causes and form treatment plans. Electroconvulsive therapy, hospitalizations and residential treatment facilities may be needed for those who suffer from severe depression; for instance, someone may be hospitalized if she is suicidal and needs immediate treatment.
