Depressive disorder is a mental health condition with symptoms of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual's capacity to function. This includes major depressive disorder. Persistent depressive disorder. Disruptive mood disorder. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder. Depressive disorder due to another medical condition. Other specified depressive disorders and unspecified depressive disorders. What differs among them are duration, timing, or presumed etiology issues.

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Though sadness is a common and normal human emotion, it is important to know if your sadness is causing an underlying brain illness called major depression.

MDD is the most common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It can manifest with behavioral, affective, cognitive, and somatic symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to recognize and address them.

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Increased anxiety – Irritability or agitation
  • Anhedonia, which is the inability to experience joy or pleasure
  • A loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Fatigue or a decrease in energy levels
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Challenges with concentration or memory
  • Recurring thoughts about death or suicidal ideation

Identifying these feelings is the first step toward seeking support and finding effective treatment. Remember that with CIHS, you are not alone, as many resources are available to help you navigate these challenges.

Risk Factors for Depression

  • Genetic predisposition: family history, especially first-degree relatives with MDD
  • female gender
  • postpartum period
  • medical condition
  • significant environmental stressors like death and losses
  • prior episode of MDD

What causes depression

  • Genetics: A family history of depression can increase the likelihood of experiencing it.
  • Biological Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine can contribute to depression.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like chronic illnesses, hormonal changes, or neurological disorders can contribute to depressive symptoms.
  • Psychological Factors: Individuals with low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, or a history of trauma are at a higher risk.
  • Substance Abuse: Alcohol or drug abuse can lead to or worsen depression.
  • Life Event: Stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or any major life change can trigger depression
  • Environmental Factors: Conditions such as living in an abusive or highly stressful environment can promote depression.

MDD can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. At CIHS, our top goal is your safety. Treatment and management of MDD are available.

Persistent depressive disorder:

Also known as dysthymia, it represents a more chronic form of depression that is characterized by the absence of psychotic symptoms. The condition is diagnosed when mood disturbances persist for at least two years in adults or one year in children. It is not uncommon for individuals experiencing such symptoms to remain untreated for extended periods.

Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder:

Refers to a type of depressive disorder that is directly linked to the use of substances, such as drugs or medications. It can occur when an individual experiences depressive symptoms as a result of the effects of a substance, withdrawal from it, or exposure to toxins. Substances that may trigger this disorder: alcohol, prescription medications, recreational drugs, or other chemical agents.

Treatment typically involves addressing the substance use and any underlying mental health issues.

Depressive disorder due to another medical condition :

A depressive disorder that arises as a consequence of another medical condition involves significant depressive symptoms that are directly linked to the physiological effects of a medical illness. This type of depression can occur in individuals who are dealing with chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders.

The symptoms may include:

Persistent sadness, helplessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities affect overall well-being and managing the underlying medical condition effectively. Treatment often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the medical condition and the accompanying depressive symptoms.

Other depressive disorders

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

Is a form of premenstrual syndrome that manifests as a result of hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, particularly during the ovulatory phase. These symptoms may be accompanied by behavior like mood swings irritability, marked lability, anger, depressed mood, anxiety, and low energy, and physical symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, joint pain and headaches, and sleep disturbance, which can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Postpartum depression (PPD):

Is a type of mood disorder that can occur after childbirth, affecting both women and, in some cases, new fathers. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with a person’s ability to care for themselves and their baby.

Risk factors for postpartum depression can include

family history of depression, lack of support from family and friends, significant life stressors during pregnancy or after childbirth, and experiencing complications during delivery.

It’s important to recognize that postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw; it is a health condition that can affect anyone.

Treatment options often include therapy, support groups, medication, and lifestyle changes. If you or someone you know is struggling with PPD, reaching out for help is crucial

Symptoms of postpartum depression

Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness, Mood swings, and irritability, Difficulty Bonding with the baby, Changes in appetite or weight, Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

To manage depressive disorder, the most effective intervention is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

  • Different medications are used depending on the specific type and severity of depression, as each class of drugs works uniquely to relieve or prevent symptoms. The most common class is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The therapeutic effects of these medications may take 4 to 6 weeks to manifest.
  • Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in treatment. The primary approach is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on recognizing and challenging negative thinking patterns and provides strategies for positive reactions.
  • Other modalities might include exposure therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.

Lifestyle changes:

  • Regular exercise
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Practicing stress management techniques, along with relaxation activities

These can also benefit overall well-being.

Prevent, manage, and live life with MDD.

  • Focusing on education and understanding your family medical history.
  • Early recognition through screening is crucial to getting help promptly.
  • It’s important to monitor and report any symptoms of MDD, including suicidal thoughts.
  • Keeping a log or journal can help recognize triggers.
  • Early intervention and starting treatment are key steps.
  • Join support groups to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and ensure you have a strong support network. Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide valuable support.

In Case of Emergency

  • For suicidal ideation or any danger to self or others, call 911

OR

  • go to the nearest hospital to learn how to seek help.

Resources:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Call NAMI Helpline at 1800 950 NAMI (6264) In Crisis 988 (24/7) or info@nami.org

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/resources.html