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Depression - Depression symptom, treatment, causes

Depression is a feeling of extreme tiredness and lack of energy. Fatigue is most commonly the result of strenuous activity or lack of sleep, and energy is usually restored by rest. Tiredness can also be caused by emotional distress. However, unexplained fatigue may be a warning sign of oncoming illness such as a viral infection, or may be a symptom of serious disorders such as ANAEMIA, DIABETES MElLITUS, heart disease, kidney disease or cancer. Anyone who persistently feels tired for no apparent reason should consult a doctor.

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Some types of depression do seem to run in families, suggesting a biological vulnerability. Depression is much more than grieving or a bout of the blues. This seems to be the case with bipolar depression and, to a lesser degree, severe major depression. Many people do not seek treatment for depression for a variety of reasons. Some believe that depression is the result of a personal weakness or character flaw. This is simply not true. Like diabetes, heart disease, or any other medical condition, clinical depression is an illness that should be treated by a mental health professional or physician. Sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times depression seems to occur spontaneously with no identifiable specific cause. Depression may occur only once in a person's life. Often, however, it occurs as repeated episodes over a lifetime, with periods free of depression in between. People with depression are known to have lower brain levels of these chemicals, and drugs that elevate them can help lift mood. Depression not only causes suffering to those who are depressed, but it also causes great difficulty for their family and friends who often do not know how to help.

Depression affects people of every color, race, economic status, or age; however, it does seem to affect more females than males during adolescence and adulthood. It is more than just a mood disorder, it is a real illness that not only affects one's mood and thoughts but also appetite, sleep patterns and one's self esteem. There are several differe nt types of depressive disorders, including major depression and manic-depressive disorder. It is very common and affects as many as one in eight people in their teen years. There is no single cause for depression. Many factors play a role including genetics, environment, medical conditions, life events, and certain thinking patterns that affect a person's reaction to events. Scientists believe genetic factors play a role in some depressions. Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviors, but also by specific changes in bodily functions (e.g., eating, sleeping, and sexual activity). The functional changes are often called neurovegetative signs. Medications are available that are generally safe and effective, even for the most severe depression. With proper treatment, most people with serious depression improve, often within weeks, and can return to normal daily activities.

Causes of Depression

The common causes and risk factor's of Depression include the following:

• A neurochemical or hormonal imbalance.
• Certain styles of thinking.
• Failure in career.
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs used to control high blood pressure, sleeping pills or, occasionally, birth control pills, may cause symptoms of depression in some people.
• Inferior complexities.
• Monetary burden or financial insecurity.

Symptoms of Depression

Some sign and symptoms related to Depression are as follows:

• Changes in sleeping habits: sleeping much or sleeping less.
• Lack of confidence.
• Body cramps and unexpected body pain.
• Tiredness, lethargy and weakness.
• Irritable behavior.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.

Treatment of Depression

Here is list of the methods to treat Depression:

• The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs has improved the treatment of depression.
• A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy usually is effective if you have mild to moderate depression. If you're severely depressed, initial treatment usually is with medications or electroconvulsive therapy.
• Alternative treatments used for depression include exercise and the use of vitamins, herbs, or other nutritional supplements.
• Doctors prescribe lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol) to treat bipolar depression.
• In emergencies, psychiatric hospitalization is used simply to keep suicidal people safe until they cease to be dangers to themselves.