What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.
If you are experiencing these symptoms for at least two weeks, it is important to seek professional help from our experienced psychologists and clinical psychologists at Fort Healthcare or your doctors.
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What are the symptoms?
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite - weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Feeling restless or slowed down
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
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What causes depression?
Depression is a complex condition with no single cause, but there are several factors that can contribute to its development. Here are some of the major categories:
Brain Chemistry:
- Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are thought to play a role in depression. These chemicals help regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Brain Structure and Function: Studies suggest that there may be differences in the structure and function of certain brain regions in people with depression, such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex.
Genetics:
- A family history of depression significantly increases your risk of developing the condition. However, having a genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee you will experience depression.
Life Events:
- Stressful or traumatic life events, such as the death of a loved one, relationship problems, job loss, or financial difficulties, can trigger depression.
- Chronic stress from everyday life can also contribute to depression, even without a major life event.
Personality and Thinking Patterns:
- Certain personality traits, such as neuroticism or negative thinking patterns, may make someone more vulnerable to depression.
Medical Conditions:
- Chronic physical illnesses, such as chronic pain, heart disease, or diabetes, can increase the risk of depression.
- Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause, can also trigger depression.
Medications and Substances:
- Some medications, such as corticosteroids or certain blood pressure medications, can have depression as a side effect.
- Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, can contribute to or worsen depression.
It’s important to remember that these are just some of the potential causes of depression. Often, several factors interact to contribute to its development. If you are concerned about depression, it is important to seek professional help from a doctor or our clinical and registered psychologists at Fort Healthcare. They can help you determine the cause of your depression and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
How can MDD be treated?
Here are a number of effective treatments available for depression, including:
- Therapy: Psychotherapy can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is often used to treat depression.
- Medication: Antidepressant medications can help to regulate the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are thought to play a role in depression.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise,and getting enough sleep, can also help to improve symptoms of depression.
Treatment for depression is often most effective when a combination of these approaches is used. It is important to work with a doctor or our experienced psychologists to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
When shall I seek for the treatments?
If you are experiencing five or more of the symptoms mentioned above for at least two weeks, it is important to seek professional help. Depression is a serious medical condition which is fortunately treatable. However, it can worsen if left untreated.
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Health Direct:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression
Mayo clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007