There are many psychiatric disorders that doctors have identified. One that is becoming nearly epidemic is "clinical depression." Why it's more common today is another story, but clinical depression usually refers to the more severe type of depression. But clinical depression is actually known as major depression disorder (MDD) to doctors, and is also called, "major depressive disorder."
"Clinical depression," however, is the term most used by people. The severity of the symptoms of major depression disorder are such that people with this disease can do little more than deal with the disease fulltime. Symptoms can include emotional problems like sadness, inability to concentrate, feeling negative all the time, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can include loss of sex drive, weight gain, and lethargy. At it's worst, victims can be suicidal.
Some types of depression such as postpartum depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are actually forms of major depression disorder. (By the way, sometimes it is referred to as "Major Depressive Disorder.") People considered to have MDD - regardless of the type of 'sub-category' depression type - must be a depressed mood for over two weeks and have at least five other classic depression symptoms. So if a patient is experiencing these symptoms, treatment becomes necessary. This is not just a case of "the blues."
ECT or electroconvulsive therapy is one controversial method still used today to treat MDD. Other, more standard treatments include psychotherapy and prescription medication.
There's always new treatments being explored for treating MDD, with supporters claiming effectiveness and others denouncing their effectiveness. One treatment that has 'made the grade' is Light Therapy for sufferers of SAD (a.k.a. "seasonal depression"). For a long time, light therapy was considered to be a far-fetched idea.
But most natural treatments - although more attractive from a side-effect standpoint - are nevertheless not proving themselves as being effective. Certain herbal remedies have been touted as being effective - such as St. John's Wort - but have proven only mildly effective in some cases.
But no matter what treatment is selected, getting SOME treatment going (so as to eliminate what works and what doesn't) is critical. People affected by Major Depressive Disorder need help, whether the treatment is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medicine, alternative therapy, or a combination of all three.
The first thing to find out is whether the cause of the depression has physical roots; things such as heredity (is depression in the family?), poor diet and no exercise, or a disease of some sort.
Then emotional problems should be looked into, and this includes past trauma, bereavement, any suppressed mental struggles and so forth.
Because depression can (and often) has many causes instead of just one, it's best to find a therapist who can be a good 'detective' as well as medical professional. After all, everything from alcohol to lack of sunlight to sexual abuse can be causes. These skills are necessary to discover the right causes for MDD and recommend the correct treatments. - 29881
"Clinical depression," however, is the term most used by people. The severity of the symptoms of major depression disorder are such that people with this disease can do little more than deal with the disease fulltime. Symptoms can include emotional problems like sadness, inability to concentrate, feeling negative all the time, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can include loss of sex drive, weight gain, and lethargy. At it's worst, victims can be suicidal.
Some types of depression such as postpartum depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are actually forms of major depression disorder. (By the way, sometimes it is referred to as "Major Depressive Disorder.") People considered to have MDD - regardless of the type of 'sub-category' depression type - must be a depressed mood for over two weeks and have at least five other classic depression symptoms. So if a patient is experiencing these symptoms, treatment becomes necessary. This is not just a case of "the blues."
ECT or electroconvulsive therapy is one controversial method still used today to treat MDD. Other, more standard treatments include psychotherapy and prescription medication.
There's always new treatments being explored for treating MDD, with supporters claiming effectiveness and others denouncing their effectiveness. One treatment that has 'made the grade' is Light Therapy for sufferers of SAD (a.k.a. "seasonal depression"). For a long time, light therapy was considered to be a far-fetched idea.
But most natural treatments - although more attractive from a side-effect standpoint - are nevertheless not proving themselves as being effective. Certain herbal remedies have been touted as being effective - such as St. John's Wort - but have proven only mildly effective in some cases.
But no matter what treatment is selected, getting SOME treatment going (so as to eliminate what works and what doesn't) is critical. People affected by Major Depressive Disorder need help, whether the treatment is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medicine, alternative therapy, or a combination of all three.
The first thing to find out is whether the cause of the depression has physical roots; things such as heredity (is depression in the family?), poor diet and no exercise, or a disease of some sort.
Then emotional problems should be looked into, and this includes past trauma, bereavement, any suppressed mental struggles and so forth.
Because depression can (and often) has many causes instead of just one, it's best to find a therapist who can be a good 'detective' as well as medical professional. After all, everything from alcohol to lack of sunlight to sexual abuse can be causes. These skills are necessary to discover the right causes for MDD and recommend the correct treatments. - 29881
About the Author:
Chuck's incredible survival of a suicide attempt when he was just sixteen years young inspired him to write a book to help others. To discover more about Major Depression Disorder, go to his site at http://www.dealwithdepression.org
