Summary
Treatment has been developed, but doctors cannot say that it is always effective, because the causes of this illness are still being established and studied. This is due to the complex nature of depression, as well as its multidimensionality, which makes it difficult for specialists to find effective ways to eradicate this condition. The most modern, mainstream class of drugs is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, but scientists are still looking for more effective treatments (Burns, 2020). For example, specialists are trying to target other nerve cell signaling agents, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. During the puberty period, teenage anxiety is more similar to “adult” than to “childhood” depression. For example, the older a person is more likely to have “anxiety depression,” when constant nervousness, anxiety, and feelings of fear for self and loved ones are added to the symptoms of the disorder. This is associated with an increase in problems and worries, which leads to more tension and busyness, and this, in turn, provokes the disorder.
The Specific and Meaning of Depression Disease
It is necessary to highlight why depression is complicated, dangerous, and distinguished from other mental states. This mental disorder is a pathology in its neglected form when the individual begins to have more severe symptoms – not only bad moods and powerlessness but also persistent nervous system disorders. There is also a significant decrease in self-esteem, social maladjustment, despondency, and loss of interest in all events (Lam, 2018). A depressive state has a negative effect on a person’s health and general well-being, which makes it necessary to seek medical help from a specialist.
On the physiological level, appetite changes, intimacy and energy decrease, and sleep and intestinal functions are impaired. Often the problem is that people confuse this severe mental condition with ordinary sadness. The reason for this is a lack of public awareness and the fact that they are very similar in appearance (Watson & Kissane, 2017). It is important to understand that while sadness is still a mood that passes after a short time and is not life-threatening, depression, as mentioned above, is dangerous to health.
Ways to Treat and Control the Disease
Moderate to severe depression is treated with medication and, in addition to pills, with psychotherapy techniques. Medication treatment uses antidepressants, which increase the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic gap. It should be noted that these medications are not conclusive, and are constantly being refined and improved. It is also worth identifying certain groups of people who are potentially more prone to developing depression, namely teenagers and women after childbirth (Burns, 2020).
In addition, the problems and difficulties associated with a teenager’s life in society can also be causes of depression. For example, the likelihood of acquiring a depressive disorder is increased by bullying, low peer appreciation, lack of parental attention, or effect of stress. Postpartum depression affects 10 to 20 percent of women who have recently given birth (Burns, 2020). This disorder is caused by a combination of biological, hereditary, and psychological factors, but doctors do not fully know what can trigger it. The fact is postpartum depression can even occur in men (although the disorder in men is poorly understood).
Conclusion
To summarize all of the above, it is necessary to emphasize that depression is a severe psychological condition that should not be underestimated. There are modern, effective treatments for this condition, but they are imperfect and are being refined. If there is any suspicion of a depressive disorder, the patient should immediately contact a specialist. For the same reason, taking this condition for the usual sadness and depreciating the complaints of the person is devastating, as mistakes can be irreparable.
Recommendations
- At the appearance of the first symptoms or suspicions of depression, the consultation of a psychologist is needed. It is prohibited to ignore it because this will lead to more serious consequences for health and body;
- Undergo a complete course of treatment without deviations, because only a comprehensive approach can restore hormonal balance and prevent recurrence;
- Understand the patients’ emotional intelligence with the help of psychologists. (Skillicorn, 2020).
References
Burns, D. (2020). Feeling great. The revolutionary new treatment for depression and anxiety. PESI Publishing & Media.
Lam, R. W. (2018). Depression. Oxford University Press.
Skillicorn, J. (2020). Healing depression without medication. North Atlantic Books.
Watson, M. & Kissane, M. W. (Ed.). (2017). Management of clinical depression and anxiety. Oxford University Press.