Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the state of well-being mental health. In this state, people work fruitfully and can realize their abilities, cope with normal life stresses, and are beneficial to their communities. Conditions that disrupt this situation are considered mental problems of which depression forms part. Depression is a mental illness that negatively affects people’s feelings, thoughts, and actions (Abdul Razzak et al., 2019). The paper presents a detailed discussion of depression as mental health, including the risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures.
Discussion
According to WHO, depression is among the most prevalent illnesses and leads in contributes to disability worldwide. A study conducted by Thomas and Seedat (2018) shows that this mental disorder has affected 4.4% of the world’s population, including children and adults (p. 22). The research also indicates that more than 7.5% of the disability cases reported in a year are associated with depression (Thomas & Seedat, 2018, p. 22). According to Thomas & Seedat (2018), the disease is more prevalent in developing countries compared with developed ones, with about 16% of cases related to depression being from Africa (p. 22).
Depressive disorders can affect anyone, but various factors related to the environment, biochemistry, genetics, drug abuse, medical conditions such as cancer, and personality may aggravate people’s vulnerability. For instance, studies have linked the differences in chemical levels such as dopamine in the brain with depressive disorders (Abdul Razzak et al., 2019). It is genetically inherited implying that depression vulnerability is inheritable. Also, low self-esteem and generally pessimistic people are at higher risk than their counterparts (Abdul Razzak et al., 2019). Environmental factors such as continued exposure to poverty and violence also increase the chances of being depressed.
Depression takes different forms with major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder being the most common types. Depression symptoms, therefore, vary with the type, and also within each form. These variations include the number and severity of symptoms, timing, and persistence (Cuijpers et al., 2019). The illness affects people differently, and factors such as genetics, age, gender, and culture play a role in these differences.
Various signs and symptoms that range from mild to severe help in the diagnosis of depression. They may include unhappiness, feelings of frustration, reduced sex drive, sleeping problems, and decreased or increased appetitive coupled with excessive weight loss or gain (Abdul Razzak et al., 2019). As well, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, decreased concentration, and frequent death or suicidal thoughts are signs of depressive disorders (Thomas & Seedat, 2018). Doctors diagnose the ailment through physical exams, laboratory tests, psychiatric evaluations, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criterion.
Depression is treatable, and once diagnosed, various treatment methods, which are pharmacological and non-pharmacological in nature, can be used. Pharmacological methods include electroconvulsive therapies and the use of medications (Cuijpers et al., 2019).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine, and atypical antidepressants such as bupropion are examples of antidepressants. As well, various non-pharmacological treatment methods such as phototherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modification are considered effective in managing depressive disorders (Cuijpers et al., 2019). Psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral and interpersonal therapies while lifestyle modification involves dieting, avoiding smoking, observing sleeping hygiene, and engaging in aerobic exercises regularly.
Conclusion
In summation, depression is widespread among the world’s population and is exacerbated by factors related to the environment, biochemistry, genetics, drug abuse, medical conditions, and personality. Common forms of depression include major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder. It is diagnosed through physical examinations, laboratory tests, psychiatric evaluation, and DSM-5 criteria. Treatment of depressive disorders involves pharmacological methods such as electroconvulsive therapies and the use of medications, and non-pharmacological methodologies such as phototherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modification.
References
Abdul Razzak, H., Harbi, A., & Ahli, S. (2019). Depression: Prevalence and associated risk factors in the United Arab Emirates. Oman Medical Journal, 34(4), 274–282. Web.
Cuijpers, P., Quero, S., Dowrick, C., & Arroll, B. (2019). Psychological treatment of depression in primary care: Recent developments. Current Psychiatry Reports, 21(12). Web.
Thomas, E., & Seedat, S. (2018). The diagnosis and management of depression in the era of the DSM-5. South African Family Practice, 60(1), 22–28. Web.