Introduction
Depression is a mood disorder that affects both the body and the mind. Unlike a simple sad mood or personal weakness, depression is a medical condition with multiple symptoms that appear together, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, a lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, decreased energy, low confidence, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, excessive feelings of guilt, and at times, thoughts of death or self-harm.
Overview and Facts
According to research by IDRAAC, depression affects 9.9% of Lebanese adults, meaning 1 out of 10 Lebanese will experience depression in their lifetime.
Depression is a common disorder, occurring in nearly 10-15% of men and 20-25% of women at least once during their lives. While some may experience depression only once, for many, it is a recurring disorder with repeated episodes.
Symptoms
Depression is suspected when a person experiences a noticeable change from their usual state of well-being. Major symptoms include:
Persistent sadness or irritability
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or loss of energy
Disrupted sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
Difficulty concentrating
Loss of self-confidence and negative thoughts about oneself and life
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing depression, including:
Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Conflict: Ongoing relationship or family conflicts
Major life events: Stressful events such as job loss, divorce, or moving
Death or loss: Grief from the loss of a loved one
Serious illnesses: Chronic health conditions or illness
Genetics: A family history of depression or mental illness
Certain medications: Some drugs may have side effects that trigger depression
Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug abuse can lead to depression
Other personal issues: Social isolation, loneliness, or being excluded from family or social groups can contribute to depression.
Tests and Diagnosis
A doctor will typically rule out other potential causes of depression through a physical examination, personal interview, and lab tests. The doctor will also perform a thorough diagnostic evaluation, discussing any family history of depression or other mental health issues.
The doctor will determine whether the individual has major depression, dysthymia (chronic low-level depression), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), bipolar disorder, or another type of clinical depression.
Treatment
The main treatments for depression are:
Psychotherapy: Working with a therapist to address symptoms and underlying issues.
Medications: Antidepressants can help manage symptoms.
Combination of therapy and medication: A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the most effective approach.
Brain stimulation techniques: In some cases, techniques like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may be used.
Conclusion
Depression is a complex disorder that affects many aspects of life. With the right treatment, including therapy and/or medication, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If left untreated, depression can have serious consequences, but early intervention and comprehensive care can make a significant difference.
Sources and Links
www.mayoclinic.org
www.webmd.com
www.idraac.org
https://youtu.be/InNhDfDfl5c
WHO Depression: Let's Talk