The journal of the American Medical Association covered that lifetime incidents of depression among men in the United States occur at a rate of 8 to 12% and 22.6%, respectively. In 2005 the population demographic characteristics estimates of the US Census Bureau found that significant depression had a median age of 32 years. However, this should not cause any race for a lamp. According to the National Institute of Health, 80% of individuals who get major depression treatment usually improve within four to six weeks.
What is Major Depression?
Major depression is a condition where an individual experiences a persistent lack of interest in external stimuli or feelings of sadness. The condition is also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) or unipolar. Unipolar is different from bipolar depression because the latter refers to a condition where one experiences symptoms of depression and Mania. This means there are extreme hide and extreme lows. Unipolar is characterized by negative emotions or loose. Medical professionals have been able to understand major depression and use a combination of talk therapy and medication to treat it.
Causes
Major depression disorder does not have an exact known cause. However, it does help several triggers that increase the chances of developing the condition. Research shows that genetics is usually the main trigger of depression disorder. In other words, if any of your first degree relatives suffered from a major depressive disorder, it increases your chances of getting it as well. However, this is not a must. Other risk factors of the major depressive disorder include:
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Medical conditions such as HIV and AIDS hypothyroidism or cancer.
- Some types of medications, such as steroids.
- Social-economic factors like the loss of financial security.
Types of Major Depression
There are various types of major depression. They have different courses and characteristics and diagnoses. However, they portray a common feeling of melancholy and disinterest in activities you previously liked.
1. Psychotic Depression
This is a type of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations. It may arise as a result of a traumatic event or if you have ever experienced any other form of depression before.
2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This is a type of depression influenced by the time of year full stop. In most cases, people experience SAD in the winter months. Sometimes light therapy is effective; however, you need to combine with counseling and medication to work better.
3. Postpartum Depression
This is common among new mothers. It occurs as a result of changes in your body all the stress of raising a child, both of which could affect your mood. According to the Canadian mental health Association, parents who adopt also experience postpartum depression.
4. Catatonic Depression
Catatonic depression is characterized by behavioral issues or motor problems. The motor problems include inflexible postures, purposeless, and uncontrollable movements. Type of depression also prevents the patient from addressing an underlying disorder, and this could present significant risks to your well-being.
5. Melancholic Depression
This type of depression is characterized by a lower interest in your previous hobbies or activities you liked and weight-loss. Symptoms include social anxiety, a depressed mood, hypersomnia, and heavy limbs.
Other Types of Depression
There are many other types of depressions, for example:
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder dysthymia
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
- Depressive disorder due to a medical condition
- Substance-induced depressive disorder and more
Diagnosis
A medical professional will issue a depression diagnosis based on various approaches. They include:
- A physical exam. He or she will enquire about your health.
- Lab tests a blood test is a common test associated with depression. The doctor will test your thyroid to ensure it’s working as expected and also do a blood count.
- Psychiatric evaluation the doctor will enquire about your feelings, thoughts, behavior patterns, and symptoms related to your mental health. You may need to fill out a questionnaire to provide this information.
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is a manual the American psychiatric Association published to provide criteria for depression to mental health professionals. They will use this criterion to determine your diagnosis.
Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is treatable in three main approaches they are:
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the process of meeting with a qualified therapist to talk regularly about your condition. Helps achieve:
- Increased self-esteem
- Better communication skills
- Better-coping skills with challenges and problems
- Adopt positive behaviors in place of negative ones and regain a sense of control in life
2. Medication
Medical professionals prescribed antidepressant medications for major depressive disorder is. They frequently prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitors to prevent the breakdown of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that affects your mood. The levels of serotonin will increase when the medication inhibits its breakdowns. Industries find low levels of serotonin in people struggling with MDD.
3. Lifestyle Change
Your daily habits will also go a long way to impact your recovery. You need to adopt healthy lifestyle changes which include :
- Heating right, eat a balanced diet, and specialize in foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids vitamin B and magnesium.
- Avoid alcohol and some processed goods.
- Exercise enough.
- Get plenty of sleep. It needs to be at least 6 to 8 hours long.
AmHealth Behavioral – Depression Diagnosis, Treatment, and Addiction Treatment
AmHealth Behavioral is a detox and rehab facility that specializes in the treatment of various conditions. Apart from major depressive disorder diagnosis and treatment, we address Dilaudid addiction, substance withdrawal, alcohol rehab in LA, opiate withdrawal quinine, heroin addiction effects, visible signs of cocaine use, weed signs, and more.
We have various facilities and programs to facilitate the various treatment approaches. They include:
This is a treatment facility with programs dedicated to addressing moderate-to-severe cases of use disorder depression. We offer individualized treatment with the help of experienced medical professionals available 24/7.
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Novo Detox
Novo Detox is a facility whose aim is to help individuals and their families to overcome the challenges brought about by addiction. Patients also get to detox for the first 5 to 10 days of their stay. If necessary, this detox may be medically supervised. You’ll also have access to various treatment programs such as nutrition treatment, individual therapy, and intensive group therapy for the rest of your stay.
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Overland Intensive Outpatient Program
The overland intensive outpatient program in a program dedicated to those who have just finished inpatient treatment or need intensive care. We addressed both addictions to mental health and co-occurring disorders. You will be able to participate in other daily activities in your normal life, such as work or school. There is also individual therapy and Case Management at this facility.
Conclusion
20 to 25% of adults could suffer from depression at 1 point in their life. However, older adults, children, and teens could also suffer from major depression. You should note that depression is not a permanent condition, and 80% of those who get treatment will improve in about four to six weeks. It is a condition that is characterized by feelings of sadness and lack of interest in things that previously stimulated you.
Major Depressive Disorder is caused majorly by genetics and other risk factors such as alcohol & substance abuse, medical conditions, social-economic factors, and more. There are various types of depression, for example, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and more.
Medical professionals provide a diagnosis using a physical exam, lab tests, a psychiatric evaluation, or with the help of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Treatment of depression involves a combination of psychotherapy medication and lifestyle changes. You can get help from medical professionals at AmHealth Behavioral. We are experienced in mental health cases and co-occurring issues.
