Depression

Depression ( major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. fortunately it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and / or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. it can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

1) feeling sad or having a depressed mood

2) loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.

3) changes in appetite-weight loss or gain  unrelated to dieting

4) trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

5) loss of energy or increased fatigue

6) increase in purposeless physical activity for example inability to sit still, pacing or, hand wringing or slowed movements or speech

7) feeling worthless or guilty

8) difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

9) thoughts of death or suicide.

Risk Factors of depression;

1) Bio chemistry: differences in certain chemicals in the brain  may contribute to symptoms of depression.

2) Genetics: Depression can run in families.

3) Personality: People with low self esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress or who are generally pessimistic.

4) Environmental factors:  Continuous exposure to violence, neglect , abuse or poverty can make people vulnerable to depression.

Treatment for depression:

1) Psychotherapy: or talk therapy is sometimes used alone for treatment of mild depression. for moderate to severe depression , psycho therapy is often used alongwith antidepressant medications.

2) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that has been most commonly reserved for patients with severe major depression who have not responded to other treatments.