The mental disorder affects the physical well-being of patients and can affect all age groups
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700,000 people die each year by suicide. It is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Depression, for example, in the most severe cases, can lead to suicide. Thus, psychologist Carine Eleutério explains the symptoms, causes and how the disease is treated. I wait!
Depression or sadness?
Initially, it is very important to differentiate depression and sadness. Sadness is a common feeling that can happen to anyone in a variety of situations, including the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a life goal that didn’t work out. However, this feeling is fleeting, diminishes and/or disappears over time.
Depression, on the other hand, can occur with or without a previous stressful event and lasts longer, lasting at least two weeks. Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression, and many sad people describe themselves as depressed. However, it’s important to remember that sadness is just a passing feeling and depression is a mental disorder that needs to be treated.
symptoms of depression
Among the most common symptoms of depression are the feeling of constant sadness and the lack of desire and pleasure in doing activities that were previously pleasurable. Sensations such as changes in appetite and sleep, lack of energy and difficulty carrying out daily activities, feelings of helplessness or guilt and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts accompany the picture.
Change of substances in the body
According to psychologist Carine Eleutério, depression alters certain chemicals present in our body body, influencing mood and emotions. “Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters associated with the affective state of people. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, sexual activity, appetite, heart rate, neuroendocrine functions, among others. Dopamine is associated to the feeling of euphoria and pleasure. It regulates movement control and motivation,” he explains. According to her, in depression, dopamine, serotonin and other chemicals, such as norepinephrine, are altered, disrupting mood and emotions.
Age groups
The most common stage of life in which episodes of depression appear is between the ages of 20 and 30, or around age 60. However, depression can strike at any age, from infancy to old age. Not all cases of depression are life-threatening, but the damage to individuals and family relationships is immense.
Causes of the disease
It is very difficult to pin down specific causes for depression because, as mentioned earlier, it can occur without a prior stressor. But the main factors responsible for the disease are changes in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for communication between neurons – brain cells -, genetic factors and environmental factors.
“Depression can occur after a stressful situation, such as mourning or fighting. It’s common to feel sad, desperate when we have a problem. […]. It is normal to feel debilitated after a stressful situation such as violence from a robbery or kidnapping. Sometimes the person can’t react and this sadness turns into depression, especially in people predisposed to the disease,” clarifies Carine Eleutério.
Importance of diagnosis
Before starting treatment, it is very important to make an extremely accurate diagnosis. This is because other diseases, such as hypothyroidism, can have similar symptoms to depression, but the treatments are completely different.
forms of treatment
After diagnosis, treatment can be done in several ways. In cases of mild depression, patients can be treated with psychotherapy alone, with the use of medications, or a combination of the two approaches (current studies show that the combination of the two forms of treatment promotes greater benefits than either form alone) .
Relevance of psychotherapy
Psychologist Carine Eleutério underlines the importance of treating the causes of depression with psychotherapy, and not just taking medicines antidepressants. According to her, the drugs fight the symptoms, but they don’t solve the problem, making the disease persist. In some cases, the effects of the drug may weaken and the disease persists.
Moderate or severe cases
Moderate or severe cases of depression are compulsorily treated with the use of drugs and can be integrated with psychotherapy. Usually drugs known as antidepressants are used, which exist in different forms, combined with drugs to reduce anxiety and help the patient fall asleep when necessary. “Antidepressants take two to four weeks to work effectively on the disease. Once the brain chemistry is restored, depression tends to improve,” says the psychologist.
treatment period
Treatment should be continued for a few months after symptoms have ended to ensure that the patient does not relapse. Most patients experience lasting improvement by continuing treatment for about six months after symptoms resolve in a first episode. As for recurring depression, it needs treatment longer period, which can reach two, five or more years.
need for hospitalization
There are cases where the depression is more severe, with symptoms that threaten the patients’ lives, such as: unwillingness to eat and drink any type of liquid, even thinking about attempting suicide. In these cases, treatment should be started with the patient in hospital to save her life.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
