The term depression is used to describe feelings of sadness and grief, which many people experience at some stage. However, there is a difference between the common use of the word depression and someone who has a depressive illness. In a depressive illness, the mood changes are more severe and persistent than normal negative feelings and may be accompanied by other symptoms.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the depression a person is experiencing. Anti-depressant medications may be used to relieve or control symptoms. Other medications may also be used such as anti-anxiety agents (when symptoms of anxiety are present) or mood stabilisers (when mania is present).
Counselling can be valuable to assist people to resolve practical problems and to examine any underlying reasons for the depression. Research suggests that one of the most effective treatments is a combination of medication and a form of counselling known as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Most people with depression respond well to anti-depressant therapy and/or counselling, usually provided in the community setting. Anti-depressants can be prescribed by a general practitioner, who will often also refer a person to a psychologist for counselling. Some people with severe or recurrent depression may require management by a psychiatrist, or periods of hospitalisation to stabilise their moods.
A less common treatment, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), involves the application of an electric current to the brain. Today the treatment is administered with anaesthetic and muscle relaxants, reducing the risk of side effects, but it is still reserved for those who are not responding to other forms of treatment. While people sometimes view this treatment with distrust, it can be life-saving in those who are at high risk of suicide, or those who will die because their depression is so profound that they have stopped eating and drinking.
- Reactive Depression - depression in response to a distressing event, such as bereavement, relationship breakdown or loss of a job. The feelings are more severe or persistent than normal unhappiness and symptoms often include anxiety, sleep problems and changes in eating habits.
- Endogenous or Major Depression - more severe than in reactive depression and there may or may not be a triggering event. Symptoms include sleep disturbance, appetite or weight changes, sadness or irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, loss of sexual interest, fatigue, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, guilt and poor self-esteem or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms are persistent and severe and may leave the person unable to function or care for themselves.
- Postnatal Depression - a serious disorder, affecting up to 20% of mothers in the weeks and months following childbirth and making it difficult for them to cope with their commitments. May include anxiety, fear, sadness, worthlessness, panic attacks, irritability, change in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Depression with Psychotic features - the most serious form of major depression, where the person loses touch with reality and experiences symptoms of psychosis. They may stop eating and drinking, and have hallucinations (such as hearing voices) or delusions (such as believing they are being threatened or controlled by others).
- Bipolar Mood Disorder (previously called Manic Depression) - extremes in mood, with periods of depressed mood alternating with periods of mania. The manic phase may involve extreme happiness, overactivity, rapid speech, reduced need for sleep, a lack of inhibition, irritability with those who question them, and grandiose plans and beliefs.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the depression a person is experiencing. Anti-depressant medications may be used to relieve or control symptoms. Other medications may also be used such as anti-anxiety agents (when symptoms of anxiety are present) or mood stabilisers (when mania is present).
Counselling can be valuable to assist people to resolve practical problems and to examine any underlying reasons for the depression. Research suggests that one of the most effective treatments is a combination of medication and a form of counselling known as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Most people with depression respond well to anti-depressant therapy and/or counselling, usually provided in the community setting. Anti-depressants can be prescribed by a general practitioner, who will often also refer a person to a psychologist for counselling. Some people with severe or recurrent depression may require management by a psychiatrist, or periods of hospitalisation to stabilise their moods.
A less common treatment, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), involves the application of an electric current to the brain. Today the treatment is administered with anaesthetic and muscle relaxants, reducing the risk of side effects, but it is still reserved for those who are not responding to other forms of treatment. While people sometimes view this treatment with distrust, it can be life-saving in those who are at high risk of suicide, or those who will die because their depression is so profound that they have stopped eating and drinking.
beyondblue: http://www.beyondblue.org.au
Dark Side of the Mood: Dealing with Depression: www.abc.net.au/health/depression/
BluePages: Information on Depression: http://bluepages.anu.edu.au/index.html
DepressioNet: www.depressionservices.org.au
The Manic Depression Website (UK): www.bi-polar.org.uk
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8192_MHFA_depression_guidelines.pdf
Mental Health First Aid: www.mhfa.com.au/documents/guidelines/8192_MHFA_depression_guidelines.pdf
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