Globally, over 300 million people suffer from depression, representing 4.4% of the world’s population. Depression can affect individuals of any age, but it often emerges during adolescence or in the 20s and 30s.
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can also lead to decreased energy levels and other emotional and physical changes. These symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to be considered indicative of depression.
Severe Depression: Risks and Considerations
Depression is categorized into mild, moderate, and severe levels.
As its name suggests, severe depression is a serious mood disorder characterized by a greater number of intense and persistent symptoms.
Diagnosing severe depression involves using established criteria like those in the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition). A mental health professional should conduct a thorough assessment for an accurate diagnosis.
The most significant risk associated with severe depression is the potential for self-harm and suicide.
Individuals with severe depression must adhere to their treatment plan, attend regular follow-up appointments, and engage in prescribed therapeutic activities as advised by their psychiatrist or therapist.
Biological Symptoms of Depression
The physical or biological symptoms of depression can include:
Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
Diminished emotional responses to typically enjoyable events and surroundings.
Worsening of mood in the morning.
Early morning awakening (two hours earlier than usual).
Observable signs of slowed mental or physical activity or agitation.
Decreased appetite.
Weight loss (5% or more of body weight within a month).
Significant loss of libido or sexual interest.
If you experience four or more of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional help for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Social Symptoms of Depression
Depression can also manifest in social withdrawal and difficulties:
Avoiding social interaction with friends and reduced participation in social activities.
Neglecting hobbies and interests.
Experiencing challenges in relationships, work, or family life.
Principles of Depression Treatment
Goals:
Identify the underlying causes of depression (if any).
Reduce and eliminate symptoms.
Prevent relapse and recurrence.
Process: Accurate diagnosis, assessment of severity, selection of appropriate medication, monitoring treatment response, and continued treatment until symptoms resolve.
Phase 1 (2-4 months): Acute phase focused on addressing symptoms.
Phase 2 (4-6 months): Continuation phase to prevent relapse.
Phase 3: Maintenance phase to prevent recurrence.
Additional interventions: In some cases, treatment may include a combination of anti-anxiety medication, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), behavioral activation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other therapies as needed.
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