Depression - This is an emotional disorder characterized by a bad mood, inhibition of thoughts and actions, in which almost all areas, including emotional, intellectual, volitional and motivational, suffer.
Depression is a very common condition, which, according to some sources, affects up to 20% of the population of developed countries. Most often, it manifests itself in 20-50 years. People born in the second half of the 20th century are more prone to depression than previous generations. Doctors partly attribute this to the recent high prevalence of drug addiction and substance abuse.
Typically, depression lasts 6–9 months, however, between 15% and 20% of patients survive it for 2 years or longer.
Depression - the causes of the disease
Classical clinical depression is characterized by three main symptoms: a change in the emotional background, inhibition of intellectual activity and motor activity. The mood is not just lowered, but is accompanied by a feeling of hopelessness and longing, while depression or irritability does not disappear for a long time.
With depression, a person loses interest in a previously beloved activity; he constantly feels tired, he has a breakdown. In addition, depression can be supplemented by:
- pessimism;
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, anxiety or fear;
- low self-esteem;
- deterioration in the ability to concentrate and make decisions,
- forgetfulness;
- thoughts of death or suicide;
- unstable appetite, decrease or gain in weight;
- sleep disturbance (insomnia or spills).
Depression - diagnosis of the disease
Diagnosis of depression is carried out by a doctor based on typical signs and symptoms, supported by an indication of episodes of the disorder that have been previously experienced, or the presence of a disease in close relatives.
To determine the degree of depression, standard methods are used, among which the Hamilton depression scale is the most common. Filling in this scale is carried out by the doctor after a clinical conversation and in-patient observation. At the same time, some other questionnaires may be completed by the patient on their own.
Laboratory tests are needed to determine the causes of some depression. They are especially justified in case of depression in women (due to the presence of hormonal factors that can contribute to the development of the disease). The examination also includes urinalysis, bacteriological tests, an electrocardiogram, a consultation with a general practitioner, a neurologist and an ophthalmologist; for women, a consultation with a gynecologist.
Depression - treatment and prevention
Today, even the most severe types of depression can be successfully treated. The main condition for recovery is an awareness of the presence of problems and access to specialists. Depression should be treated by a qualified professional (this may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist).
For treatment using psychotherapeutic methods and special medicines - antidepressants. For the effective release of the patient from this condition, it is important to help relatives and friends; self-help is equally important.
In medical practice, there are many examples of curing depression with lifestyle changes. It has a very positive effect on a person with depression, an interesting new hobby, interesting travel, or more affordable ways in the form of playing sports, communicating with friends, etc.
Prevention of depression consists in the proper organization of rest, a sufficient duration of sleep, protection from emotional upheaval, sports, planning your time, which help to prevent stressful situations, loss of strength and nervous exhaustion.
Also, experts consider the prevalence of the Mediterranean diet in the diet, which is based on fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable oil, sea fish, to be an effective prevention of depression. Scientists have proved that with daily use of fish, people are less likely to suffer from mood swings, attacks of fear and self-doubt.
