What is clinical depression?

A DEFINITION

We are not referring to the "blues" that most people have from time-to-time. This is a condition that affects the way a person functions for a prolonged period of time. This kind of depression may last days, weeks, months, and even years.

THE SCOPE

Depression has sometimes been called "the common cold of emotional disorders." Millions of Americans suffer from depression, and it is estimated that 12 percent of men and women (women a bit more so) will have at least one depressive episode during their lifetime.

THE SYMPTOMS

Persistent sad or anxious mood
Feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and / or pessimism
Irritable, frustrated, restless feelings
Loss of interest in things that once were important
Changes in sleep and appetite patterns
Fatigue, loss of energy

POSSIBLE "CAUSES"

There often is no apparent "cause" for depression. Sometimes, a traumatic event (or events) may seem to "trigger" depressive episodes. Some believe that "tendencies" are hereditary and may become apparent under certain conditions.

What we do know is that brain chemicals that work in such a way to allow "normal" thinking and behavior might stop working correctly, bringing about neurological problems that result in emotional disorders such as depression.

TREATMENTS

Counseling might be sufficient to help with mild cases of depression. The counselee sometimes learns to cope with occasional episodes through lifestyle changes or changes in thinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been found to be a popular, effective approach.

Often, medication is necessary in order to get the brain chemicals back in order. Antidepressant medication takes a few days to be effective and sometimes has to be adjusted; however, in time, it can bring about "almost normal" behavior. Most doctors suggest that patients stay on the medication for more than a year after symptoms disappear. Antidepressant medication is not the same as tranquilizers and is not habit-forming.