Doctor’s advice about depression: what it is, causes, symptoms, impact on life, and proper prevention and treatment methods
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Currently, many patients with depression have access to treatment, and the media and public figures increasingly discuss this condition. Depression can be treated to return symptoms to normal, but in some severe cases, there is a risk of self-harm. To help everyone understand this condition, know the causes, recognize symptoms, and learn proper prevention and treatment methods, we provide all this information here.
Table of Contents: Depression
- What is depression?
- What are the symptoms of depression?
- What causes depression?
- What are the impacts of depression?
- How can depression be treated?
What is depression?
Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by abnormal mood symptoms, resulting in changes in emotions, behavior, and thoughts that affect daily life. Currently, this condition can be cured with medication as well as psychological rehabilitation or therapy.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and unhappy
- Loss of interest or desire to do anything; greatly reduced interest in activities
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite leading to significant weight loss or gain
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue, easy tiredness, lack of energy
- Restlessness, inability to stay still, or slowed movements
- Decreased concentration or slower decision-making
- Feeling guilty or blaming oneself excessively, having a negative view of the world, feeling worthless
- Recurrent thoughts about self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If a person has at least 5 of these symptoms nearly every day for 2 weeks or more, it is called depression. After excluding other causes or similar conditions, patients with these symptoms will be diagnosed with depression (1).
What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, and unhappy
- Loss of interest or desire to do anything; greatly reduced interest in activities
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite leading to significant weight loss or gain
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue, easy tiredness, lack of energy
- Restlessness, inability to stay still, or slowed movements
- Decreased concentration or slower decision-making
- Feeling guilty or blaming oneself excessively, having a negative view of the world, feeling worthless
- Recurrent thoughts about self-harm or suicidal thoughts
If a person has at least 5 of these symptoms nearly every day for 2 weeks or more, it is called depression. After excluding other causes or similar conditions, patients with these symptoms will be diagnosed with depression (1).
What causes depression?
Depression can occur in all genders and ages. The causes can be divided into 3 factors:
- Biological factors include genetic factors related to the function of monoamine neurotransmitters (consisting of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Family history, especially direct relatives with depression, increases the risk. Regular use of certain medications such as steroids, benzodiazepines, etc., may cause depression. Physical illnesses causing inflammation or hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, or brain diseases like cerebrovascular disease, can also contribute.
- Psychological factors include personality traits that are inflexible or negative self and environmental perceptions, which increase the risk of depression.
- Environmental or situational factors: Experiencing emotionally distressing events such as loss, disappointment, or hopelessness can lead to depression if not properly addressed.
Risk factors for depression by age/gender group
- Women: Higher risk due to hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum period, and menopause.
- Men: More likely to have comorbid conditions such as substance abuse. If depression is severe with suicidal thoughts, the rate of completed suicide is higher.
- Elderly: Most present with physical symptoms and are easily anxious. Many believe it is a normal part of aging, leading to overlooked depression. Additionally, elderly patients with depression need to be evaluated for physical causes or medications that mimic depressive symptoms.
What are the impacts of depression?
Depression affects the body, thoughts, and overall quality of life of both patients and their close ones.
Physical impact: Patients with depression are at higher risk of physical illnesses or worsening physical health due to factors such as fluctuating weight and poor or insufficient sleep quality.
Impact on thoughts, memory, and decision-making: Patients with depression have reduced concentration in work or activities, often focusing on negative events, which affects decision-making and problem-solving. Some may have suicidal or self-harm thoughts.
Impact on quality of life: Depression reduces work efficiency and ability to perform activities, may increase dependence on others, and affect relationships between patients and those close to them.
How can depression be treated?
There are three main treatment methods for depression symptoms:
- Medication: Antidepressants to balance brain chemicals. Current antidepressants include several groups such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), prescribed by doctors. The choice of antidepressant depends on various factors including patient symptoms, comorbidities, and administration methods. The duration of medication varies per patient, but usually, after improvement, patients are advised to continue medication for at least 1-2 years to reduce relapse rates (2).
- Psychological treatment: Psychotherapy involves behavioral and cognitive therapy. Some focus on emotion management to help patients understand themselves and their problems, enabling behavior and perspective changes. This treatment requires time and can be combined with medication.
- Brain stimulation treatments: Including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). These treatments are not suitable for all patients and require consideration of indications and precautions.
Depression is a treatable condition. The key is acceptance and seeking treatment. Doctors may start with counseling and psychotherapy to help guide thought changes or adaptation to problems, along with antidepressant medication. Patients undergoing treatment should continue therapy and understand themselves and the illness, which are factors leading to recovery.
If you check your symptoms and feel at risk of depression, it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist for a treatment plan. The Psychiatry Clinic at Phyathai 3 Hospital is ready to provide advice and consultation for those with mental health issues, cared for by psychiatrists and experienced teams, including neurologists, psychologists, and nurses who provide close guidance.
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References
(1) American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision, 4th edn Text Revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2000.
(2) Geddes JR, Carney SM, Davies C, et al. (2003) Relapse prevention with antidepressant drug treatment in depressive disorders: a systematic review. The Lancet, 361, 653– 61.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitikan Thanaudom
Psychiatry Clinic, Phyathai 3 Hospital
02-467-1111 ext. 3262
