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Major Depression Information
Major depression usually strikes people between the ages of 25 and 44, although it can affect any person at any age. For most people, episodes of major depression last from six to nine months.
Major depression occurs in up to 17% of adults, affecting all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women. Clinical depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, is distinguished from manic-depression or Bipolar Disorder , in that the individual only experiences periods of depression, potentially returning to normal functioning in between times.
Major Depression is a clinical condition occurring twice as often in women as in men. Our understanding to date is that changing hormone levels associated with menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause may effect neurotransmitter changes that result in Major Depression in vulnerable women.
Major depression affects a patient's ability to function normally as a member of society. Recurrence is very common with this variety of depression. Major depression is diagnosed if the person reports having 5 or more depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks. Beck's Depression Scale Inventory or other screening tests for depression can be helpful in diagnosing depression.
Symptom of Major Depression
The following are the most common symptoms for major depression:
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
- A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
- Extreme difficulty concentrating
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
- Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed (such sex)
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
You may experience some of the following:
- depressed mood/sadness, crying spells for no apparent reasons
- disturbed sleep or change in appetite
- guilty ruminations or feelings of worthlessness
- excessive worries about your own or your baby's health
- panic attacks with heart palpitations and shortness of breath
- thoughts of death or suicide
- symptoms are present every day for at least two weeks and significantly interfere with daily life.
Risk Factors for Major Depression
Women are at greater risk of experiencing Major Depression if they have:
- Previous history of Major Depression
- Family history of Major Depression
- Marital problems
- Recent stressful life events
What is the Treatment for Major Depression?
Some episodes of depression can be avoided by:
- Learning how to relax and manage stress
- Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and caffeine
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining good sleep habits
Call your doctor right away if:
- You hear voices that are not there.
- You have frequent crying spells with little or no provocation.
- You have had feelings of depression that disrupt work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks.
- You think that one of your current medications may be making you feel depressed. DO NOT change or stop any medications without consulting your doctor.
Complications of Major Depression
- Suicide (up to 15% of people with major depressive disorder die by suicide)
- Increased risk of alcohol- and drug-related problems
- Increased risk of tobacco dependence
- Increased risk of problems with physical health and premature death due to medical illness
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