Depression by

Definition

cjherma4 — 2025-01-21 23:03:26 UTC

Depression is a mental health condition that involves the feeling of persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities.

Identified Causes

cntobey — 2025-01-21 23:05:52 UTC

Potential causes of depression include faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.

Who is most likely to suffer from Depression

mrabagoc — 2025-01-21 23:08:00 UTC

Women are most likely to suffer from this condition over men. The age group ranges from 18-24. While people aging from 64 and older are least likely to suffer from Depression. The most likely Race/ethnicity are Non-Hispanic white adults.

Brain Chemicals

cntobey — 2025-01-21 23:09:35 UTC

Depression researchers believe that nerve cell connections, nerve cell growth, and the functioning of nerve circuits are most impactful on depression rather than a set level of specific brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Why?

cjherma4 — 2025-01-21 23:12:28 UTC

Depression can occur due to hormones, genetics (inherited traits/conditions), drugs or alcohol, etc.

Anatomical Structures

cjherma4 — 2025-01-28 22:38:18 UTC

The primary anatomical structures involved in depression are the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and thalamus.

Physiological Processes

cntobey — 2025-01-28 22:40:44 UTC

The following physiological processes are involved in depression: changes in neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline), changes in hormones (cortisol), and inflammation.

Result/Symptom

pbsmith2 — 2025-01-28 22:45:40 UTC

A decreased metabolism in the prefrontal cortex, especially dorsolateral and dorsoventral brain regions, is a frequently replicated finding in MDD.

Physiological Processes: Biological differences and Inherited Traits

mrabagoc — 2025-01-28 22:45:48 UTC

Biological Differences is when people with depression have significant changes made in their brains. Inherited Traits would be if someone related to you also had depression meaning a certain gene can be passed down that causes depression.

Treatment through psychotherapy

cntobey — 2025-02-04 22:53:07 UTC

One of the common ways that depression is treated is through psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy). The two main types of psychotherapy that are used are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy.

Treatment with antidepressants

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-04 22:53:17 UTC

Depression is often treated with antidepressants such as duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, vilazodone, citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine in order to regulate one's emotions.

Behavioral Symptoms

cntobey — 2025-02-04 22:56:10 UTC

Changes in appetite or weight, reduced activity levels, and withdrawal from social situations are all behavioral symptoms of depression.

Symptom: abnormal sleep patterns

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-04 22:56:43 UTC

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much at various times and inconsistent times.

A Symptom of Depression: Suicidal Thoughts

caitlinm32 — 2025-02-04 22:57:50 UTC

One symptom of Depression according to the DSM-V is an idealization of suicide or persistent thoughts of death. This may include someone thinking about harming themselves or harming others. This does not necessarily include a fear of death, and can be noticed through changes in behavior. Thorough analysis of the patient would be needed to understand the severity of their thoughts.

Cognitive Symptoms

cntobey — 2025-02-04 22:58:21 UTC

Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, remembering, slowed thinking and or speech, confusion and forgetfulness are all cognitive symptoms of depression.

Diagnosis: Physical Exam, lab exams

mrabagoc — 2025-02-04 22:58:55 UTC

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to rule out any other condition with similar symptoms as well as lab tests like blood and urine tests.

Diagnosis: Interviews

mrabagoc — 2025-02-04 23:00:35 UTC

There will also be an interview for the patient to find out when the symptoms began, medical history, home environment, and if they have had any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This will let the doctor know the severity of your depression.

Anxiety Disorders

cntobey — 2025-02-11 22:47:40 UTC

Those that struggle with depression are often at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social phobia. This is an example of a cognitive long-term consequence of depression.

substance abuse

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-11 22:51:56 UTC

While depression may temporary, the effects of substances resorted to, such as tobacco and alcohol, during a depressive episode may effect someone long after a person's depressive episode.

Physical Health Problems

mrabagoc — 2025-02-11 22:53:11 UTC

Depression can further develop existing health problems like chronic pain and diabetes. They can also be at a higher risk of developing new ones like cardiovascular disease due to poor lifestyle decisions. These choices can include lack of exercise and unhealthy diet.

Strained relationships

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-11 22:55:39 UTC

Many people oftentimes isolate themselves and don't socialize during depression. This can lead to strained relationships.

Antidepressants

cntobey — 2025-02-18 22:32:36 UTC

The expected cost of antidepressants is between $4 and $730 (depending on the drug itself and whether it is generic or brand name) per 30-day supply. Most medications are covered but the antidepressants that are covered are dependent upon the tier of medical coverage one has. The long-term consequences of not seeking treatment because of costs of antidepressants is depression persisting, an increase of anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Not only that, but their depression can worsen, or other mental health illnesses may manifest.

Talk Therapy

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-18 22:40:22 UTC

One treatment for depression is talk therapy. The expected cost of a typical one hour session of therapy without insurance ranges between $100 and $250. While therapy is not often fully covered, insurance usually allows for a much more affordable copay ranging from around $20 to $50. While most mental health insurance covers talk therapy, not applying for talk therapy may lead to a more severe mental state, which can result in a state of despair and even suicide.

Treatment: Light Therapy

mrabagoc — 2025-02-18 22:40:32 UTC

The cost for light therapy is anywhere between $50 to $200 dollars. This is primarily done with a light box which most insurance companies do not cover. The long term consequence of not taking this treatment is your previous symptoms persisting or even worsening especially during the winter months when natural sunlight is limited.

Interpersonal Therapy

cntobey — 2025-02-25 22:44:25 UTC

Interpersonal therapy addresses current and past relationships that contribute to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Interpersonal therapy helps aid and soothe feelings of hopelessness and isolation through development of interpersonal skills. Psychotherapy may be provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

mrabagoc — 2025-02-25 22:44:44 UTC

Cognitive therapy identifies and modifies negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve coping mechanisms. This is designed to treat. This is designed to treat persistent sadness, hopelessness, and low self esteem. A licensed mental health specialist like a psychologist would be required to deliver treatment.

(Unrelated to the assignment. Please ignore) The Great Depression 1929-1939

pbsmith2 — 2025-02-25 22:44:59 UTC

The Great Depression was a severe global economic downturn from 1929 to 1939. The period was characterized by high rates of unemployment and poverty; drastic reductions in liquidity, industrial production, and trade; and widespread bank and business failures around the world. The economic contagion began in 1929 in the United States, the largest economy in the world, with the devastating Wall Street stock market crash of October 1929 often considered the beginning of the Depression. Among the countries with the most unemployed were the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Depression related to physicality

pbsmith2 — 2025-03-04 22:36:24 UTC

Yes, there are physical impairments that can be caused by depression. However, calling them impairments may be a bit a leap. The two physical ailments we found are psychomotor agitation and psychomotor retardation. Psychomotor agitation basically describes someone who has trouble relaxing and staying still. Psychomotor retardation is basically the opposite of psychomotor agitation, where someone's thoughts and movements slow down. However, while someone's movements can be affected by depression, the treatments for depression are too psychologically related for either physical or occupational therapy to be viable. It is worth noting that while physical therapy is not very applicable, it's still important to be active in order to help prevent or alleviate depression. Furthermore, there are breathing techniques which can help alleviate physical symptoms of depression such as profuse sweating, fast heart rate, as well as numbness.

Electroconvulsive therapy

pbsmith2 — 2025-03-25 22:38:43 UTC

While depression can have effect on speech and hearing, it can absolutely impair someone's cognizance. Someone with MDD (major depressive order) may experience a lack of response or interest in conversation. The most severe cases, where a patient shows an extreme shutdown in function is called catatonia. One treatment that I found to be very interesting is electroconvulsive therapy, where a patient is put under anesthesia, then has low amounts of electricity directed into their brain, around 0.4 amps. It should be noted that this is a relatively uncommon treatment, and is usually only used either in severe cases of depression or if a patient has trouble processing medication, as well as other mental disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia. It should also be noted that electroconvulsive therapy should only be done if a patient is healthy enough in order to reduce the risk. Nonetheless, it can very quickly improve someone's mood, and should not be shunned due to its nontraditional and perhaps its seemingly frankenstein-like methods. The procedure is conducted by a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, as well as a nurse or physician assistant.

Prioritize Physical Health

cntobey — 2025-04-01 22:40:54 UTC

Getting adequate sleep, at least 8 hours each night is crucial in keeping our mental health sharp. Participating in regular exercise sessions of 45 minutes and eating a well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains will aid in reducing the chances of developing depression. This can sometimes be tricky as life is unpredictable and having a set routine isn't always possible with one's lifestyle. Consistency is key.

Prevention of childhood abuse

pbsmith2 — 2025-04-01 22:42:45 UTC

One preventative measure for depression is assuring that people are in a safe and non-abusive household, particularly when it comes to children. Children that experience different forms of abuse are much more likely to develop depression later in life, and organizations like child protective services and perhaps even orphanages may need to step in if necessary. Needless to say, this can be a very complex problem that would better for everyone if childhood abuse simply ceased to exist, and difficulties that may arise from preventing child abuse may include custody of children after a divorce and financial reliance.

Social Connections

mrabagoc — 2025-04-01 22:43:26 UTC

Making social connections could be things like spending time with family and joining social circles at school or work. This helps because it could bring emotional support and help with the feelings of loneliness. The challenges could be things like having difficulty maintaining these habits and environmental factors.

Suicide Prevention Hotline

pbsmith2 — 2025-04-08 22:47:31 UTC

One public health measure that has been used, and is still used, is the use of the suicide preventative hotline. The main idea of this hotline is to simply help people that may be experiencing severe mental hurdles in their life. The number was even changed from a lengthy 1-800-273-TALK to just three easy to remember numbers: 988. A common problem people have having the strength to get help, and hotlines provide an accessible way for people to get the help they need.

Reducing Cost of Mental Healthcare

caitlinm32 — 2025-04-08 22:49:20 UTC

In recent years, there have been many ways that mental healthcare has become more affordable. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has ensured that mental healthcare is covered under insurance. Many practices, for example, BetterHelp, will work with patients to find care for as low as $50. While that still may be tough to budget in, there are sometimes local therapists who may offer free care, and for students, there are often many options for them on campus.

Treanscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

pbsmith2 — 2025-04-15 22:38:29 UTC

One rather uncommon technology that helps to treat depression is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, also known as rTMS. I've previously mentioned the use of Electro Convulsive Therapy, and TMS is essentially a non-invasive and more accessible version of ECT. No anesthesia is needed, much less electricity is directed into your brain, which also means a seizure is not induced, unlike ECT. I also found it rather amusing how on the official Mayo Clinic web page that talks about TMS, they saw improvement in patients that went through TMS, but weren't really sure why.

Wearable Devices for Depression

caitlinm32 — 2025-04-15 22:39:47 UTC

With wearable devices like a FitBit Watch or an Ōura Ring, psychological tracking may help people potentially track and identify patterns of depression. Of course, any patterns picked up by these wearables should be further investigated by a health professional as these devices are not intended to self-diagnose. There are also some apps, like Lumen on the Amazon Alexa, that can work through problem-solving therapy with people. While there was found to be improvement in the mental health of those who used Lumen, it is generally agreed upon that apps and devices should never replace the advice of a professional who can confirm or investigate symptoms to their fullest extent and provide you with individualized treatment.

Postpartum Depression/ Baby Blues

pbsmith2 — 2025-04-22 22:38:54 UTC

One special population that I found to be uniquely affected by depression is pregnant women, and more specifically, after a pregnant woman gives birth. After a birth, the woman has roughly a seventy percent chance of developing postpartum blues AKA baby blues. This condition lasts for around two weeks and is not severe. However, around fifteen percent of mothers experience postpartum depression, which is basically a more severe version of baby blues. It may involve bouts of crying, irritability, fatigue, etc. Women who experience more serious versions of postpartum depression may be affected by financial instability, current or previous mental illnesses, as well as previous births.

Chronic Illness

mrabagoc — 2025-04-22 22:40:08 UTC

Individuals with chronic illnesses are affected by depression because their illnesses like diabetes, cancer, or heart diseases raise the risk of developing depression. Depression may come as a side effect of the other illnesses. Some challenges when faced with depression may be a cycle of constant pain from their illness and from depression.