Major depression can respond to treatment

Depression may range from very mild, moderate, to severe depending upon the symptoms associated with each condition and the extent the condition interferes with our everyday functioning. The condition can result from a single traumatic event in your life, or may develop slowly as a consequence of numerous personal disappointments and life problems. Some people appear to develop the symptoms without any obvious life crisis causing it.

Not everyone shows symptoms. For some, the symptoms may be few and far between. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals, with regard to age, sex and even time. This illness can respond to treatment, and never occur again within your lifetime. Some people tend to have recurring symptoms, with episodes followed by periods of several years without problems, followed by another episode, usually in response to another trauma.

An endogenous depression is a biologically caused illness, due presumably to either genetic causes or a malfunction in the brain chemistry. It is one of the most common chronic conditions. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to this condition after giving birth. This is a result of the hormonal and physical changes that they have experienced.

Major depression is characterized by some of these symptoms. Insomnia, change in appetite, guilt, excess fatigue, irritability, feeling of hopelessness, lethargy and suicidal tendencies. If depression is very severe, it may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These are usually consistent with the depressed mood, and may focus on themes of guilt, personal inadequacy, or disease.

Medications include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and some newer antidepressant drugs. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may improve the mood of severe cases or suicidal people who don't respond to other treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), alters brain functioning in a way similar to ECT, with fewer side effects.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle through well-balanced meals. Avoid alcohol and drugs which make symptoms worse and may interfere with medications. Regular exercises and relaxation tecniques, sleep, and supportive interpersonal relationships through group and family therapies help in speeding the curative process.

Also read our article about Overcoming Depression