WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

What is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a medical illness, which affects how you feel, act, and think. Depression left unchecked can reduce your ability to work and live a full life. Depression, however, is treatable.

What are the symptoms of depression?

• Sadness or depressed mood
• Decreased or no interest in once enjoyable activities
• Appetite changes - Leading to weight loss or weight gain
• Sleep issues - Too much or not enough sleep
• Lack of drive in physical activity - Unable to sit still, pacing, slowed speech
• Feelings of guilt or lack of self worth
• Trouble thinking, lack of concentration, inability to make decisions
• Suicidal thoughts

- Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks and show a change in your previous functioning may be signs of depression.

Who is most likely to suffer from depression?

Depression or Major Depression can affect anyone, however, more often it affects people between the ages of 40 and 70. Older or younger people are at higher risk for Severe Depression. Depression in those above the age of 65 affects 6 million in the US, however 90% of those do not seek help. Higher than normal risk factors may include:

• Age - (40-70)
• Race - Hispanic or African Americans may be at higher risk. Asians typically report or seek treatment less, however they are more likely to consider or perform suicide.
• Education/Economics - Less education, less economic stability, and often lack of insurance may trigger symptoms of depression.
• Divorce - Going through a divorce or having been divorced are risk factors.
• Genetics - Depression can be hereditary. In fact, if your parent had major depression you have a 25% of having it.

What are the causes of depression?

While there are many life events or biological factors which cause depression the most common factors which may increase the chance of depression are:

• Abuse - Including physical, sexual, or emotional. Depression may show itself later in life (far after the abuse occurred.
• Medications - Acne, antivirals, and corticosteroids (among others) may increase likelihood for depression.
• Conflict - "Fighting", personal conflicts, or disputes with family or friends may cause depression in someone who is biologically vulnerable.
• Loss or Death - Grief is a natural reaction to loss, but it may lead to depression
• Biological - Your chances of depression may increase if you have a family history.
• Life Events - Losing a job, income, divorce, or retiring are common events, which may lead to depression. Even positive events, such as, a marriage, new job, or graduation can cause depression.
• Isolation - Losing contact with family, social group, or isolation because of another mental illness can lead to depression.
• Substance Abuse - Nearly 1/3 of those with a substance abuse problem also suffer from major or clinical depression. Drugs and alcohol ultimately increases depression risk.

What are treatments for depression?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders, in fact over 80% respond well to treatment and nearly all reflect a positive change or decrease in their symptoms. The most common forms of treatment are:

• Medication
• Pscyhotherapy
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Why see a psychiatrist for depression?

Seeing a psychiatrist or neuropsychiatrist will help control your stress, which may improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your chances of a chronic disease. A psychiatrist will be able to give you insight into how to deal with your depression, provide medication, and develop a long-term plan for getting you back to the life you want to live.

Find out why we are the preferred Orange County Psychiatrist!