What is depression and how does it manifest itself? Autumn depression, Christian depression, depression for no reason

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article we will look at such a psycho-pathological condition as depression, as well as its causes, symptoms, classification, treatment and prevention. So…

What is depression?

Depression– a mental disorder characterized by sadness (anhedonia, or loss of joy), impaired thinking and motor retardation.

One of the main and most common causes of depression is depression, or a long-term situation traumatic to the nervous system. A secondary factor or reason that leads a person to a depressive state is a person’s inability to solve certain situations and overcome various difficulties. If the main causes of depression are predominantly a problem that has arisen in the present time, then the secondary factors are a legacy from childhood, when a person, at an early age, along with his upbringing, accepts a model of his behavior for the rest of his life.

It happens that depressive disorders are hidden under the guise of a bad mood or character traits, and if these conditions are not separated and efforts are not directed toward treating depression, not only the person himself, but also the people around him may suffer from this.

A depressed person is in such a feeling state that constantly repeats “there is no way out.” But this is actually not true!!! There is always a way out, and even the most severe depression can be treated!

According to statistics, depression is present in every tenth inhabitant of the Earth over the age of 40, and 2/3 of them are women. Further, the older the person, the worse the picture, which is apparently caused by deteriorating health, social status, aging of the body, sometimes a feeling of uselessness and loneliness, and lack of work. A depressive state is also observed in 5-40% of children and adolescents under the age of 16, and therefore, this generation has a high percentage of suicides.

Depression - ICD

ICD-10: F32, F33
ICD-9: 296

People of any age and gender can experience depression. The so-called values ​​of modern society can put constant pressure on a person, which can subsequently cause depression. Among such “values” we can highlight: the desire for social well-being, fame, career advancement, the desire to be attractive, etc. If something fails to be obtained, or is not obtained immediately, a person may fall into despair, and his experiences against this background may provoke the development of a depressive state.

Factors such as betrayal, dismissal, divorce, serious illness or death of a loved one, contempt or ridicule from others, etc. can also serve as fertile ground for the development of depression.

In rare cases, depression is possible without any reason. In such a situation, the culprit may be the characteristics of human neurochemical processes (exchange of neurotransmitters).

Today in psychiatry it is believed that the development of depression requires a complex influence on a person of 3 factors: psychological, biological And social.

Psychological factor:

There are 3 personality types that are more prone to developing depression:

• Statothymic personality (characteristic: exaggerated conscientiousness, excessive accuracy and hard work);
• melancholic personality (characteristic: pedantry, desire for order, constancy, inflated demands on oneself);
• hyperthymic personality (characteristic: self-doubt, constant worries, low self-esteem).

Biological factor:

• heredity;
• head injuries that lead to disruption of brain activity;
• hormonal disorders;
• seasonality of depressive disorder (rain, cold, heat, etc.);
• daytime fluctuations, shortening of the REM sleep phase;
• side effects of certain medications;
• (lack of vitamins in the body).

Social factor:

• chronic stress, frequent stressful situations;
• negative relationships in the family, society (school, work, university, etc.);
• strict educational measures;
• lack of love and affection from parents;
• abuse and harassment;
• significant changes in life;
• urbanization, population migration.

Main signs of depression:

Emotional:

• hopelessness, despondency, constant sadness;
• nervous tension, irritability;
• loss of interest in those things that previously gave pleasure;
• guilt;
• slow thinking, difficulty concentrating, and inability to make decisions;
• worry, anxiety, fear;
• reluctance to communicate with family and friends;

Physical:

• • fatigue and feeling of weakness;
  • melancholy in the form of a stone in the chest or a lump in the throat;
  • sleep disorders;
  • appetite disorders (resulting in weight gain or loss);

• change in taste sensations;
• distortion of colors and sounds;
• violations of a sexual nature;
• dry mouth;
• increased sweating;
• cardiopalmus;
• pupil dilation.

In severe cases, depression can be accompanied by suicidal thoughts about death.

The presence of several of the above symptoms may indicate depression. If this is detected, you should consult a psychotherapist.

Important! Some symptoms are characteristic of anxiety and other disorders, therefore, do not make a diagnosis yourself and do not self-medicate!!!

Depression must be distinguished from the normal experience of grief, which performs an adaptive function. The process of experiencing grief normally takes about 1 year, but if a person’s grief is prolonged, reactive depression may develop.

The number of types of depression is very large, and they are all diverse in their manifestations.

Here is a list of the most common types of depression:

Dysthymia. In simple terms, dysthymia is a chronic depressive mood. Characterized by bad mood, fatigue, lack of appetite and sleep. This type of depression can be observed in postpartum depression and manic-depressive psychosis.

Affective insanity. The depressive phase of dysthymia, which is also characterized by poor mood, slowed thinking and speech, and loss of appetite. Waking up in the morning, a person feels sad, anxious, becomes inactive and indifferent.

Postpartum depression. This type occurs only in women; based on the name, it is clear that the disease develops in the first months after the birth of a child, and also, perhaps, after a miscarriage or the birth of a dead fetus. It is characterized by a deep feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of joy in life. During such a period, it is difficult for a woman to care for a child.

Important! Do not confuse fatigue after childbirth and postpartum depression!!! Many women feel exhausted and overwhelmed after childbirth and suffer, but these feelings exist in parallel with the joy of the birth of the baby. This type of fatigue goes away within a couple of weeks after giving birth, while postpartum depression can last for several months.

Depressive reactions. They usually appear during life changes (moving, retiring, changing jobs, etc.). The main criterion that causes such a reaction is not so much a traumatic external situation as the experience of the changes themselves and uncertainty in the changed conditions. Often, this type of depression is based on an acute crisis of self-esteem and subconscious grievances.

Sadness reaction. This type is a complex process of painful restructuring of a person after a bereavement. Acute sadness is manifested by irritability, alienation, powerlessness, exhaustion, and upset stomach and intestines. People who experience sadness often engage in alcohol and drug abuse.

Melancholy (endogenous depression). The causes of this type of depression can be both real and fictitious. A person prone to melancholy sees himself as a bad person who deserves punishment. It happens that this type of reproach can be addressed to another significant person.

Depressive neurosis(reactive depressive disorder). This type of depression is also called character neurosis and/or personality depressive disorder. There are several forms of depressive neurosis, which are united by the fact that the person’s assessment of reality remains intact, and the symptoms of depression are weak or mildly expressed.

Masked depression. The peculiarity of this type of depression lies in its hidden course. Only one symptom may be present. Diagnosing this type is extremely difficult.

Bipolar disorder. Characterized by sudden mood swings. This is a complex condition in which mania leads to insomnia, hallucinations, nervous breakdowns, disorientation and attacks of paranoia.

Seasonal depression. This is a mood disorder that occurs at the same time every year. Often, seasonal depression begins in the fall or winter and ends in the early summer. One theory says that not enough sunlight leads to decreased production of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming and pain-relieving effect. As a result, a lack of serotonin leads to a depressed mood and symptoms such as fatigue, carbohydrate deficiency and weight gain. It is theoretically possible that this type of depression is also associated with insufficient intake of the required amount and microelements into the body.

Larved form (somatized). An affect of melancholy appears, often there is a syndrome of “heart melancholy” and pain in the intestines and stomach. Such somatic disorders clearly manifest themselves in the morning and are well treated with antidepressants.

Anesthetic form. In this form of depression, a person suffers from a lack of experience. The world around us loses its colors and sounds, and there is even a feeling that time has stopped.

Adynamic form. The main symptom of this type is melancholy, which is experienced indifferently. The will decreases, the person stops taking care of himself, and experiences a feeling of physical powerlessness and apathy.

Anxiety depressive disorders (agitated). It manifests itself as melancholy, which is replaced by anxiety and fears. People with this type of depression are always in anticipation of possible trouble. Anxious experiences are vague and can be inspired by external information. It is also accompanied by speech and motor excitement; a person literally cannot sit in one place. Melancholic raptus can happen to a person: the patient may start rushing down the street, screaming, squealing or lamenting, or rolling on the ground. At such moments, he becomes very dangerous both for himself and for others.

Atypical depression. This disorder is characterized by increased appetite (resulting in weight gain), increased sleepiness and increased emotional reaction to positive events.

Childhood mood disorder. This type is invisible in everyday life, but clearly manifests itself in certain situations and is detected by special tests. This is a chronic, personality-driven depressive state. Usually this disorder is a consequence of severe deprivation experienced by the child in early childhood.

Pseudo-dementia. Often found in older people, its manifestations resemble a decrease in intellectual activity. The problem of concentration of attention develops, the ability to orientate in space is impaired, and memory is also impaired. Only a specialist can distinguish this type of depression from dementia.

Stages of depression

Like other diseases, depression has several stages. Each period can last from one week to several months.

1. Rejection stage (mild). The person becomes restless and chalks everything up to bad mood and health. Interest in previous activities and hobbies disappears. Symptoms such as apathy, drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite gradually accumulate. Alienation from the world begins, the desire for communication disappears, but these feelings are accompanied by the fear of loneliness. A person at this stage often finds a way out in excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, playing computer games for many hours, and watching TV for many hours.

2. Accepting stage (moderate). A person begins to understand what exactly is happening to him, refuses to eat, and because of this he rapidly loses weight. Disorders such as insomnia, impaired thinking, rapid incoherent speech, illogical statements and reasoning, and there may even be hallucinations appear. A person can no longer cope with negative thoughts on his own; he has a desire to completely end it, which leads to a high risk of suicide attempts.

3. Corrosive stage (severe). At this stage, external calm is replaced by aggressive behavior, the person no longer wants to control himself, and is capable of causing harm to himself or others. Indifference and detachment arise. The psyche begins to deteriorate; due to the long-term influence of depression, a person can even develop schizophrenia.

Diagnosis of depression

To make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, the doctor performs a series of tests:

• communication with the patient (collection of information);
• general urine analysis.

There are also special questionnaires and scales for diagnosing depression.

Beck scale. The questionnaire consists of 21 questions with fixed answer options. Testing time is 20-60 minutes. Invented by an American psychiatrist, it bears his name. In use since 1961.

Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. The questionnaire consists of 20 statements, the results of which are defined in 3 scales: depressive experiences, depressive affect, somatic symptoms. Testing time is 8-10 minutes. Named after the developer. In use since 1965.

DDS (questionnaire for depressive states). The technique is based on the pattern recognition method, and there is also a lie scale. Developed at the Bekhterev Institute.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Contains 10 statements with 4 answer options. Used since 1987 thanks to scientists in Edinburgh and Livingston.

How to get rid of depression? Depending on the stage and type of depression, characteristics of the body, the presence of concomitant diseases, age and other factors, treatment for depression may include one or another set of procedures and medications.

As a rule, treatment of depression is accompanied by individual adjustments to diet and lifestyle, including physical activity.

Depression of the initial stage, mild form can be cured without drugs, with the help of psychotherapy, or mental correction of the patient’s behavior and way of thinking. Drug treatment is prescribed for moderate to severe disease, but only in combination with psychotherapy.

Non-drug treatments for depression

Psychotherapy. This is a method of verbal interaction between a patient and a specialist, which allows you to solve current internal problems, analyze the current mental state and find the most appropriate ways to resolve problematic situations. The psychotherapy program is selected individually.

Light therapy. A method of exposure to light of a certain length, which promotes the production of serotonin (the hormone of good mood), and to adjust circadian rhythms (internal biological clock). Light therapy can even relieve pain.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation. The prototype is electroconvulsive brain stimulation. This method allows non-invasively, using short magnetic pulses, to stimulate the cerebral cortex. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is used in the treatment of severe depression and produces noticeable effects.

Drug treatment for depression

Pharmacological treatment. Drug therapy for depression occurs with the help of various types of antidepressants. They reduce symptoms and reduce suicide rates.

Important! Only a doctor can prescribe medications after diagnosis. This is due to a wide variety of antidepressants, which at the chemical level affect one or another part of the brain and also cause various reactions.

Types of antidepressants

The human brain is made up of neurons (nerve cells). The transfer of information from neuron to neuron occurs through the synaptic cleft (small space between neurons) with the help of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers).

Today, science knows about 30 different mediators. Three of them are involved and related to depression: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

There is a biological theory that believes that depression develops against the background of a decrease in the concentration of transmitters in synapses. Antidepressants are necessary to regulate the concentration of mediators and restore the biochemical background in the brain that has been disrupted.

Tricyclic antidepressants. They were synthesized back in the 50s of the last century. The mechanism of action of this type of antidepressant is based on a decrease in the absorption of norepinephrine and serotonin mediators by brain neurons, as a result of which their concentration in the brain increases. Some drugs in this group have a calming effect, others have a stimulating effect.

The time for the onset of the therapeutic effect depends on the specific situation from several days to several months.

The most common side effects include: lethargy, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, decreased potency, difficulty urinating, etc.

Among the tricyclic antidepressants we can highlight: Azafen, Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine, Trimipramine, Doxepin, Dotiepin, Coaxil, Fluoracisine, Nortriptyline, etc.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO). Antidepressants of this type slow down the action of the enzyme in the nerve endings, thereby preventing the destruction of norepinephrine and serotonin. Often, MAO inhibitors are prescribed to patients who do not have the expected therapeutic effect from taking tricyclic antidepressants, as well as to patients with dysthymia and atypical depression.

The onset of therapeutic effect takes several weeks.

The most common side effects are: sleep disturbances, horse racing, weight gain, decreased potency, swelling of the limbs, rapid heartbeat.

Among the MAO inhibitors are: Befol, Melipramine, Pyrazidol, Sydnofen, Tranylcypromine.

Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. Today, this group of drugs is the most modern class of antidepressants used in medicine. Their mechanism of action is associated with blocking the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. As a result, the concentration of the mediator increases. Such drugs act exclusively on serotonin, without affecting other neurotransmitters.

Among the selective serotonin uptake inhibitors are: Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram.

Compared with other types of antidepressants, selective serotonin uptake inhibitors have fewer side effects that are not pronounced.

Other antidepressants. There are also other groups of antidepressants that differ from the above drugs in their mechanism of action and chemical composition: Bupropion, Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Mianserin, Nefazodone.

Vitamins and minerals for depression:

In the treatment of depression, the following are also actively prescribed:

• omega-3;

Important! Before using folk remedies for treating depression, be sure to consult your doctor!

Carrot juice. Just drink freshly squeezed carrot juice. You can add an apple to the carrots in the juicer. The combination of apple and carrot is not only healthy, but also very tasty.

Peppermint. 1 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over a spoonful of leaves, let stand for 1 hour at room temperature and strain. Take 0.5 cups morning and evening. A few mint leaves can also be added to regular tea.

Myrtle. Add myrtle flowers to regular tea. Also, rub the myrtle with your hands and inhale its aroma. You can also pour dry myrtle into cloth bags and place them in places where you spend the most time. Taking a bath with myrtle has a very beneficial effect on the nervous system. Just take a bath with myrtle leaves and flowers, and to use myrtle, it can be used both fresh and dry.

St. John's wort. Pour 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers and herbal parts into 200 ml of boiling water and let them brew for 10 minutes. Drink this tea 2-3 times a day for several months. Brew a fresh decoction each time before use. Just keep in mind that St. John's wort may reduce the potency of some medications, including medications used to treat and.

Chinese lemongrass (schizandra). Grind 10 grams of dry schizandra berries and boil in 200 ml of water. Strain and drink instead of tea. For taste, you can add sugar or sugar to this product.

You can buy a ready-made tincture of Chinese lemongrass at the pharmacy. It is recommended to use 20-30 drops 2 times a day. In severe cases, the norm can be exceeded by up to 40 drops at a time.

Passion flower (passionflower). Pour 1 teaspoon of passionflower herb into 150 ml of boiling water. Leave for 10 minutes, strain and take a glass of infusion shortly before bed.

Knotweed (bird knotweed). 3 tbsp. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over spoons of knotweed grass. Let it brew for 1 hour in a warm place, strain. Take 1-2 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

Borago (borage). 1 tbsp. Pour a spoonful of borage herb with a glass of boiling water, wrap it and leave for 2 hours in a warm place. Strain and take 0.5 cups 3 times a day before meals.

Herbal collection. Mix 2 parts of hop cones, 1 part each of flowers, root and lemon balm, pour into a coffee grinder and grind. 2 tbsp. Brew spoons of the resulting mixture with 2 cups of boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes and strain. Sip throughout the day. Leave most of it in a glass for the evening to help you sleep better at night. Drink the product for 7 days.

Winter swimming. In the treatment of depressive conditions, winter swimming - bathing and dousing with cold water - has proven itself very well. Just before using these procedures, be sure to consult your doctor.

God's help

In the modern world, the cause of depression can also be spiritual problems that haunt a person for more than one year, and traditional treatment only leads to relief for a certain period of time. This is especially true if depressive and suicidal issues have arisen in other family members. In this case, it may be necessary to turn to a priest, who can instruct the person and direct him to God. There are many calls from God in the Holy Scriptures, for example, in the Gospel of John (14:27) Jesus said to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Elsewhere, in Gospel of Matthew (11:28) He said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Therefore, often when people come to the Lord in prayer and ask Him for help, the Lord answers and helps. Of course However, turning to the Lord excludes sinful behavior of a person, which could lead to depression and other problems in a person’s life. Read the Holy Scriptures, perhaps you will find something in yourself that led to the negative consequences that you currently have. May the Lord It will help you with this.

Prevention of depression

As you know, it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later. There are several rules that will help you always be in a positive tone of life:

• observe the work and rest schedule. Sleep at least 8 hours a day, go to bed before midnight, preferably before 22:00;
• lead an active lifestyle, walk, ride a bike and be sure to do exercises in the morning;
• take vitamins, especially in the autumn-winter-spring period;
• eat right, avoid fast food, soda and other foods, do not get carried away with flour and confectionery products;
• do not withdraw into yourself, do not say bad words, do not express negativity towards yourself and others, love and do good;
• get rid of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs);
• If you have a job with constant nervous tension, think about maybe changing it? Nerves are worth more than money!

Which doctor should I see if I have depression?

• Psychotherapist

Video on Depression (Spiritual Perspective)

The onset of depression is difficult to predict. Its appearance can be associated not only with tragic events in life (as is commonly believed), but also with mental problems or chemical imbalances in the body.

Let's consider the types of depression, the causes of its occurrence, accompanying symptoms and possible methods of treating the disease.

What is depression

There are several types of depression, which differ depending on the factors contributing to the onset of the disease.

Classification of depression and its types

So what types of depression are there? Psychiatry offers the following options:

1. Endogenous Its appearance is due to the presence of organic factors. For example, these could be various disorders in the functioning of the nervous system. A person suffering from this type of depression is apathetic, does not make contact with others and does not see the point in further life.
2. Masked depression. This type of disease is not accompanied by typical symptoms such as depression, sadness, and so on. Its main feature is the presence of somatic diseases in the form of chronic pain, sexual menstrual cycle in women, sleep problems, and so on. It is also possible to experience attacks of causeless anxiety, panic, and irritable bowel syndrome. After taking antidepressants, all the above symptoms disappear very quickly.
3. Anxious mental depression. Its main symptom is the appearance of fear, panic and anxiety. People suffering from this type of disease are very aggressive, as they need to relieve internal tension. Statistics show that patients with anxious depression are more prone to suicide than others.
4. The main cause of the disease is hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Accompanied by weakness, apathy, sadness, and frequent mood swings. In addition, there may be deterioration in sleep, loss of interest in the child or excessive care for him, headaches, decreased or loss of appetite.
5. Reactive depression. This type of disease occurs as a result of severe psychological shocks. For example, this could be the death of a loved one, rape, breakup, and so on. Reactive depression is very easy to diagnose, especially if the psychotherapist knows the cause of its occurrence.
6. Seasonal depression. Most often, the disorder occurs in autumn or winter. The main symptoms are decreased mood, drowsiness, and irritability.
7. Depressive stupor. This is one of the most severe forms of the disease. During it, the patient remains in one position all the time, does not eat anything, and has absolutely no contact with others. Depressive stupor appears as a reaction after an episode of schizophrenia.

In addition, there is also biopolar disorder. Its peculiarity is that it alternates with episodes of high spirits. The main problem is that it may take a long period of time (sometimes up to 2 years) to diagnose the disease.

Causes of depression

Having considered the types of depression, let’s move on to establishing the causes of its occurrence. The most common are the following:

• genetic predisposition;
• hormonal imbalances (in adolescents, during the postpartum period, during menopause, etc.);
• the presence of congenital or acquired defects of the central nervous system;
• somatic diseases.

Another important reason is severe mental trauma, the appearance of which could be provoked by many factors:

• problems in personal life;
• presence of serious health problems;
• migration;
• changes or problems at work;
• deterioration of financial situation.

Symptoms of depression

In order to detect the disease in time in yourself or those around you, you need to become familiar with the issue of its main symptoms.

As mentioned above, there are different types of depression, each of which has its own characteristics of manifestation. However, there are some common symptoms that will help recognize the onset of depression.

Firstly, this is an appearance that does not disappear even after several weeks. It is usually accompanied by feelings of causeless anxiety and despondency.

Secondly, a person suffering from depression tries to constantly “withdraw into himself,” even if he previously preferred to relax in noisy companies. The range of his interests becomes narrower, and those things that previously lifted his spirits (music, cinema, nature, etc.) completely cease to please. Problems in his work social relationships and family life become noticeable. A person may begin to say that he sees no meaning in life and think about suicide.

A person with depression may also have:

• slow reaction;
• deterioration of physical well-being (appearance of pain, malfunctions of the digestive and other systems of the body, etc.);
• loss of natural drives (sexual needs, maternal instinct, appetite);
• frequent and sudden mood changes;
• lack of activity;
• the appearance of indifference to others and close people.

Depression in teenagers

Teenage depression is a very complex disease. Recognizing it can sometimes be quite difficult. In some cases, parents and others may perceive teenage depression simply as poor upbringing, attribute it to character traits, and so on. This happens due to the fact that the symptoms of the disease are quite specific.

Signs of depression in a teenager:

• attacks of aggression and outbursts of anger that are directed at loved ones;
• gloominess;
• deterioration in attentiveness, increased fatigue, loss of interest in studies, absenteeism, decreased academic performance;
• conflicts with parents and others, which results in frequent changes of friends and acquaintances;
• regular complaints that no one loves or understands him;
• non-acceptance of any criticism addressed to you;
• pretermission of duty;
• the appearance of pain (headaches, in the heart area, in the abdomen);
• unreasonable fear of death.

Features of depression in older people

Depression in older people can occur quite often, since there are many factors that contribute to this: retirement, a feeling of uselessness and hopelessness, irretrievable loss of time. This is difficult to deal with on your own.

The main feature of depression in older people is its protracted nature. The disease can last for several years, especially if a person does not seek help from specialists and blames his advanced age, rather than psychological problems, for apathy, fatigue, decreased activity and other factors.

It is almost impossible to solve the problem on your own, but with the help of proper treatment this can be done at absolutely any age. That is why, if any suspicions arise, you need to contact a psychiatrist, who will determine the further course of action.

Stages of depression

There are three main stages of the disease:

1. Rejection. The person denies the presence of difficulties and blames ordinary fatigue for his condition. He is torn between the desire to get away from others and the fear of being completely alone. Already at this stage, you need the help of a specialist who will help you quickly cope with the situation.
2. Adoption. At this stage, a person realizes that he is depressed, which is often a frightening condition. During this same period, problems with appetite and the functioning of the immune system begin to be observed. Negative thoughts appear more and more often.
3. Destruction. In the absence of qualified assistance, the third stage begins. During it, there is a loss of self-control and aggression appears. The person begins to collapse as a person.

Depending on the stage of depression at which the disease was detected, the effectiveness of treatment and the time to get rid of the problem directly depend.

Diagnostics

It is important to remember that others will not be able to help you get rid of the disorder, so you should definitely seek help from a psychotherapist.

Determining the presence of the disease is carried out using special scales and questionnaires, thanks to which it is possible not only to establish the final diagnosis (depression), but also to assess the seriousness of the situation.

In some cases, it may be necessary to study the bioelectrical activity of the brain (electroencephalogram) and hormonal studies.

Depression test

When considering methods for diagnosing the disease, the use of special questionnaires was mentioned. Let's look at one of them to have an idea of ​​what a depression test is.

The patient needs to answer a few simple questions:

1. Do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night?
2. Do you often have nightmares?
3. Do you often feel emotionally exhausted and tired?
4. Has your weight changed over the past six months (significant changes down or up are taken into account), taking into account the fact that you were not on special diets?
5. Have you noticed a decrease in sex drive?
6. Have any of your close relatives been diagnosed with depressive disorder?
7. Would you rate your daily stress level as medium to high?
8. Do you suffer from auditory or visual hallucinations?
9. Do you experience a deterioration in your mood with the onset of autumn or winter?
10. Do you hide your experiences from your loved ones?
11. Do you often have thoughts that life has no meaning?

This is the simplest of all possible tests. The more “yes” answers to his questions, the greater the likelihood of depression.

Drug treatment for depression

Treatment of depression with the help of pharmacological drugs involves taking antidepressants, tranquilizers, narmotimics and antipsychotics.

Only a doctor can prescribe the use of a particular drug on an individual basis. The wrong choice of medications or their dosage can not only bring no benefit, but also cause irreparable harm, since they act on the central nervous system and brain.

In most cases, only antidepressants may be enough to improve your health. The effect of their use is not immediately noticeable; at least one to two weeks must pass. Despite the strength of their effects, antidepressants do not cause addiction or dependence. At the same time, it is necessary to stop taking the drugs gradually in order to avoid the so-called “withdrawal syndrome.”

Treating depression with psychotherapy and physical therapy

Treatment of depression with the help of consultations with a psychotherapist can last several months. There are many techniques, and depending on the situation, the specialist selects the right one.

Physiotherapy can only be used as an aid. It includes procedures such as aromatherapy, massage, therapeutic sleep, light therapy, music therapy and others.

Prevention of depression

As you can see, the disease is very serious. The consequences of depression can be very diverse, from the collapse of personal life to suicide. Therefore, it is worth doing everything possible to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.

What do psychologists advise about this?

1. Maintain a daily routine that includes a good night's sleep and proper nutrition.
2. Engage in sports and other physical activity.
3. Communicate more with your loved ones.
4. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible.
5. Make time for yourself and your favorite activities.

So, we looked at the types of depression and the characteristics of this disease. Finally, I would like to say that psychological health is no less important than physical health. Therefore, if a problem arises, you should immediately entrust its solution to an experienced specialist.

What is depression? Depression in psychology is defined as a type of emotional disorder accompanied by anxious and suspicious manifestations and loss of interest in life. Symptoms of psychotic depression occur to varying degrees at some point in everyone's life. Of course, only a psychotherapist can diagnose depression. Depression necessarily implies the need for treatment. It can last for years and literally exhaust a person. To get rid of depression forever, you need to understand which doctor to see and find out its cause. Diagnosing depression is usually not difficult for a knowledgeable specialist.

People sometimes do not want to admit to themselves that they are experiencing enormous signs of depression. They feel that if they tell someone about their feelings, they will certainly look weak in the eyes of others. Many people are afraid of making a bad impression, appearing weak and weak-willed, appearing in an unfavorable light in front of colleagues, friends and even relatives. For this reason, manifestations of depressive disorder are often driven inside into the subconscious. As a result, the person ceases to understand what exactly is happening to him. He may suffer for years from uncontrollable fear, resentment, anxiety and despair, but does not even correlate all these characteristics with his mental disorder. The greatest danger of depression is that the personality fades away gradually, day by day, without seeing or noticing the changes that occur.

Signs of Depression

Depression is a disease, a real disease. It has nothing to do with bad moods or whims. It cannot be overcome by simple willpower. The first signs of depression can appear even in someone who is generally satisfied with life, but for some reason is currently experiencing dissatisfaction. These are the ones you should pay attention to in time. A depressed state of mind can ultimately lead to uncontrollable consequences. To defeat the enemy, you need to know him. What are the visible symptoms of depression? How do you know if you are depressed?

The psychology of depression is such that a person who is in it cannot control his internal state. He suffers greatly, but does not find the strength to cope with the feeling of despair and hopelessness. From the outside it may seem that he has completely lost all taste for life. How long does depression last? There is no clear answer here.

There are different types of depression. Depending on the severity of the mental disorder, it may not go away for years, and sometimes it is cured in a relatively short period of time. Mood changes happen all the time. The personality changes abruptly from apathy to joy and vice versa. Most often, thoughts about the meaninglessness of your existence do not go away for hours, preventing you from performing your usual activities and enjoying life in general. There is a feeling of emptiness that cannot be filled with anything. This is what depression leads to.

Apathy and despondency become the central emotions of a person. In this regard, he simply cannot notice the beautiful things that happen around him. Psychiatry diagnoses depression as an extreme degree of fixation on a problem and the inability to find a way out of the situation. Defining depression helps to understand its essence. The more a person plunges into himself, the more he begins to feel inner emptiness and despair. When wondering why depression occurs, you need to be able to address your state of mind.

As already mentioned, there are different types of depression. In some cases, a person is limited to anxiety and suspiciousness. In the worst case scenario, strong fears await him everywhere. It is not surprising that despair always goes hand in hand with depression. A person loses his life guidelines, everything begins to seem unimportant to him, devoid of all meaning. Depression obscures all other experiences and prevents liberation from depression. Treatment should be immediate, regardless of the type of depression. If a person is left alone for a long time with his universal melancholy and sadness, he ceases to believe in the very possibility of healing. Of course, you need to know how to cure depression. Actions must be coordinated, targeted and last a relatively long time.

Low self-esteem

A person who is in disorder ceases to see value in himself. More and more often she is visited by a feeling of her own uselessness. This is a very dangerous condition that needs correction. Diagnosing a disease means already taking a step in the right direction, understanding what is happening. After all, the longer a person wanders through the labyrinths of his own soul, the worse it will be, the longer the treatment will be.

In most cases, a person additionally experiences a feeling of guilt for causing some kind of concern to loved ones. There are hypochondriacs who endlessly fear for their health. And this condition does not allow them to fully enjoy life or make plans for the future. Low self-esteem does not allow you to develop or try something new. Any undertakings are suppressed under the onslaught of uncontrollable fear. When thinking about what depression can be, you should be aware of the signs of an emerging disorder. Types of depression and their symptoms show how lost a person is in life.

Panic attacks

Depression is sometimes accompanied by a number of comorbid disorders. These include panic attacks, uncontrollable fears that a person cannot cope with on his own. If a state of this kind is noted, then the person generally begins to feel himself in a certain trap. Fears begin to inexplicably guide his real thoughts and feelings. Panic attacks are a serious disorder that needs attention. The sooner a person is provided with real support, the faster he will be able to restore his undermined mental balance.

Panic attacks always indicate the presence of obvious trouble. A healthy and mentally balanced person will simply, without apparent reason, never succumb to the influence of fears so much as to forget himself. However, a depressed person not only forgets his true self, he unknowingly harms his own condition.

Diffidence

For a very objective reason, depression gives rise to extreme self-doubt. A person sees that his capabilities are rapidly drying up. In fact, he simply loses touch with himself, ceases to feel his individual needs. He loses all aspirations and doesn’t want to do anything. Why is all this happening to him? Often he cannot understand where the formation of strong disharmony in his internal, mental state came from.

Self-doubt is an indispensable accompaniment of depression. A person who is not aware of his aspirations and desires does not know how to move in the chosen direction. In truth, such a person does not choose anything at all. She finds herself hostage to her own fears. Self-doubt greatly interferes with life and prevents the formation of a happy attitude. To get rid of the problem, you will need to work long and hard on yourself. If every person was not afraid to act and acted decisively, there would be significantly fewer unhappy people in the world. Being burdened with fears does not contribute to the development of personality.

Feeling worse

The physical symptoms of depression are not so noticeable, but are tangibly experienced by the patient himself. How do they manifest themselves, how to identify the symptoms of an unfavorable condition? The disease does not develop instantly. Physical ailments also appear gradually. They occur when a person despairs and stops believing in his own strengths and capabilities.

What exactly is happening? Dizziness, characteristic muscle weakness, and pain in certain parts of the body of varying severity are often observed. All these manifestations constitute a serious reason to consult a doctor for advice.

Causes of depression

Experts in the field of psychology associate the causes of depression with a violation of internal balance. It’s just that at some point in time a person ceases to feel his own integrity. In fact, this is a serious problem that definitely needs treatment. The causes of depression are so simple and clear that no one doubts their truth. This disease is unlikely to be hidden from others. A person who needs help becomes lethargic, apathetic, unpredictable, and suspicious. Let's take a closer look at the causes of depression.

Loneliness and rejection

Experiencing a feeling of some isolation from the world, the personality in most cases withdraws into itself. Such self-awareness, of course, is not in vain. Over time, contacts with people are lost, melancholy and despondency begin to take hold. Loneliness is perhaps the worst thing that can happen to a person. Realizing his restlessness, a person can decide to do the most absurd acts that would never have been done in a calm state. Depression accumulates and anxiety grows if a person does not know where to go or who to turn to. Depression occurs as a result of a complicated emotional disorder and becomes a real disease.

Character traits

Sometimes a person himself turns out to be predisposed to the development of psychological ill-being. In this case, over the years, he increasingly develops the ability to perceive reality from the point of view of failure. Such a person gets upset in advance, even when nothing serious has happened. He doesn’t know how to rejoice and looks for tricks everywhere. Such a worldview does not lead to anything good. There is nothing sadder than watching your own fall, especially when you don’t have the strength to really change something. The more a person fusses, experiences fears and anxieties, the more he withdraws into himself. This means that helping him becomes actually incredibly difficult. Character traits greatly influence the development and strengthening of depression.

Treatment of depression

Can depression be cured? Which doctor treats depression? What treatments are there for depression? These and other questions are asked by a person who intends to get rid of incomprehensible mental confusion, which he is in no way able to explain to himself. How to treat depression? What do you need to remember?

Working with fears

The first thing you need to get rid of is all-consuming fears. It is they who create those same invisible barriers in the head, over which the person then struggles for months and years in the hope of finding a way out of the difficult situation. Treatment methods for depression are based on an integrated approach. Working with fears includes thoroughly clearing the mind of negative thoughts and attitudes. It is necessary not only to learn not to think about bad things, but to cultivate positive thinking in yourself. It is bright thoughts that lead to personal growth and self-improvement that can truly change a person’s life.

No one has any idea how to treat this disease until they experience it themselves. Recognizing the existence of a problem means already solving it to some extent. You can talk to your doctor about everything that excites and worries your soul, what you really feel. Hiding worries and fearful thoughts will only prolong the visitation process indefinitely. It is for this purpose that there is someone who heals a person’s thoughts and feelings.

Working with a psychotherapist

Which doctor treats depression? You need to see a psychotherapist. This specialist will help you build a long-term vision of life and decide on your leading values. If you do not take this step, then gradually the already emerging disorder will literally consume the person. He will stop not only enjoying life, but generally making any plans and leaving the house. Everything begins gradually, imperceptibly for the individual himself, and this is the greatest danger. Any little trouble will become a real disaster for him, and minor health problems will turn into a severe hypochondriacal disorder. Depression is treated the easier the sooner a person realizes the need to seek help. When the situation is very advanced, sometimes they resort to psychiatric help. That is why you need to obey the doctor strictly and conscientiously follow all his instructions.

Filling with emotions

You should understand in advance and accept on faith the idea that simply swallowing pills will not get rid of the problem. A person can actually recover if he pays a lot of attention to the disturbing issue. After you have successfully cleared yourself of negative attitudes, you should begin to absorb useful and positive information. Such content must necessarily bring joy, inspiration and happiness. This is the only way to feel the difference, to understand how wrong you were before, plunging into endless despondency and melancholy.

Emotional content should be based on a person’s interests. Someone will need to turn to products of creative heritage. Another person will need to go to a beauty salon and get an excellent hairstyle. Everyone has their own values ​​that no one has the right to take away. The more a person at this stage turns to his own true needs, the sooner he can truly begin to feel satisfaction from every day he lives.

Thus, a mental disorder such as depression necessarily requires timely diagnosis. The success of all subsequent actions related to overcoming this oppressive state depends on this step. If you do not understand in time what it is and do not recognize depression, a person will eventually completely lose the ability to rejoice. Seeking help helps to work through the situation and cure this illness. You can determine depression yourself, the main thing to remember is that although it is long-lasting, it is still treatable.

As modern studies conducted in many countries show, depression, along with heart disease, is a fairly common illness. Many people know firsthand what depression is, because many people on our planet suffer from this disorder. According to experts, this disease is found in every fifth resident in developed countries.

Definition of Depression

Depression- this is the state of a person when he lives, as it were, in another dimension, where there is no faith, no hope for the future, no love. This is a severe condition of the brain and psyche.

Such a serious ailment as depression greatly reduces health and performance, causing suffering to the patient and his family. Admittedly, people have a poor understanding of the characteristic manifestations and consequences of depression. Because of this, patients receive help only when the condition is long-term and dangerous, and in some cases they do not receive it at all.

Depression- it is very dangerous. Not many people understand this, since the expression “depression,” like other psychiatric terms, also has an everyday meaning. The manifestation of depression, various forms of an uncomfortable mental state or irritability, and experiences associated with grief or loss in everyday life are called depression. With this approach, it can be argued that each of us is familiar with a depressive state. Including completely unreasonable conditions, for example, due to lack of mood.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that depression has become younger these days. Among the patients who suffered from it, you can find people not only elderly and “Balzac” age, but also young people and even children. Experts in the field of psychiatry often talk about depression among children, the problems of its origin and the manifestations of the clinical picture.

Depression is diagnosed so often that you get used to it as if it were an everyday occurrence.

Everyday understanding of depression

The perception of depression as an ordinary disease also extends to cases where the symptoms are quite serious from a medical point of view.

Due to various prejudices and fears, relatives do not know how to help the patient get out of depression. They are afraid to send a person to a hospital for treatment, but at home they cannot give him the necessary treatment. Reluctance to acknowledge the reality of mental illness is the most serious misconception. Many consider this “stupidity” and advise the patient to “pull himself together.” However, in such a situation, the patient may rather commit suicide.

Another misconception relates to the inpatient psychiatric department: the hospital is identified with a prison, and treatment activities with executions. It is difficult to call the environment in a hospital good, but treatment in a hospital is a necessity. It is worth recalling that to the patient the ordinary world seems like a prison and a torture chamber. For this reason, he will hardly notice the changes, unlike us.

The third misconception is taking medication. Many people believe that special medications are harmful to the brain and make a person dependent on them. This doesn't just apply to antidepressants. The same attitude applies to simple antibiotics, which are often necessary to save the lives of patients.

Medicines in modern psychiatry are not omnipotent, but their effectiveness is quite high. Patients tolerate the current generation of antidepressants more easily and practically do not get used to them. This becomes a real gift for someone suffering from depression.

Types of depression

There are different types of depression. They are often caused by overexertion and long-term traumatic situations. Sometimes they may appear for no apparent reason. With depression, concomitant diseases may appear - these are heart diseases, gastrointestinal tract diseases, etc., and vice versa, many diseases contribute to the appearance of depression. At the same time, the course of the underlying disease worsens. However, if depression is detected and treated early, patients experience rapid improvement in their mental and physical condition.

Depression is characterized by isolated episodes of varying severity and prolonged exacerbations. For some people suffering from depression, it is chronic and lasts for many years without reaching serious points. In case of severe mental trauma, for example, the death of a loved one - a spouse, a child, reactive depression. No one is immune from this form of the disease.

Various changes in life are a great stress for our psyche, it begins to malfunction. If a loved one dies, life changes dramatically. The deterioration of the situation is due to the fact that for a person this situation is truly a life catastrophe. Horror and pain begin to grow in a person, and the idea of ​​the present and future collapses in his head. In such a situation, it is difficult for a person to cope with the tragedy if he cannot find a clue in life. And if at this moment other troubles arise, then you will not envy him.

Most of our mental disorders are self-inflicted. Some of them are caused by heredity. In other words, these are the genes that we received from our parents. Each of us has such genes to a greater or lesser extent. In the development of depressive conditions, genetic predisposition is of great importance. Some may get sick endogenous depression or manic—depressed psychosis is very high. And in other people, depressive genes do not manifest themselves at all.

What can be called the trigger mechanism for this disease?

According to experts, this is chronic stress. Due to metabolic disorders in the nervous tissue, endogenous depression. But science has not yet found a comprehensive explanation for this.

Older people also face depression, which appears as a result of a combination of traumatic exposure and the condition of the aging brain.

In some cases, depression is limited to physical symptoms without manifestations of an emotional nature. This type of depression is called m asked, since a severe depressive state may be hidden behind an imaginary physical illness. In such a situation, any clinical or laboratory examinations will not detect organic changes in the patient.

There is a category of people who try to get rid of depression with the help of alcohol and drugs. It turns out that depression is hidden behind more serious diseases - alcoholism and drug addiction. In other words, an “explosive mixture.”

Depression: symptoms

According to doctors, depression is not always considered a disease, but often a “syndrome,” or a specific set of symptoms. Symptoms can be varied - melancholy, anxiety, loss of interest in everyday affairs, inability to have fun, loss of meaning in life, a feeling of guilt, one's own insignificance, lack of desire to see good moments in life, slowed speech. Depression can be expressed in different ways, depending on the form of the disease. Let's name the most common ones symptoms of depression:

Emotional manifestations

• despondency, suffering, dejected state, loss of spirit;
• anxiety, internal tension, premonition of misfortune;
• hot temper;
• guilt, constant self-accusation;
• dissatisfaction with oneself, decreased self-confidence, low self-esteem;
• inability to derive joy from previously enjoyable activities;
• decreased interest in the environment;
• inability to experience any feelings (during deep depression);
• With depression, there is often concern about the health and fate of loved ones. People are afraid of appearing incompetent in public places.

Physiological manifestations

• sleep disorder (frequent attacks of insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness);
• appetite changes (overeating or complete loss of appetite);
• intestinal disorder (constipation);
• decreased libido;
• loss of energy, severe fatigue during simple physical and mental stress, weakness;
• pain and various unpleasant sensations in the body (for example, in the heart or stomach).

Behavioral manifestations

• apathy, reluctance to be involved in active actions;
• avoidance of any contacts (gravitation to a solitary lifestyle, lack of interest in people);
• lack of desire to have fun;
• tendency to alcoholism and frequent use of psychoactive drugs that bring temporary relief.

Mental manifestations

• problems with concentration;
• difficulty making decisions;
• constant pessimistic thoughts about yourself, your own destiny and the world;
• a gloomy vision of one's own future reflection on the meaninglessness of life;
• in severe forms of depression, thoughts of suicide occur;
• the appearance of thoughts about one’s uselessness, insolvency;
• slow thinking reactions.

If several of these symptoms last for about two weeks, depression may be considered.

Causes of depression

Can difficult life situations cause depression? Yes, They can. The causes of illness can be: the loss of a loved one, dismissal, divorce. And even loss of faith. In this case, we are talking not only about religion. , chronic stress and so on.

Serious complication reactive and endogenous depression is suicide.

Consequently, in modern science, depression is considered as a disease that is caused by many causes and factors - biological, psychological and social.

Biological causes of depression

Among the biological factors of depression, it is worth highlighting the characteristic pathologies of neurochemical processes. These pathologies may be caused by heredity.

Psychological causes of depression

As modern research shows, there are also psychological factors for depression:

• With negative thinking, one tends to concentrate on negative life moments, situations and one’s own personality. The patient sees his life and future in a dark light;
• a special way of thinking in families where the level of criticism is very high and there is a high degree of conflict;
• many stressful situations in your personal life (breakups, divorces, alcoholism of relatives, death of loved ones);
• social isolation with a small number of trusting relationships that could provide serious emotional support (broken family relationships, loneliness);

Social context of depression

The large number of depressions in the modern world is due to the significant pace of life and its high stress level: high competition in modern society, instability in the social sphere - mass migrations, difficult economic conditions, financial instability, uncertainty in the future. Modern society elevates a number of values ​​into a cult, which force people to constantly feel dissatisfied with themselves. The desire to achieve physical and personal perfection, admiration for strength, the desire for superiority over other people and the struggle for one’s own well-being deplete a person’s mental strength. In such conditions, people are forced to worry and hide their problems and failures from outsiders. This deprives them of emotional support, creates anxiety, dooming them to a lonely existence.

How to distinguish depression from bad mood

Is there a way to distinguish real depression from a bad mood or despondency? This is quite difficult to do. But it is worth paying attention to a number of signs.

First, objectivity of changes in a person’s psychological and emotional state. In other words, everyone around them understands that something incomprehensible is happening to the person. Second- bad mood continues for a long time, can last for days or weeks. Sometimes in the evening there are barely noticeable improvements, and the morning, as a rule, is the most difficult time. Third- it is not possible to psychologically substantiate the cause of a bad mood.

Another important sign- this is a person’s indifferent attitude to the world around him, lack of interest in his usual affairs, inability to distract himself from gloomy thoughts. A sad person tries to find someone to talk to, and if the patient is depressed, then he wants to be alone. This sign is not typical for anxious depression when the appearance of communication is created. During communication, patients constantly complain, but their interlocutors are not heard.

People with this disease often lose weight and stop taking care of their appearance. This is very noticeable if the person was previously distinguished by his neatness and cleanliness.

A patient in a depressed state may go straight to bed in his clothes or not make it at all. Among the signs of depression, it is worth highlighting conversations about death and suicide. Conversations like these need to be taken seriously. Many people believe that if a person talks about suicide, he will never do it. Unfortunately, it is not! In fact, if the patient states that he wants to die, then this can be a serious sign. Among the important signs of the disease is a lack of hope for the future.

How to help someone get out of depression

The support and help of relatives is an important factor in overcoming the disease, even if the patient is not interested in this.

• It is important to remember that depression is an illness that requires compassion. Immersion in illness with a patient is dangerous; there is no need to share his pessimism and despondency;
• try to keep an emotional distance, reminding both yourself and the patient that depression is a transient emotional state;
• there is no need to criticize the patient. It is better to explain to him that this condition is not his fault, but rather a misfortune. He needs help and treatment;
• try not to focus on the person’s illness, fill the life of your family and your life with positive emotions;
• involve the patient in an active life;
• Patients need to be listened to and given the opportunity to express their thoughts. The physical body is connected with the spiritual and mental world - no aspect of the psyche should be neglected.

What can't you do? When patients make statements about suicide, they should not be intimidated by talking about the well-known canons about the burial of suicides. After all, these patients already think of themselves as lost. You cannot discuss the sinfulness of suicide with a patient - this will only strengthen his desire. Positive conversations will have a greater effect. Convince the patient that you really need him.

Treatment of depression

Treating depression is very difficult . Psychotherapeutic medications are necessary for the treatment and prevention of this disease. It is best to prevent a disease from occurring than to fight it later. Such a serious enemy as depression must be fought and one must not give up. To defeat the disease, you may need antidepressants, which you should not be afraid of.

Most antidepressants are sold through pharmacy chains according to doctor's prescriptions. Only a specialist who knows what is depression, symptoms and treatment of depression.

There are general recommendations for the use of antidepressants. To begin with, they need to be taken in the doses prescribed by the doctor. The medications must be taken without skipping for a certain period. Any drug has a course of administration. There is no need to be afraid of addiction, since antidepressants do not form dependence. In addition, side effects are rare when taking modern drugs.

Antidepressants differ in their mechanism of action and the effect they produce. You just need to choose the right drug and treat the disease according to the rules.