Depression is a common mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of loss of interest in things, sadness, and anger and interfere in a person’s everyday activities causing difficulty with memory, thinking, eating or even sleeping.
According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16, over 15% of Indian adults require active care for one or more mental health conditions, and one in 20 Indians suffers from depression. Though grief and depression share some common characteristics, grief is identified with happy and positive memories along feelings of pain while in depression feelings of sadness are more prominent and lasts for longer periods.
Depression if left untreated or wrongly diagnosed can lead to self-harm or even suicide attempt. Though several types of depression exists, clinical depression is the most severe amongst them. Medication, therapies, and changes in lifestyle can completely cure this mental disorder.
Depression is a psychiatric illness part of mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Patients may have trouble participating in day-to-day activities, and have thoughts about life isn’t worth living. Depression is not about having a weak mind, but is an imbalance of chemicals in the brain which can be treated by medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
Though researchers have not yet identified the exact cause of depression, several factors contribute to generation of this mood disorder.
Brain Chemistry If there is an imbalance in the neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine present in the brain, chances of depression increases.
GeneticsFamily (biological parent or sibling) history plays a significant role in the development of depression. If parents or siblings have depression, you are three times prone to get affected by this mental disorder.
Stressful Life events Stressful or difficult life events for instance divorce, death of loved ones, trauma, isolation and lack of support increases the chances of depression in an individual.
Hormone levels An imbalance in hormone levels especially estrogen and progesterone in females during menstrual cycle or menopause may trigger development of depression.
Brain structure If the frontal lobe of an individual’s brain is less active, chances of developing depression increases though scientists have not yet identified the proper cause behind such abnormality.
Substance use Certain medications have side effects including misuse of alcohol and can lead to depression
Medical condition Certain medical conditions namely, Parkinson’s disease, heart attack, insomnia, and even cancer can put an individual at higher risk of depression.
This includes paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality. The most important features are by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior.
Do not delay an appointment with a psychiatrist because gradually depression can get worst if left untreated. It can result in many other mental and physical problems. If patient is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away Number of treatments are available for depression. Medications and psychological counselling are very effective for most people. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to relieve depression symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychologist or other mental health counsellor.
Depressive disorders can be of the following types:
Clinical depression Feelings of sadness, lowness, or worthlessness for atleast two weeks are major symptoms of clinical depression. Other symptoms may include change in appetite, sleeping problems or loss of interest in various activities. This is the most severe type of depression and if left untreated can lead to death.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) This is a milder or moderate form of depression that may last for atleast two years. Its symptoms are less severe than clinical depression.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) This disorder can cause intense irritability, and frequent outburst mostly seen in children at the age group of 10 and above.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) PMDD comes coupled with premenstrual syndrome along with mood symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and depression. Such symptoms reduce within few days of menstrual cycle but can be severe enough to cause complications.
Depressive disorder due to another medical conditionHypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease can create changes in one’s body that can cause depression.
Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression) Such depression is noticed during the fall and winter and disappears during the spring and summer.
Prenatal depression and postpartum depression Prenatal depression is noticed during pregnancy while postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of delivery of the baby.
Atypical depression In this type of depression, a temporary boost in mood is observed in response to positive events in life. Other common symptoms are hypersomnia and increases appetite.
Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe depending on the type. Some of the common symptoms of depression are given below
The prognosis of depression varies based on the severity and type, if it has been treated or left untreated, and whether it is temporary or having a lasting impression.
Medications and psychotherapy are the best effective treatment for depression. A depression doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medicines for relieve from such symptoms while for patients with critical symptoms may prescribe a hospital stay. Antidepressants are the right medications for treating individuals suffering from depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) These are primary medications prescribed by doctors and generally considered safer and cause less side effects than other antidepressants for clinical depression treatment.SSRIs include escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and vilazodone (Viibryd).
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla), venlafaxine (Effexor XR), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
Atypical antidepressants These medications don’t fall in the same category of other antidepressants for clinical depression treatment and includesmirtazapine (Remeron), bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL), trazodone, nefazodone, and vortioxetine (Trintellix).
Tricyclic antidepressants These medications includedesipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), trimipramine (Surmontil), doxepin, and protriptyline (Vivactil) which can be very effective but can have major side effects compared to other antidepressants.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) These medications include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and are usually prescribed when patients stop responding to other medicines for clinical depression treatment. Depression doctors prescribe such medicines with a strict diet as it can have serious side effects. Pickles, certain cheeses, and wines — and some medications and herbal supplements can have dangerous side effects when consumed with MAOIs.
Other medications Depression doctors or psychiatrists sometimes recommend a combination of two antidepressants or adding medications such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics to enhance antidepressant effect.
This is a type of therapy for depression also called psychological therapy or talk therapy is used by mental health professionals to treat patients with depression by talking about their mental condition and related issues. Such therapies help patients:
Other Treatment Options
Psychiatrists in ranchi, jharkhand may sometimes recommend other procedures viz. brain stimulation therapies:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) In this procedure, electric current is passed through the brain thus affecting the function and effect of neurotransmitters in the patient’s brain for relieving stress. ECT is usually applied to those individuals whose condition’s don’t improve with medications, can’t take antidepressants for health issues and are prone to attempt suicide.
Deep Transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique used as a therapeutic tool for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain to modulate neural activity. It is a highly effective treatment for depression. The therapy typically follows a standardized protocol, but it may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the equipment used. dTMS is primarily used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), especially when other treatments like medication and psychotherapy have not provided adequate relief.
Hospitalization and residential treatmentHospitalization is recommended for those patients who have severe depression. This situation arises if the patient is unable to take care of themselves properly or is prone to self-harm or someone else. Hospital treatment helps such individuals stay calm and safe until his/ her mood improves.
In the day treatment program, counselling coupled with outpatient support is applied for keeping tight control on symptoms of depression.
As bipolar disorder cannot be completely cured, with the right medication and therapy, medications prescribed by a good psychiatrist in ranchi can bring positive changes in the life of a patient suffering from depression. Dr Ravi Rohan Kisku, a senior psychiatrist in ranchi has more than 20 years of experience in treating patients suffering from depression and targets his patients to give a holistic change in their lifestyle by prescribing medicines which might have little to minimum side effects. He has dealt with several types of patients having depression, and prescribed medications, or psychotherapy or at times electroconvulsive therapy based on the condition of the patient to give a fulfilling healthy life.
As mentioned in the introductory section of this blog, clinical depression can be treated with the right medication and therapy.
Dr Ravi Rohan Kisku a senior psychiatrist in ranchi with years of clinical experience in depression management. He is an active member of the Indian Association of Psychiatry, the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry, and ranchi, jharkhand Psychiatry Society. He combines medications along with psychotherapy for holistic treatment.
At Polyclinic, Dr Ravi Rohan Kisku offers the following treatments for depression:Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. This condition can significantly affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and physical health, leading to a wide array of symptoms that interfere with their ability to function at work, school, or in relationships.
Individuals suffering from depression may experience prolonged fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping), and changes in appetite or weight. In severe cases, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
While everyone feels sad or down at times, depression is different because it lasts for weeks, months, or even years and typically requires medical or therapeutic intervention to manage. Treatment options, including medication and psychotherapy, can help individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
It’s important to note that depression is not a sign of weakness or something that can simply be “snapped out of.” It is a medical condition that requires understanding, empathy, and treatment.
Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing depression due to family history, while others may develop the condition due to stressful life events or underlying medical issues.
1. Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to develop it themselves. This suggests a genetic predisposition to the disorder.
2. Brain Chemistry Imbalances: Research suggests that an imbalance in neurotransmitters—such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—can play a significant role in the development of depression. These chemicals are involved in mood regulation, and any imbalance can lead to symptoms of depression.
3. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid problems, pregnancy, or menopause, can also trigger depression.
4. Life Events: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or a major life transition, can also lead to the development of depression.
5. Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes can contribute to depression, especially if they lead to a reduced quality of life or increased feelings of helplessness.
It's essential to understand that depression can arise without a clear cause, and it’s often a complex interplay of several factors. Seeking professional help is crucial in diagnosing and addressing these underlying causes.
Depression manifests in various ways, and the severity of symptoms can differ from person to person. However, common symptoms include:
While these symptoms can be distressing and challenging, many people with depression can find relief through treatment, including therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Early intervention is key to recovery.
Depression treatment typically involves a combination of the following approaches, tailored to the individual’s needs:
In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be considered. The most important step is seeking help early and finding a treatment plan that works for the individual.
While it’s not always possible to prevent depression, there are several strategies individuals can adopt to reduce their risk:
While these measures can reduce the likelihood of depression, it's important to note that some people may still experience depression despite these efforts, especially if there are genetic or biological factors at play. Seeking professional help early is always recommended if symptoms arise.
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