Depression Symptoms and Treatment
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Depression Symptoms and Treatment
Depression symptoms are common in both children and adults. For younger children, these symptoms may include irritability, sadness, and neediness. Older children may show signs of depression such as lack of social interaction, chronic fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. It is important to recognize depression symptoms in both adults and children and to seek treatment if needed. Some symptoms may last for a lifetime, depending on the severity of the depression and the symptoms present.
A recent study found a link between depressive symptoms and heart disease. People with depression had a 40% increased risk of suffering a heart attack, as were individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder and general anxiety. Researchers are still researching the relationship between depression and these mental disorders. While these findings are promising, many more studies are needed. In the meantime, these findings are a helpful starting point for patients who suffer from depression. Hopefully, this information will lead to an early diagnosis and the development of treatment for depression.
Treatment options for depression may include antidepressant drugs and counseling. A combination of both is usually most beneficial. In addition to antidepressant drugs, people should also learn relaxation techniques and engage with friends and family members on a regular basis. Ultimately, treatment should be individualized to each person. Despite the fact that medications are not the only treatment for depression, they may provide relief and even speed up the recovery process. The ADAA recommends seeking professional help if you have depression symptoms.
Major depression disorders affect women more often than men. For women, the disorder tends to collide with other chronic conditions and illnesses. For example, a third of heart attack survivors, one-third of people with HIV, and 25 percent of cancer patients are affected by major depression. Some studies suggest that genetic and hormonal factors play a role in the development of depression in girls during puberty. There is no single cause for depression; it can result from any situation.
Veteran-patients with depression are twice as likely to be diagnosed with this disorder as non-Veterans. The VA is investigating how these patients fared when receiving treatment for depression. Although telemedicine may not be as effective as in-person treatment, there are some advantages of collaborating with doctors who work closely together. A study of depression in older veterans found that a combination of both forms of treatment was no less effective than same-room therapy.
While a number of factors may contribute to depression, there are three primary categories. The first is called clinical depression, while the second is known as SAD. People in northern climates are likely to develop SAD during the fall and winter. Although light therapy can help, psychotherapy may also be beneficial. Despite its complexities, the main treatment for SAD is light therapy. A bright light unit helps the body’s internal clock regulate itself, and the symptoms of SAD are not as severe.
In some cases, depression may be a symptom of a different medical condition. Some medical conditions such as hormone imbalances can lead to depression. Sometimes, depression co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions. People with a diagnosis of depression should not feel ashamed of having a mental health disorder. In addition, depression treatment is often effective in addressing the physical symptoms associated with the condition. A physician can help determine which treatment is best for the person suffering from depression.
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