Download HIGHLIGHTS OF BASIC DISORDER AND TREATMENT

Highlights of the Depression Materials Conquering Depression and
Treating Major Depression: A Patient's Guide
 One in four females and one in ten males in America are affected. It can occur at any stage of life.
 Symptoms include low mood, sadness, emptiness, no pleasure, feeling hopeless, helpless,
worthless, abnormal sleep patterns, abnormal eating patterns, low energy, restlessness, irritability,
poor concentration, aches and pains for no known reason, difficulty making a decision, thoughts of
suicide/suicide attempts - for at least two weeks. It is a medical illness that is not part of normal
disappointments or grief.
 It may just occur in fall and winter due to decreased light (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Putting a
full-spectrum light bulb in a lamp and getting by it for 30 minutes in the morning and evening may
relieve this type of depression.
 It is caused by:
 Biological factors: chemical imbalance in the brain and adrenal gland
 Genetic / family trait
 Life events and how the patient views them (negative or positive outlooks)
 With treatment, people recover from depression. The earlier the treatment, the more rapid the
recovery. Without treatment, rates of suicide increase.
 A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in brain diseases such as depression. The
psychiatrist may order tests and ask a lot of questions before making a diagnosis.
 Treatment may include medication to correct chemical imbalances, individual therapy to correct
negative thinking and unhealthy habits, and group therapy to share common feelings.
 There are many kinds of medications – what works for one person may not work for another.
Antidepressant medications may take several weeks to give full relief. You and your doctor need
to work together to find the right medication and right dose for you.
 New antidepressants have few side effects, but no antidepressant medication is habit-forming;
people do not get addicted to antidepressant medication.
 Common medication side effects: sleepiness, dizziness, dryness, sexual difficulties, weight gain,
blurred vision, difficulty with elimination. Your doctor or nurse can provide information to minimize
side effects. Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so
treatment options can be discussed. Always tell all of your doctors of the medications you are
taking.
 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT or “Shock Therapy”) is a very safe and painless treatment for
severe depression that doesn't respond to medication, or for people who are unable to take
medications.
 Stopping treatment too soon may cause depression to return. Always talk to your doctor before
stopping treatment. Many people with major depression experience recurring episodes and will
benefit from long-term treatment.