Download Depression

DEPRESSION
Antonija Jukić
Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat
 The
words above belong to author William
Styron, and they describe his first episode
of major depression
 This experience belongs to millions
Definition of
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
 Mental
disorder characterized by an allencompassing low mood accompanied by
low self-esteem, and loss of interest or
pleasure in normally enjoyable activities
 Depressed
weeks
mood persists for at least two
Subtypes
 Melancholic
 Atypical
depression
depression
 Catatonic
depression
 Postpartum
 Seasonal
depression
affective depression
Symptoms and signs
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Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in daily activities
Appetite or weight changes
Sleep changes
Irritability or restlessness
Loss of energy
Self-loathing
Concentration problems
Unexplained aches and pains
Depression and suicide!!!
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3.4% of people with major depression commit
suicide
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60% of people who commit suicide have
depression or another mood disorder
Causes and risk factors for
depression
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Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Financial strain
Early childhood trauma or abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Health problems or chronic pain
Biological theories
 Dysregulation
of monoamine chemicals
serotonin, norepinephrine and
dopamine in the brain
 Most
antidepressants increase the levels
of one or more of the monoamines
Diagnosis
 Patient's
self-reported experiences
 Behavior reported by relatives or friends
 Mental status exam
 No
laboratory test for major depression
Differential diagnoses
 Dysthymia
 Adjustment
disorder with depressed mood
 Bipolar disorder
Management
 Antidepressant
medication
(MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs) – delayed onset of
action (2-6 weeks)!!!
 Psychotherapy or counselling
 Hospitalization
 Electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT)
Prevention - Lifestyle changes!
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Cultivating supportive
relationships
Getting regular exercise and
sleep
Eating a healthy, mood-boosting
diet
Managing stress
Practicing relaxation techniques
Challenging negative thought
patterns
SMILE 
References
 www.wikipedia.org
 www.helpguide.org