Download Recognizing depression and PTSD: specific issues

Hala Kerbage, M.D.
LebMash
Kafa, January 9
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What is depression?
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Risk factors for depression
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Specific issues in the female gender
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When to consult for help
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Treatment modalities in depression
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Major depressive episode is a clinical disorder
Different from transient depressed mood
At least one of the following with significant
impact for at least 2 weeks, most of the day,
nearly every day:
 Abnormal depressed mood
 Abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure
At least 5 of the following symptoms during
the 2 weeks:
 Appetite or weight disturbance
 Sleep disturbance
 Agitation or slowing
 Fatigue or loss of energy
 Abnormal inappropriate guilt
 Poor concentration
 Thoughts of death or suicide
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Symptoms not due to another psychiatric
disorder (psychosis, bipolar disorder)
Symptoms not due to physical illness,
alcohol, medication or drugs
Symptoms not due to normal bereavement
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Slow onset, long duration of prodrome
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Episodes last several months
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50 % will recur or have an unremitting course
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Heavy burden and impact on social, familial and
work
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Frequent disorder (6.6% in Lebanon)
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Twice more frequent in females
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Peaks at the age of 30, decreases after 40 and
peaks again after 55
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Two major sources for depressive disorder:
◦ Inheritance
◦ Stress and environmental factors/Loss
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Risk of depression in GBV
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Impact on maternal depression on the children
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Post-partum: Highly at-risk period
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Role of life hygiene in preventing depression
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Good response to medications (SSRIs)
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If during more than 2 weeks:
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You
You
You
You
You
You
You
You
You
feel sad all the time
are losing interest in things you used to like
feel “emotional numbness”
have suicidal thoughts
feel fatigue, loss of energy and concentration
have changes in appetite and sleep pattern
feel agitated or very slowed
have excessive guilt or self-devaluation
feel all this is impacting on your functioning
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Pharmacological treatment
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Psychotherapy
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Physical exercise
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Intensifying social support and resources