How long depression lasts differs from person to person. Some people have mild depression symptoms that are successfully treated. Others have more severe symptoms that don't respond as well to treatment and last for years. About half of all severely depressed teenagers struggle with depression as adults. But early treatment gives teens and other depressed people the best chance of successfully managing their mental disorders.
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Masked depression can be a serious, even life-threatening, condition. The behaviors associated with masked depression such as substance abuse, alcohol abuse and eating disorders can have serious, debilitating effects on the body. In addition, depression is a leading cause of suicide.
Because of the elusive nature of the condition, the rate of incidence for masked depression is difficult to estimate. Approximately 30 percent of people who visit their doctor have symptoms of some form of depression. The rate of incidence for teenagers and young adults may be even higher.
You should talk with your doctor about masked depression if you are experiencing a condition that is commonly associated with it such as substance abuse, alcoholism or an eating disorder. You should also consult your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a desire to harm yourself.
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See All 6 AnswersDepression has often been referred to as a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. Therefore, it is not a surprise that depression is the most common complication of almost all chronic or serious medical conditions. Research has shown that depression often causes changes that can worsen a medical condition and reduce the needed energy necessary to cope with changes and treatment schedules, creating a vicious cycle of worsening physical and emotional symptoms.
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Despite the known effectiveness of treatment for depression, the majority of people in need do not receive it. Where data is available, this is globally fewer than 50%, but fewer than 30% for most regions and even less than 10% in some countries. Barriers to effective care include the lack of resources, lack of trained providers and the social stigma associated with mental disorders.
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Medical Center of Trinity answeredSee All 3 Answers"Double depression" means a patient has depression more days than not for more than two years.
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Atypical depression is a subtype of depression. Causes of atypical depression are not known. Research has identified several possible factors which may trigger depression. Genes may play a role because depression tends to run in families. Problems with the neurotransmitters in the brain may cause depression but so can early trauma, emotional events (divorce, for example), and substance abuse.
Symptoms include a feeling of melancholy and sorrow, as well as a lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities. These symptoms are the same for most types of depression. The difference is that with atypical depression your mood can improve temporarily if something positive happens in your life. Other symptoms include tendencies to overeat and/or oversleep, feelings of heaviness in the limbs, and an extreme sensitivity to rejection from others. Additionally, atypical depression symptoms do not seem to be affected by tricyclic antidepressants.
Atypical depression is diagnosed by first eliminating other causes for your symptoms. Your physician may do blood tests and perform an examination to make sure there is no physical cause for your weight gain or excessive sleepiness, such as a thyroid that is not working correctly. Afterward, the doctor will ask you questions about your thoughts, feelings and life events to determine if your symptoms possibly indicate atypical depression. Before the official diagnosis can be made, the doctor will ask close-ended questions to see if your symptoms match up with those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Atypical depression can be very serious. Without treatment, you can become socially isolated, can suffer from relationship and professional problems, and could even become suicidal. People who have atypical depression may also be more likely to develop a substance abuse problem. To control your symptoms, you will need to develop a long-term treatment plan with your doctor. This plan will include medications and psychotherapy. This form of depression tends to be chronic and usually begins when you are a teenager.
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Treatment options for atypical depression include medication and psychotherapy. Several types of medications may be considered, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are the most commonly prescribed. If the SSRIs and other medications do not work, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may be tried. If your atypical depression symptoms are severe, you may need an inpatient or outpatient treatment program to help you manage your symptoms.
Medications used to treat atypical depression do cause side effects, however. SSRIs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, can cause a drop in sexual desire or problems achieving orgasm. Headaches, trouble sleeping, and nausea can also be caused by the medication, but these side effects usually go away with continued use. MAOIs, a drug used when the others fail, can cause mild side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea, but also more serious ones. If you eat foods containing tyramine while taking MAOIs, your blood pressure could jump and cause you to have a stroke. Also, MAOIs combined with SSRIs can cause a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome which requires immediate medical attention.
Alternative treatments are available for atypical depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, and St. John's wort may help relieve the symptoms of atypical depression. Acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and similar activities can also help with the symptoms. Exercise can also be an effective treatment option.
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A psychiatric evaluation and physical exam are done to diagnose psychotic depression. In this mood disorder, a depressed person experiences episodes of psychosis or losing touch with reality, such as delusions or hallucinations. A blood test and other lab tests may also be required to rule out other problems that can lead to psychosis, such as a negative reaction to medication.
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RealAge answeredSee All 3 Answers"It's important not to be a 24/7 caregiver," warns clinical psychologist Barry Jacobs, PsyD. "A portion of your time needs to be devoted to things you enjoy, replenishing activities." Here are some useful tips to stay healthy while caring for someone with depression:
- Carve out some time to blow off steam. Anything counts, from enjoying an afternoon walk in the woods to cooking up something tasty.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. Our bodies and brains need 6 to 9 hours of sleep to restore good brain-cell functioning.
- Use a daily planner to track appointments and to-dos. The more efficient you are, the more time you may have for yourself.
- Join a support group where you can talk to people who understand the difficulties you face.
- Exercise can do a world of good to manage stress, boost your energy, and help nurture your immune system. Even a 10-minute spin around the block will get your feel-good endorphins flowing.
- Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive relaxation techniques can help release tension and manage stress so you can find calm in your most difficult moments.
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Depression can have multiple effects on pregnancy. Women who are depressed may not take as good care of themselves when they are pregnant, and this may increase the risk of premature delivery or having a baby with low birth weight. Babies of depressed mothers also tend to be more withdrawn and more agitated.