Depression

Recently Answered

• QWhat is post-stroke depression?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A RealAge answered

  Depression is common in stroke patients: Of the approximately 600,000 people who suffer from stroke or recurrent stroke every year in the U.S., 10% to 27% experience concurrent major depression (for an average duration of just under a year) and an additional 15% to 40% experience depressive symptoms.

  As a leading cause of disability in older people, stroke may cause a person to experience loss of control and independence, feelings known to contribute to depressive disorders. The negative effects of stroke are compounded in people who experience concurrent depression because these individuals may be less motivated to follow a rehabilitation program.

  Certain factors affecting the likelihood and severity of depression in stroke patients include:

  • location of the brain lesion
  • family history of depression
  • prior depressive episodes
  • prestroke social functioning

  Although often co-occurring with stroke, clinical depression is not an expected result of stroke. When present, clinical depression should always be treated.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat is “double depression”?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A RealAge answered

  Double depression is an expression used to define a condition in people who experience long-term mild-to-moderate depression (dysthymia) and eventually progress to having episodes of major depression superimposed on the dysthymia. Almost always experiencing depressed mood, these individuals cycle between the mild-to-moderate lows of dysthymia and the deep lows of major depression.

  To be diagnosed as having double depression, a person must have experienced at least two years of mild-to-moderate depression—thus qualifying for the dysthymia diagnosis—prior to the onset of major depression episodes.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat is pure depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Amen Clinics, Inc. answered

  Pure depression often results from excessive activity in the deep limbic system—the brain’s emotional center. This type of anxiety and depression is associated with primary depressive symptoms that range from chronic mild sadness (also known as “dysthymia”) to crippling major depression where it’s difficult to even get out of bed.

• QIs masked depression serious?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Sigma Nursing answered

  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.

• QWhat makes depression different from the blues?

  12 Answers

  A

  

  A HealthyWomen answered

  Most people get depressed or "down" every once in a while, but major depression is different: it's felt most of the day, for nearly every day of the week for at least two weeks and it interferes with your daily life. Severity, duration and the presence of other symptoms distinguish depression from ordinary sadness. Depression—with feelings that range from discouragement to hopelessness—is a serious mood disorder that can cause severe symptoms, and not just seasonally. It affects approximately 19 million Americans every year.

  See All 12 Answers
• QWhat effect does depression have on pregnancy?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  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.

• QHow do other illnesses affect depression?

  6 Answers

  A

  

  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Certain illnesses, such as thyroid disease, migraines, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, are more common in people with bipolar disorder. These illnesses may be caused by side effects of the drugs used for treatment. Substance abuse is common, and may be an attempt by the person to lessen their symptoms by using alcohol or drugs. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, PTSD and ADHD, are more common in people with bipolar disorder, though whether one condition causes the other isn't fully understood.

  People who have clinical depression also have higher rates of other mental and physical health problems. In teenagers and children, depression is commonly seen along with other problems, such as ADHD or anxiety disorder.

  See All 6 Answers
• QHow can I help my family understand my depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A RealAge answered

  

  Depression changes the way you act at home. You feel negative about yourself and see the entire world through a negative lens. On top of this, work issues can lead to family problems, especially if there is job loss. Often, family members of people with depression don't understand what's going on. Statements such as, "What's wrong with you?" or "Snap out of it!" only increase feelings of worthlessness and sadness. Learning about depression can help stave off comments like these. To promote understanding and support, it may be helpful for a family member or friend to go with you to some of your doctor's appointments and therapy sessions.

  You should talk to your child about depression as soon as you suspect something may be wrong. If you promptly deal with problems that can lead to depression, you may be able to prevent the depression from developing in the first place. Keep in mind, however, there are circumstances that are beyond your control.

  Realize that your child’s first response may be denial that any problem exists, and they may hold to that assertion. Or, they may have difficulty expressing what they are feeling. Let your kids know that you have an open-door policy. If they are overwhelmed with stress, perhaps dealing with loss and grief, or are having difficulties at school, they should be able to come talk to you about it.

  If behavior that concerns you persists for more than two weeks, you should seek professional help. You might begin by speaking with a teacher or school psychologist. If the problems seem more serious or are unrelated to school, they may require attention from your pediatrician or a mental health professional.

  From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children
  Buy book
• QWhat are causes of depression in children?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A RealAge answered

  

  Although the exact cause of clinical depression is not fully understood, it appears to be a combination of several factors, including biological and genetic factors, environmental influences and childhood or developmental events. The incidence of clinical depression increases with age. Approximately 1 to 3 percent of children under 10 years of age qualify as depressed. In teens, the rate rises to 3 to 6 percent. The numbers are higher if other family members are depressed.

  

  Find out more about this book:

  Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children
  Buy book
• QWhat are the treatment options for atypical depression?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Sigma Nursing answered

  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.