Depression

• Low mood and feeling of sadness

• Loss of enjoyment or interest in nearly all activities

• Sleep disturbances (Insomnia or sleeping too much)

• Fatigue and loss of energy

• Weight changes (Considerable weight loss or weight gain)

• Feeling worthlessness or guilt and self-blaming

• Slowed thinking or body movements

• Inability to think, concentrate or make decision

• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or committing suicide

Visit a Psychiatrist to be diagnosed and treated properly, If you or one of your family have any of these symptoms

The exact cause of depression development is unknown. It might result from a combination of genetic, environmental, biological, and psychological factors. Several factors can increase the risk of depression development such as :

•       Having a close relative that has depression
•       Traumatic or stressful events (ex : physical or sexual abuse, death of beloved ones, financial problems)
•       Having a medical problem (ex : cancer, stroke, chronic pain)
•        Drug or alcohol abuse
•        Using certain medications

o confirm the diagnosis of depression, the episodes of depression should have lasted for more than two weeks. Diagnostic tools may include :

•        Physical examination and laboratory tests : To exclude any other condition causing these symptoms.
•       Psychiatrist assessment : The Psychiatrist assesses the mental state of the patient by talking about the symptoms, and medical history and using specific criteria to diagnose the patient.

Medications can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy for the treatment of depression.

Medications :

Medications can be used as a single agent or in combination according to the case. Many types of antidepressants are available such as :

•       Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ex : Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine).
•       Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (ex : Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine).
•        Atypical antidepressants (ex : Bupropion, Mirtazapine, Trazodone).
•        Tricyclic antidepressants: (ex : Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Imipramine).
•       Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (ex : Tranylcypromine, Selegiline chloride).

Psychotherapy :

•        Cognitive behavioral therapy : A type of psychotherapy that teaches the patients how to deal with negative thoughts and behaviors.
•        Interpersonal therapy : A type of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the symptoms by focusing on the current relationship's difficulties and improving interpersonal functioning.

Electroconvulsive therapy : A procedure in which mild electric current is passed through the brain. It’s used in severe cases that don’t respond to medications or in cases of suicide.