Depression: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment of
Depression
Depression is one of the most common of human problems.
According to statistics provided by the National Institute
of Mental Health, in any given year, at least 19 million
Americans (9.5% of the population) experience some form
of clinical depression. It is estimated that about half
of all men and three-quarters of all women have had a bout
with depression at some point during their lifetime. However,
many people do not seek or receive the help that could ease
their pain and promote healing. Part of the problem is that
often people do not know what help is available and how
they may benefit from it.
Firstly, there are various forms of depression. Depression is not a passing
blue mood or transient sad feeling; these emotions are within the normal
range of daily experience, and are typically healthy or appropriate reactions
to bad news, disappointment, and unhappy situations. With depressive disorders,
there is commonly a fluctuation in mood which seems more intense than
one might expect, a persistence in the negative mood, a deep feeling of
emptiness, hopelessness, or like a black cloud that has set in and has
a hold on you. Sometimes there are mood swings, as in bipolar disorder,
where one alternates between intense highs and lows, or there may be a
more subtle but enduring downcast mood, as in dysthymic disorder, which
can last for years. Major depression, or what is commonly referred to
as "clinical depression," involves more intense bouts that may
last a number of months, and these may reoccur from time to time. In addition,
these bouts of deep negative mood may be accompanied by changes in one's
eating and sleeping patterns, disruption in relationships, concentration,
motivation, self-image, outlook on the future, and even one's speed of
movement. Thoughts of suicide may enter one's consciousness as well, perhaps
not so much as a wish to die, but rather a desire for relief and an end
to the pain. Sometimes these thoughts are put into action, which is the
most tragic result of a depression that has won.
The most common forms of treatment for depression include psychotherapies
and medications or herbal remedies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal
therapy are two approaches that have been shown by research to be effective
in significantly reducing signs and symptoms of depression, as well as
preventing relapse. Schema Therapy, which combines cognitive and interpersonal
approaches, has also shown remarkable results with people seeking help
for depression, even when other psychotherapies have been unsuccessful.
Medications, such as the SSRIs (Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil), and other
antidepressants (Wellbutrin, Effexor) have gained popularity due to their
effectiveness in reducing depression. Herbal agents, such as St. John's
Wort and SAMe, have become mainstream with the dissemination of information
related to the benefits people have experienced, both in the U.S. and
overseas. Cognitive-behavioral therapy in particular has been demonstrated
in brain imaging studies to produce similar desired changes in brain chemistry
as antidepressant medication, with the added benefit of avoiding medication-related
side effects and enduring progress beyond the end of treatment.
Help begins with a phone call.
Cognitive Therapy Associates (CTA) is a network of experienced therapists
(licensed clinical psychologists and social workers) across New York City,
Westchester and Long Island. We strive to match you with the right therapist
for you, to help you to effectively manage and resolve issues related
to depression. To inquire about an appointment, please call us at (212)
258-2577.
Keywords: depression, treatment for depression, anxiety, manic depression,
clinical depression, postpartum depression, teenage depression, chronic
depression, symptoms and causes, medication, psychotherapy, signs of depression,
suicide help, information, support, coping, overcoming depression.
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