What are the symptoms of depression?
One of the first signs of depressive illness is the loss of pleasure in life. Sadness and misery can set in and the future seems hopeless. Crying spells are common and life may not seem worth living. Accompanying these emotional changes can be decreased motivation, including low energy, fatigue, apathy and an inability to concentrate or make decisions. Other symptoms include changes in appetite, weight, sleep rhythm, sex drive and posture.

It is common for people with severe depression to wake early in the morning and experience a twice-daily (diurnal) change of mood, with the worst mood occurring in the morning. When it is severe, feelings of dislike, self-blame and worthlessness can even turn into thinking about suicide.

In addition to these symptoms, people with psychotic depression may experience delusions, complaining that they feel wicked or worthless, have a disease, or even have already died. Anorexia and weight loss is common in these people.

What is the treatment for depression?

Medicines
In severe depression, there is an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Studies have shown that antidepressant medication can shorten the length of depressive illness; it is usually more effective for the most severe forms. Antidepressant medications try to restore the balance of the brain chemicals, serotonin and noradrenaline. Two types of antidepressants are commonly used:

• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and imipramine
• selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), such as fluoxetine and paroxetine

Both medications have their own sets of advantages and side-effects, tricyclics are an older class of medication and can take up to six weeks before their benefit is felt Other stronger medicines, such as lithium, may be used to treat depressive psychosis.

Psychological treatments
Psychological treatment can be useful in combination with medication or for people whose depression has not responded to antidepressants. It may also reduce the likelihood of depressive illness returning.

Complementary therapy
Therapies such as the Alexander technique, which aims to improve posture and movement, relaxation techniques such as yoga, and t’ai chi may also help promote a sense of well-being and reduce stress.

What is the outcome of having depression?
About two thirds of people with depressive illness, who are treated effectively, will be free of their symptoms within four to six weeks. The rest will recover following a longer course of treatment. People with depressive psychosis respond extremely well to treatment but are at risk of the condition returning.

To print the document, please click:

Depression