Depression

Considerations:
Most depression is a reaction to an unhappy event. It is natural to have some depression after a loss such as the death of a relative, or after a major disappointment at home or at work.

Depression is more prevalent in women than men and is especially common among adolescents.

Mild depression comes and goes and is characterized by downheartedness, sadness, and dejection. Short-term episodes of depression or other mood changes can occur with hormone changes, including those that accompany pregnancy , premenstrual syndrome (PMS) , or shortly after the birth of a baby (postpartum depression).

Noticeably disturbed thought processes, poor communication and socialization, and sensory dysfunction indicate moderate depression.

People with severe depression are withdrawn, without expression, indifferent toward their surroundings, and may show signs of delusional thinking and limited physical activity .

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of depression. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for depression, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Time and activity can reverse most depression. Regular exercise is probably more effective in reversing mild depression than medication. Stay involved with others and let them help.

Decrease the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Tell someone about the problem--often talking about it eases the burden.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • depression disrupts work and family life for more than 2 weeks.
  • depression is so severe that suicide is contemplated. Do not hesitate to call for help immediately! If your primary health care provider can't be reached, many communities have telephone hotlines for such situations. If there is no such service nearby, call the nearest emergency room or health-care facility.
  • you think that current medication may be causing depression.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed to determine if the cause of depression is physical or psychological. Hospitalization is usually recommended if suicide seems possible.

There will probably be a detailed questioning about the medical history. Expect some exploration of the issues and events associated with depression. Medical history questions may include such questions as:

  • type
    • Has there been a suicide attempt?
    • How often has suicide been attempted?
    • Are there plans to commit suicide?

  • quality
    • Is the person extremely depressed?
    • Is the depression severe enough to impair occupational or social functioning?

  • time pattern
    • How long has the depression lasted?
    • Is depression constant or through most of the day?

  • aggravating or triggering factors
    • What is the social life like?
    • What events have occurred in the person's life?
    • What are the relationship(s) with significant other(s) like?

  • other
    • What medications does the person take?
    • Is alcohol used?
    • What street drugs are used?
    • What other symptoms are also present?

The use of drugs will be avoided if possible. If drugs are being used that could cause depression, they may be changed. DO NOT CHANGE YOUR MEDICATIONS WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to depression to your personal medical record.