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Depression is commonly referred to as a Mood Disorder. Emotion is what you are feeling at a given moment. How you feel over a long period of time is your mood.
Depression is described in terms of the severity, duration and type of symptoms. The general feeling of depression is characterized by diminished motivation, low self-esteem, low energy, impaired thinking and emotional well-being. Depression affects a person's overall energy, mood, expressions of emotion and behavior.
An estimated 1 out of 10 children have difficulty escaping the symptoms of depression for long periods of time. The rate of depression is markedly lower (1%) in children ages 1 to 6 years old. The rate is higher in older children ages 9 to 12 years (12%). Between 1 and 2 adults out of every 10 adults have significant symptoms of depression (10 to 20%).
Depression signs and symptoms:
- a significant drop in performance in school or at work;
- episodes of fear, tension or anxiety;
- too much or too little sleep;
- restlessness, fidgeting or pacing;
- fatigue or loss of energy most of the time;
- feeling discouraged or worthless;
- frustration, irritability, emotional outbursts;
- repeated medical complaints without a known medical cause (headaches, stomach aches, pain in arms or legs);
- excessive guilt or inappropriate self-blame;
- significant increase or decrease in appetite;
- loss of interest or pleasure in others or most activities.
A large number of treatment strategies have been developed for the treatment of depression. Many of these approaches can be implemented individually, in groups or family therapy environment. There is considerable evidence to suggest that interventions which emphasize treatment of the family, and not the "identified patient", are critical to positive treatment outcome. Peer group approaches have been found to be effective for children. Play therapy is sometimes appropriate with younger children.
The following treatment approaches work well in treating depression:
- Cognitive;
- Behavioral;
- Social Skills;
- Self-Control;
- Interpersonal;
- feeling discouraged or worthless;
- Medications.
In general, depression is very responsive to psychotherapy. Effective therapy must include an evaluation of the patient’s biological, psychological, social and cultural history. A treatment plan based on an evaluation is essential. Medications can be helpful, but the side effects of these medications and the potential for addiction in some medications must be considered and weighed against the potential benefits. In addition, nearly 2/3 of the studies show that antidepressants have no positive result in treating depression. Psychotherapy can be a very effective alternative to the use of medications. In most cases, there must be changes in the patient’s environment and social support system for treatment to be successful.
Psychotherapy is almost always the first treatment of choice while except in cases where depressive symptoms are so severe or critical that immediate relief is necessary to restore functioning and to prevent immediate and severe consequences. Medication is usually the second choice after a comprehensive and competent trial of psychotherapy.
The prognosis for treatment of depression is good. Positive treatment outcomes are primarily dependent on a correct diagnosis, and understanding of the etiology and implementing an appropriate intervention.
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