Major Depression:
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Major depression is many times a one time occurrence.
Knowing its symptoms can minimize the severity of an episode.
Also known as unipolar depression, major depression is a one time occurrence for about 50% of the persons who get it. Knowing the signs can help minimize the severity of an episode.
The symptoms of major depression are many, some of the most pronounced are:
- Sadness
- Withdrawal from society
- Panic attacks
- Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Lack of energy and drive
- Increased irritability
- Having suicidal thoughts
Unlike other forms of depression, major depression has been linked to a biological disorder.
As with other depressive disorders if there is a family history of major depression you may be predisposed to developing this type of depression.
Stress is another risk factor for major depression; however, with mood monitoring and self help stress can be handled without leading to depression. You can learn more about stress and depression by reading "Conquering Stress," by C.J. Green.
Other psychological factors that can lead to major depression are:
- Difficulty expressing anger (bottling up feelings inside)
- Pessimism, having little positive expectation of self or anyone else
- Lack of self confidence
- Difficulty building and maintaining relationships
With depression treatment most persons who suffer from major depression are able to return to their normal life. The three main types of treatment are talk therapy, depression medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
The four main groups of antidepressants used to treat major depression are:
- Bupropion such as Wellbutrin
- Seotonin inhibitors: Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: this is great for first-time users of antidepressants
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Talk therapy is most successful in treating major depression when used in combination with antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT is used when medication and psychotherapy isn't working or the patient cannot take antidepressant.
Alternative cures can be used to treat or help prevent major depression. Calming techniques are especially useful as agitation can trigger an episode of major depression.