Serious depression. Positive and negative signs of depression. Does stress affect the development of depression?

The onset of depression is difficult to predict. Its appearance may be associated not only with tragic events in life (as is commonly believed), but also with mental problems or chemical imbalances in the body.

Consider the types of depression, the causes of its occurrence, concomitant symptoms and possible ways treatment of the disease.

What is depression

There are several types of depression, which differ depending on the factors contributing to the onset of the disease.

Classification of depression and its types

So what are the types of depression? Psychiatry offers the following options:

1. Endogenous Its appearance is due to the presence of organic factors. For example, it can be various disorders in the functioning of the nervous system. A person suffering from this type of depression is apathetic, does not make contact with others and does not see the point in later life.
2. masked depression. This type of disease is not accompanied typical symptoms like depression, sadness, and so on. His main feature is the presence of somatic diseases in the form chronic pain, sexual menstrual cycle in women, the occurrence of sleep problems and so on. It is also possible the appearance of attacks of causeless anxiety, panic, irritable bowel syndrome. After taking antidepressants, all the above symptoms disappear very quickly.
3. Anxious mental depression. Its main symptom is the appearance of fear, panic and anxiety. People suffering from this type of disease are very aggressive, as they need to relieve internal tension. As statistics show, patients with anxious depression are more prone to suicide than others.
4. main reason the onset of the disease is hormonal changes in a woman's body. Accompanied by weakness, apathy, sadness, frequent drops moods. In addition, there may be deterioration in sleep, loss of interest in the child, or over-concern about him, headaches, decreased or loss of appetite.
5. reactive depression. This type of disease occurs as a result of strong psychological shocks. For example, it could be death loved one, rape, breakup, and so on. Reactive depression is very easy to diagnose, especially if the psychotherapist knows the cause of its occurrence.
6. Seasonal depression. Most often, the disorder occurs in autumn or winter. The main symptoms are decreased mood, drowsiness, irritability.
7. Depressive stupor. This is one of the most severe forms diseases. During it, the patient remains all the time in one position, does not eat anything, does not contact with others at all. Depressive stupor appears as a reaction after a past episode of schizophrenia.

In addition, there is also a bipolar disorder. Its feature is that it alternates with episodes of high spirits. The main problem is that it may take a long period of time (sometimes up to 2 years) to diagnose the disease.

Causes of depression

Having considered the types of depression, let's move on to establishing the causes of its occurrence. The most common are the following:

• genetic predisposition;
• hormonal disruptions (in adolescents, in postpartum period, during menopause, etc.);
• the presence of congenital or acquired defects of the central nervous system;
• somatic diseases.

Another one important reason- severe mental trauma, the appearance of which could be provoked by many factors:

• problems in personal life;
• Availability serious problems with health;
• migration;
• changes or problems at work;
• worsening financial situation.

Symptoms of depression

In order to timely detect the disease in yourself or others, you need to familiarize yourself with the issue of its main symptoms.

As mentioned above, there are different types depression, each of which has its own characteristics of manifestation. However, there are some common symptoms that will help recognize the onset of depression.

Firstly, it is an appearance that does not disappear even after a few weeks. It is usually accompanied by feelings causeless anxiety and despondency.

Secondly, a person suffering from depression tries to constantly "withdraw into himself", even if he previously preferred to relax in noisy companies. The range of his interests is becoming narrower, and those things that previously cheered up (music, cinema, nature, etc.) completely cease to please. Become notable problems in his working social connections and family life. A person may begin to talk about what he sees no meaning in life and think about suicide.

A depressed person may also have:

• inhibition of the reaction;
• deterioration in physical well-being (appearance of pain, malfunctions of the digestive and other body systems, etc.);
• loss of natural drives (sexual needs, maternal instinct, appetite);
• frequent and drastic changes sentiments;
• lack of activity;
• the appearance of indifference to others and loved ones.

Depression in teenagers

Teenage depression is a very complex disease. Recognizing it is sometimes difficult. In some cases, teenage depression can be perceived by parents and others simply as a bad upbringing, attributed to character traits, and so on. This happens due to the fact that the symptoms of the disease are quite specific.

Signs of depression in a teenager:

• attacks of aggression and outbursts of anger that are directed at loved ones;
• sullenness;
• deterioration in attention fatigue, loss of interest in learning, absenteeism, reduced academic performance;
• conflicts with parents and others, because of what happens frequent change friends and acquaintances;
• regular complaints that no one loves or understands him;
• rejection of any criticism addressed to you;
• pretermission of duty;
• the appearance of pain (headaches, in the region of the heart, in the abdomen);
• unreasonable fear of death.

Features of depression in the elderly

Depression in older people can occur quite often, as there are many factors contributing to this: retirement, a feeling of uselessness and hopelessness, an irretrievable loss of time. This is hard to deal with on your own.

The main feature of depression in older people is its protracted nature. The disease can last for several years, especially if a person does not seek help from specialists and blames his middle age, rather than psychological problems, for apathy, fatigue, decreased activity and other factors.

It is almost impossible to solve the problem on your own, but with the help of proper treatment, this can be done absolutely at any age. That is why, if any suspicions arise, you need to contact a psychiatrist who will determine the further course of action.

Stages of depression

There are three main stages of the course of the disease:

1. Rejection. A person denies the existence of difficulties and blames his condition normal fatigue. He is torn between the desire to get away from others and the fear of being left all alone. Already at this stage, you need the help of a specialist who will help you quickly cope with the situation.
2. Adoption. At this stage, a person realizes that he has depression, this condition is often frightening. In the same period, problems with appetite and work begin to be observed. immune system. More and more negative thoughts appear.
3. Destruction. With absence qualified assistance the third stage begins. During it, there is a loss of control over oneself, aggression appears. The person begins to collapse as a person.

Depending on the stage of depression at which the disease was detected, the effectiveness of treatment and the time it takes to get rid of the problem directly depend.

Diagnostics

It is important to remember that others will not be able to help get rid of the disorder, so it is imperative to seek help from a psychotherapist.

Determination of the presence of the disease is carried out using special scales and questionnaires, thanks to which it is possible not only to establish the final diagnosis (depression), but also to assess the severity of the situation.

In some cases, it may be necessary to study the bioelectrical activity of the brain (electroencephalogram) and hormonal studies.

depression test

When considering methods for diagnosing the disease, the use of special questionnaires was mentioned. Let's take a look at one of them to get an idea of ​​what a depression test is.

The patient needs to answer several simple questions:

1. Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?
2. Do you often suffer from nightmares?
3. Do you often feel emotionally exhausted and tired?
4. Has your weight changed over the past six months (strong changes up or down are taken into account), given that you did not sit on special diets?
5. Have you noticed a decrease in sex drive?
6. Have any of your close relatives been diagnosed with a "depressive disorder"?
7. Can you rate your daily stress levels as medium or high?
8. Do you suffer from auditory or visual hallucinations?
9. Do you experience a deterioration in mood with the onset of autumn or winter?
10. Do you hide your feelings from loved ones?
11. Do you often think that life has no meaning?

This is the easiest of all possible tests. The more "yes" answers to his questions, the more more likely the presence of depression.

Medical treatment for depression

Treatment of depression with the help of pharmacological drugs involves taking antidepressants, tranquilizers, narmothymics and antipsychotics.

Only a doctor can prescribe the use of this or that drug on an individual basis. Not right choice drugs or their dosage can not only be of no benefit, but also cause irreparable harm, since they act on the central nervous system and the brain.

In most cases, antidepressants alone may be enough to improve health. The effect of their use is not immediately noticeable, it is necessary that at least one to two weeks pass. Despite the strength of the impact, antidepressants are not addictive and addictive. At the same time, it is necessary to stop drinking drugs gradually in order to avoid the so-called "withdrawal syndrome".

Treating depression with psychotherapy and physical therapy

Treatment of depression with the help of consultations with a psychotherapist can last several months. There are many methods, and depending on the situation, the specialist selects the right one.

Physiotherapy can only be used as aid. It includes procedures such as aromatherapy, massage, healing sleep, light therapy, music therapy and others.

Prevention of depression

As you can see, the disease is very serious. The consequences of depression can be very diverse, from the collapse of personal life and ending with suicide. Therefore, it is worth doing everything possible to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.

What do psychologists advise about this?

1. Follow the regime of the day, which provides for a full night sleep and proper nutrition.
2. Go in for sports and other physical activity.
3. Communicate more with your loved ones.
4. Avoid stressful situations whenever possible.
5. Make time for yourself and your favorite activities.

So, we examined the types of depression and the features of this disease. Finally, I would like to say that mental health no less important than the physical. Therefore, if a problem arises, you should immediately entrust its solution to an experienced specialist.

Depression is a type of mental disorder. This concept is often used by people to describe their protracted bad mood, apathy. Meanwhile, depression is a disease that can and should be treated, because the consequences of a long-term condition can be dangerous not only for a person’s health, but also for his life.

Most often, depression is taken as an oppressed state that provokes. And scientists define depression as an acquired helplessness in the face of difficulties, everyday problems and troubles in the family.

Causes of depression

As a rule, the appearance of depression is influenced by several reasons at once - from a banal quarrel with the boss to the death of a loved one. In women, the condition in question is diagnosed much more often than in men - doctors and scientists cannot accurately explain this, but they associate this trend with hormonal levels. For example, causes of depression in women can be:

• pregnancy - we will talk about prenatal depression;
• the birth of a child - postpartum depression is diagnosed;
• violations in functionality;
• premenstrual syndrome.

Depression can also develop against the background of strong negative emotions - for example, after the death of a loved one. It is not surprising that women more often “withdraw into themselves”, experience their sadness and longing on their own - men are more likely to switch to vigorous activity to distract from gloomy thoughts.

There is also depression against the background of progressive somatic diseases- for example, against the background of pathologies thyroid gland or from severe pain and awareness of the inevitable disability in arthritis, rheumatism, oncology.

Depression can be caused by some mental disorders - for example, this condition is often diagnosed in patients with drug addiction.

Types of depression

There are two main types of depression:

• exogenous- in this case, the disorder will be provoked by some external stimulus (for example, the loss of a job or the death of a relative);
• endogenous Depression is caused by internal problems, often unexplained.

Many ordinary people are sure that exogenous depression does not pose a danger to a person - this is a transient state, you just need to go through a difficult period. But the endogenous type of depression is considered complex disease leading to serious mental illness. In fact, the opposite is true - doctors say that external stimulus may become a provocateur of a severe disorder, but endogenous depression is likely to be classified as a depressive episode.

The state under consideration does not appear in a person suddenly and not immediately - there are three stages of its development:

1. Dysthymia- human long time is in a bad mood and experiences a breakdown. To make such a diagnosis, it will take at least 2 years - this is the period that the described condition should last.
2. depressive episode- that's enough serious condition which can last for a long time, up to several months. It is during a depressive episode that patients most often attempt suicide.
3. depressive disorder- with him, depressive episodes appear with a certain frequency. For example, we can cite the well-known seasonal depressions (autumn, winter).

If the causes of the condition under consideration are not known to doctors for certain, then the symptoms of depression are well known to every specialist. These include:

1. Sadness, irritability, isolation. These symptoms appear at the very beginning of the development of the disease, may be accompanied by insomnia.
2. Feeling of pressure in the chest, feeling of suffocation, decreased potency. At the same time, a sad mood is also present, but it seems to be relegated to the background - patients clearly indicate pain and problems in the reproductive system.
3. Speech slows down, the voice becomes quiet, communication with others is reduced to a minimum.
4. The concentration of attention decreases, there is a feeling of guilt and helplessness.
5. Lack of appetite. Some people in periods of depression completely refuse food, which often leads to exhaustion. In women, against the background of such starvation, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted, up to complete cessation monthly.
6. The ability to rejoice, to get pleasure from any things, actions is lost.

Of course, the listed symptoms are very conditional - they can be present all at the same time, or they can be single. There are some signs of depression:

• if the state in question proceeds in mild form, then the person will not lose his appetite, but rather have a great need for food;
• people may have an overestimated critical assessment of their abilities - they constantly scold themselves;
• depression may be accompanied by thoughts of having dangerous disease, oncology or AIDS - people in such a state and with such a symptom cannot be convinced of the opposite on their own;
• in 15% of cases of severe depression, patients have delusions or hallucinations, they may imagine dead relatives, hear voices that accuse a person of committing a sin and the need to atone for him with “blood”.

Important:Thoughts of death are considered the most serious symptom of depression, and in 15% of cases of depression, patients have clear and persistent suicidal thoughts. Often patients voice the planning of their murder - this should be an unconditional reason for hospitalization.

Treatment for depression

Depression is a disease, so it must be treated in tandem with specialists. Moreover, it is not worth delaying seeking help from doctors - depression can drag on for months and years, which certainly leads to dangerous conditions.

Therapy of the condition under consideration is carried out in two directions:

1. Reception medications . Under no circumstances should a decision be made to use any sedatives in an independent mode is the prerogative of the doctor. Depression can be treated and various means The choice of a doctor will depend on several factors:

• at what stage of development is the disease at the time of the examination;
• are there any medical contraindications to receive certain medicines;
• what mental and general diseases were previously diagnosed;
• how often a depressive state appears or it does not stop for a long time.

1. Psychotherapy. Without it, the treatment of depression, even with the most effective drugs, will be inadequate. This direction of therapy aims to teach a person to manage their own emotions. And this is impossible without the active participation of the patient himself - it is necessary to conduct several preparatory / familiarization sessions so that the patient can trust the doctor and tell about his experiences, problems, feelings and emotions without concealment.

In addition to contacting doctors, the patient himself will also need to constantly work on himself - without this, it will not be possible to get out of depression.

Myths about depression

Since the condition in question refers to mental disorders, it is surrounded by numerous myths. Doctors easily refute them, giving competent arguments. Consider the most popular myths.

1. Depression is not a disease, but self-indulgence and a person's unwillingness to work/make important decisions/cope with problems.

In fact, the condition under consideration is precisely the disease - there are causes and symptoms of development, depression often leads to grave consequences in many cases ends in death. And this is not a flu or a cold, the rules of treatment of which are known to everyone around! Neither relatives nor friends will help to cope with a depressive state - one cannot do without the help of doctors.

1. To be ill with depression is to be a psycho, to live in a madhouse, and this is a shame.

Illness is not a disgrace, but a circumstance independent of the person himself. This statement also applies to depression, so one should not be ashamed of such a state. People diagnosed with depression are not treated permanently, but even if they end up in clinics, these are not psychiatric hospitals, but sanatoriums. Getting into a psychodispensary (it's really not a pleasure) is possible only by force after several recorded cases of suicide attempts - this rarely happens with proper treatment of depression.

1. Depression is not curable. The disease remains for life, regularly returns.

Doctors keep their own statistics, from which we can conclude that the disorder in question is completely treated. If a patient with a depressive episode has passed adequate treatment the disease does not return.

1. Antidepressants used to treat depression are dangerous to health.

There is some truth in this statement - antidepressants have side effects, expressed in a decrease in sexual desire, increased appetite, headaches, nausea. Most of all, patients are afraid of increased appetite - it is believed that when using antidepressants, you can quickly gain weight. But in some forms of depression, there is already a significant increase in the need for food. And if someone is concerned about the issue of reducing potency, then during periods of depression, patients are already unable to be sexual giants. And then - after the end of the course of antidepressant therapy, side effects disappear and health is restored, but depression can last for years.

1. Antidepressants provoke drug dependence.

Some of the older types of remedies mentioned were indeed addictive, but modern drugs are more perfect and do not cause an addictive effect (except perhaps psychological).

1. Antidepressants prescribed by doctors can be stopped at any time.

This is a very big mistake! Many patients, taking antidepressants in a course and feeling an improvement in their condition, decide to refuse therapy on their own. Most often this happens at the very peak of treatment - this can lead to a new "coil" of depression in a more severe form.

There is a lot of controversy about the benefits and harms of antidepressants. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the opinions of experts set out in this video review:

Tsygankova Yana Alexandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

Depression- This is a state of low mood in a person, in which there is constant sadness, melancholy, apathy, fear, a feeling of loss, irritability and loss of interest in daily activities. The disease is twice as common in women and is usually episodic.

Unlike normal sadness or upset, most bouts of depression last for weeks, months, or even years. Some people with depression have a chronic, mild form of the illness called dysthymia. A smaller number of patients suffer from manic-depressive psychosis, in which bouts of depression alternate with periods of high spirits.

depending on the component that prevails in the disease, there are several options depressive disorders: anxious, melancholy and apathetic. Depression can also masquerade as various diseases accompanied by pain in the abdomen, behind the sternum, and other parts of the body. In this case, the patient constantly visits doctors, looking for a variety of painful manifestations, requires treatment.

Causes of depression

The causes of depression are not fully understood. The occurrence of depression becomes more likely if a person has been affected by a number of factors, which include unfavorable heredity, side effects of certain drugs, congenital features(for example, introversion - the focus of the individual on himself) and emotionally traumatic events, especially the loss of loved ones.

The causes of depression are varied:

Depression may also appear or worsen without any obvious reason. Such depression is called endogenous. These differences, however, are not very important, since the symptoms and treatments for these types of depression are similar.

Men and women

Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, although the reasons for this are not entirely clear. Psychological research shows that women often respond to a traumatic situation by withdrawing into themselves and blaming themselves.

On the contrary, men tend to deny the traumatic situation and become distracted by some activity.

Hormonal changes

Of the biological factors in most cases, hormones play the main role. Changes in hormone levels that contribute to mood changes before menstruation (premenstrual syndrome) and after childbirth sometimes play a role in women's depression (eg, postpartum depression).

Similar hormonal changes can occur in women as a result of the use of oral (taken by mouth) contraceptives (birth control).

Thyroid dysfunction, which is quite common in women, is also a common cause of depression.

traumatic event

Depression that develops after a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, is called reactive depression. For some people, a temporary state of depression occurs as a reaction to certain holidays or significant anniversaries, such as the anniversary of the death of a loved one.

Side effects of drugs

Various medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, can cause depression. For unknown reasons, corticosteroids (hormones) often cause depression when they are produced in the body as a result of an illness (such as Cushing's syndrome). in large numbers. However, these hormones elevate mood when given as a medication.

Diseases

Depression also occurs with some somatic diseases. These disorders can cause depression either directly (eg, when thyroid disease is accompanied by changes in hormone levels that contribute to depression) or indirectly (eg, when the pain and functional impairment associated with rheumatoid arthritis leads to depression).

Often the depression that results from physical illness, has both straight lines and indirect causes. For example, AIDS can cause depression directly if the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the brain; at the same time, AIDS can also indirectly contribute to the emergence of depression, when a person realizes the severity of his condition, changes in relationships with others and poor prognosis the course of the disease.

A number of psychiatric disorders predispose to depression, including:

• neuroses;
• alcoholism;
• many forms of substance abuse;
• schizophrenia;
• early phase of dementia.

Depression can be a symptom of the following conditions:

Symptoms of depression

Depression is common today mental disorder, which is based on the syndrome, in classic version characterized by a triad of symptoms:

Psychological symptoms of depression

• persistent bad mood or feeling sad;
• feeling of hopelessness and helplessness;
• low self-esteem;
• tearfulness;
• constant feeling guilt;
• difficulty in making decisions;
• lack of pleasure from life;
• feeling of restlessness and excitement.

Besides:

Physical symptoms of depression

• slowing down of movements and speech;
• changes in appetite or weight;
• constipation;
• unexplained pain;
• lack of interest in sex;
• change in the menstrual cycle;
• sleep disorders.

Social symptoms of depression

• decrease in working capacity;
• rare participation in public life;
• desire to avoid contact with friends;
• neglect of hobbies and interests;
• difficulties at home and in family life.

Types and forms of depression

In domestic psychiatry, the following main types of depression are distinguished.

neurotic depression

Neurotic depression is characteristic of a separate category of people who are characterized by indecision in making decisions at certain points, uncompromisingness, combined with uncertainty, straightforwardness.

The disorder begins with the emergence of ideas about an unfair attitude towards one's personality, its underestimation, on the part of others, management, loved ones, with a decrease in mood, an increase in tearfulness.

It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• General weakness
• Difficulty falling asleep
• broken state
• constipation
• morning headaches
• Anxious awakening
• Low blood pressure
• Lack of sexual desire.

Psychogenic depression

Psychogenic disorder is typical for people who find themselves in conditions of loss of vital values ​​for them. It can be divorce, death, dismissal from work, etc.). The state of the diseased is characterized by mood swings and excessively hypersensitivity.

The disease develops rapidly, over a short period of time. During this period, there is a clear fixation on the loss, the appearance of anxiety, concern for one's fate, the life of loved ones, an increase in internal tension.

Patients complain of thought retardation, melancholy, negatively assess life prospects, speak out about their own insignificance, point only to pessimistic facts in their memories of the past.

The only way out of this painful situation is seen only in suicide. Persons with pronounced features of the hysteroid type are characterized by increased irritability and a tendency to whims. Attempts to leave life for them are due only to demonstrative behavior.

postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is common in young women. It develops two weeks after birth. The birth of a baby is a critical period in the life of any woman, so the body of a woman in labor is very vulnerable.

The causes of such depressive disorders are drastic hormonal changes against the background of increased responsibility for the child and the mentality of a young mother (depression before childbirth increases the chance of relapse).

Symptoms:

• emotional instability;
• increased fatigue;
• sleep disorders;
• increased anxiety;
• feeling of rejection of the child.

Somatogenic depression

A somatogenic disorder provokes a bodily disease, such as a brain tumor, an enlarged thyroid gland, fibroids, etc. In such cases, depression is secondary and disappears after recovery from the underlying disease.

Circular depression

Circular depression is characterized by daily, seasonal mood swings. The sick look at the world as if through a glass, describing the surrounding reality as uninteresting, "dim". They are characterized by early awakening and the inability to continue sleep, thoughts about their worthlessness and futility of life make them “grind” them for a long time lying in bed.

How to get out of depression yourself

First of all, you need to understand that feelings of emptiness, worthlessness and despair are symptoms of a disease that do not correspond to the real state of affairs.

Even if it is difficult and seems pointless, try:

Treatment for depression

Despite popular belief, even the most severe types of depression can be successfully treated. The main thing is to realize the existence of problems and turn to specialists.

Treatment for depression includes psychotherapy and the appointment of special medications - antidepressants. The involvement of family and friends, as well as self-help, can help in the treatment of depression.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be used as the sole treatment for depression (for milder forms of the disease) or in combination with medication. In the treatment of depression, 2 main types of psychotherapy are used:

• cognitive behavioral;
• interpersonal psychotherapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy was developed specifically for the treatment of depression and is effective at almost any age and with any form of depressive disorder.

The main goal of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy is to restore distorted ideas about yourself, the world around you, and the future. During the treatment, you will be shown new ways of thinking and perceiving reality. Changing behavior and habits will also help get rid of depression. The duration of such therapy is 6-12 months.

Interpersonal (interpersonal) psychotherapy focuses on existing problems, perceptual errors, difficulties in the interaction of a person with depression and the people around him. This type of psychotherapy is highly effective in treating depression, especially in adolescents and young adults.

Antidepressants

In the treatment of various types of depression, antidepressants are used, which restore the optimal balance of biologically active substances and normal work brain, helping to cope with depression. Success drug treatment depression largely depends on the patient.

It was noted that almost any antidepressant has a good effect and helps to eliminate depression, and treatment failures are mainly due to the patient's unwillingness to comply with the regimen recommended by the doctor. medicinal product, breaks in treatment, refusal to continue taking pills until the end of the full course of treatment, etc.

If within 4-6 weeks after you start taking the medicine you do not feel a positive effect, or you have side effects, contact your doctor. Perhaps the doctor will change the medicine.

If, while taking the medication, you noted an improvement in well-being and the disappearance of symptoms of depression, you should not stop taking the medication yourself. Contact your doctor and together with him think over a plan for your further actions.

In the treatment of the first episode of depression, the antidepressant is continued for at least 4 months, with repeated episodes of depression, treatment can be more than a year.

Questions and answers on the topic "Depression"

Question:Hello. I am 37 years old. I have two small children. Please tell me how can I solve my problem. I've been sick for 8 months now. After changing jobs, something happened to my head. The doctor diagnosed a major depressive episode. I constantly think about the same thing, that I will be left without a job, because I can’t work at all. The mood is always bad, you don’t want to do anything, nothing makes you happy. Constant tension in the body and thoughts about the same thing do not go away, I cannot relax and live in peace and raise children. I still regret all the time that I changed jobs and did not return when I had the opportunity. Tell me, please, do they give disability with such a disease or will my working capacity return with time?

Answer: Hello. Disability can be given if depressive syndrome takes place against the background of some serious illness. You need to regularly visit your doctor, try to follow all his recommendations, take prescribed medications, and over time everything will work out.

Question:Hello. I have hidden depression, I take antidepressants, bodily ailments are gone. And what about the depression itself, i.e. bad mood, it will inevitably come? Thank you.

Answer: Antidepressants have a complex effect. However, even taking such drugs, try to improve your mood on your own. Walking will help fresh air, chatting with friends, doing your favorite sport in your free time.

Question:My mother is 50 years old. The climax has begun. And she felt that she did not want to live. I often began to have a severe headache, goosebumps, break my face, burning in my head and in my whole body, insomnia, throwing me into a fever, then into a cold, dizziness, fear attacks, afraid of being alone at home. Then thoughts about death appeared, that life has been lived, nothing interests me. When it becomes easier, he tries to do something to distract himself from these thoughts, but to no avail. Please tell me how to treat my mother.

Answer: In this case, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist for a personal consultation - perhaps hormonal correction would reduce psycho-emotional and vegetative symptoms. However, the treatment in this case is selected by the method of trials under the supervision of the attending gynecologist.

Question:I'm 21. I'm in a creepy mood. Over the years, very often there have been influxes of bad mood, when I don’t want anything, but only think about quitting everything, in particular work, I don’t want to leave the house, I especially don’t want and can’t see people. When I didn’t work at all, I didn’t leave the house for a month, I could sit in front of tv and even not go to the store. And constantly crying, and also a constant feeling of anxiety that almost never leaves me, and therefore I often think about the meaning of life and do not see it, and have already thought more than once about how to end it. I do not know what to do? I am depressed? If yes, what is my treatment? Can I buy antidepressants without a prescription? Help with something?

Answer: In your condition, you need to consult a psychologist, it is recommended to conduct several courses of psychotherapy, you need to take antidepressants, but you can only buy these drugs by prescription, so it is extremely necessary to consult a doctor. You are still too young, you still have your whole life ahead of you and main point life for you is to give birth to a child, because a woman was created for this. Do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to become a mother and receive the boundless love of your child.

Question:Hello. Do serotonin preparations such as serotonin adipate or Fine 100 help with biological depression (when you can't get up)? Thank you.

Answer: Serotonin adipinate is not used to treat depressive states, but Fine 100 can be used as a dietary supplement, in case of violations general condition, decreased mood, depression.

Question:Can depression be treated without medication?

Answer: Yes it is possible. There is a therapy that works well for depression. Various forms counseling (psychotherapy) is well suited for the treatment of depression. The depression treatment program is selected individually for each patient. You can work both individually and in groups.

- a mental disorder, manifested by a steady decrease in mood, motor retardation and impaired thinking. The cause of development can be psychotraumatic situations, somatic diseases, substance abuse, metabolic processes in the brain or lack of bright light (seasonal depression). The disorder is accompanied by a decrease in self-esteem, social maladaptation loss of interest in usual activities, own life and surrounding events. The diagnosis is established on the basis of complaints, anamnesis of the disease, the results of special tests and additional research. Treatment - pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy.

Causes of depression

In about 90% of cases, acute psychological trauma or chronic stress becomes the cause of the development of an affective disorder. Depression resulting from psychological trauma is called reactive depression. Reactive disorders are provoked by divorce, death or serious illness of a loved one, disability or serious illness of the patient himself, dismissal, conflicts at work, retirement, bankruptcy, sharp drop level of material support, relocation, etc.

In some cases, depression occurs "on the wave of success", when an important goal is achieved. Experts explain such reactive disorders as a sudden loss of the meaning of life due to the absence of other goals. Neurotic depression (depressive neurosis) develops against the background of chronic stress. As a rule, in such cases, the specific cause of the disorder cannot be established - the patient either finds it difficult to name a traumatic event, or describes his life as a chain of failures and disappointments.

Patients suffering from depression complain of headaches, pain in the heart, joints, stomach and intestines, however, during additional examinations somatic pathology either not detected, or does not correspond to the intensity and nature of pain. Typical features depressions are disorders in the sexual sphere. Sexual desire is significantly reduced or lost. Women stop or become irregular menstruation, men often develop impotence.

As a rule, with depression there is a decrease in appetite and weight loss. In some cases (with atypical affective disorder), on the contrary, there is an increase in appetite and an increase in body weight. Sleep disturbances are manifested by early awakenings. During the day, patients with depression feel sleepy, not rested. Perhaps a perversion of the daily rhythm of sleep-wake (drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night). Some patients complain that they do not sleep at night, while relatives say the opposite - such a discrepancy indicates a loss of the sense of sleep.

Diagnosis and treatment of depression

The diagnosis is established on the basis of anamnesis, patient complaints and special tests to determine the level of depression. Diagnosis requires at least two symptoms of the depressive triad and at least three additional symptoms which include guilt, pessimism, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, decreased self-esteem, sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances, suicidal thoughts and intentions. If a patient suffering from depression is suspected of having somatic diseases, they are referred for a consultation with a general practitioner, neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist and other specialists (depending on the existing symptoms). The list of additional studies is determined by general practitioners.

Treatment of minor, atypical, recurrent, postpartum depression and dysthymia is usually carried out on an outpatient basis. If the disorder is severe, hospitalization may be required. The treatment plan is made individually, depending on the type and severity of depression, only psychotherapy or psychotherapy in combination with pharmacotherapy is used. Antidepressants are the mainstay of drug therapy. With lethargy, antidepressants with a stimulating effect are prescribed, with anxious depression using sedatives.

The response to antidepressants depends both on the type and severity of depression and on individual features patient. On the initial stages pharmacotherapy, psychiatrists and psychotherapists sometimes have to change the drug due to an insufficient antidepressant effect or pronounced side effects. A decrease in the severity of symptoms of depression is noted only 2-3 weeks after the start of antidepressants, therefore, initial stage treatment, patients are often prescribed tranquilizers. Tranquilizers are prescribed for a period of 2-4 weeks, the minimum period for taking antidepressants is several months.

Psychotherapeutic treatment for depression may include individual, family, and group therapy. use rational therapy, hypnosis, gestalt therapy, art therapy, etc. Psychotherapy is complemented by other non-drug treatments. Patients are referred to exercise therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy. During treatment seasonal depressions good effect achieved with the use of light therapy. With resistant (not treatable) depression, electroconvulsive therapy and sleep deprivation are used in some cases.

The prognosis is determined by the type, severity, and cause of the depression. Reactive disorders usually respond well to treatment. With neurotic depression, there is a tendency to protracted or chronic course. The condition of patients with somatogenic affective disorders ah is determined by the characteristics of the underlying disease. Endogenous depressions do not respond well non-drug therapy, at correct selection drugs in some cases, stable compensation is observed.

Depression(from Latin deprimo - “pressure”, “suppress”) - a mental disorder characterized by a “depressive triad”: a decrease in mood and a loss of the ability to experience joy (anhedonia), impaired thinking (negative judgments, a pessimistic view of what is happening, and so on), motor retardation. With depression, self-esteem is reduced, there is a loss of interest in life and habitual activities. In some cases, a person suffering from it may begin to abuse alcohol or other psychotropic substances. It is a type of affective disorders (mood disorders). Depression is treatable, but depression is currently the most common mental disorder. It affects one in ten over the age of 40, two-thirds of them are women. Depression is three times more common among people over 65 years of age. Also, about 5% of children and adolescents aged 10–16 years are affected by depression and depressive states. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of adolescent illness and disability. The overall prevalence of depression (of all varieties) in adolescence ranges from 15 to 40%. Many studies emphasize that the greater prevalence of affective disorders at this age corresponds to a higher frequency of suicides.

Types of depressive illnesses

• People with major depression (sometimes called unipolar or clinical depression) experience some or all of the following symptoms for at least two weeks, most often for several months or longer. Episodes of this disease may occur 1-2 times or several times during a lifetime.
• People who have dysthymia experience the same symptoms, but they are not as severe and last for at least two years. These people are often devoid of "thirst" for life and enthusiasm, their existence is bleak and tiring, and this seems to be a natural extension of their character. In addition, they may experience episodes major depression.
• Manic-depressive psychosis (or bipolar disorder) is not as common as other forms of depression, episodes of depression come in fits and starts and alternate with episodes of mania. During episodes of mania, people may be overly active and talkative, may enjoy everything for no reason, get irritated, spend money frivolously and get into misfortunes. sexual in nature. And for some, mild episodes of mania, or hypomania, alternate with episodes of depression. Unlike other cases of mood disorder, men and women are equally susceptible to bipolar disorder, although, on the other hand, women in such cases experience more episodes of depression and fewer episodes of mania or hypomania.

Causes of depression

Depressive disorders can appear at any age and in people of any age. social groups. This is explained, first of all, by the fact that the values ​​of modern society put a significant pressure on a person.

People strive for social well-being, professional success, external attractiveness. If this is not achieved, a person may fall into despair, it is hard to experience failures, and, as a result, depression develops. Severe psychological trauma can also lead to a depressive disorder, such as the death of a loved one, the breakup of a family, a break in relations with a loved one, and a serious illness.

Rarely, depression occurs without any apparent cause. Scientists suggest that in such situations, the features of neurochemical processes play a role, in particular, the exchange of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.).

Symptoms of depression

Depression negatively affects every aspect of a person's life. Inadequate psychological defense mechanisms, in turn, have a destructive effect not only on psychological, but also on biological processes.

The first signs of depression are apathy, independent of circumstances, indifference to everything that happens, weakening motor activity– basic clinical symptoms depression. If their combination is observed for more than two weeks, it is necessary urgent help specialist.

Mental symptoms:

• depressed mood, joylessness;
• loss of interest, decreased motivation, loss of energy;
• self-doubt, guilt, inner emptiness;
• decreased speed of thinking, inability to make decisions;
• anxiety, fear and pessimism about the future;
• daily fluctuations;
• delirium is possible; suicidal thoughts.

Somatic symptoms:

• vital disorders;
• sleep disturbances (early awakening, the ability to wake up);
• appetite disorder;
• constipation;
• sensations of compression of the skull, dizziness, a feeling of pressure;
• vegetative symptoms.

When talking with a patient, a psychologist or psychotherapist identifies the following criteria:

• Depressed mood.
• Feeling tired.
• Rising concern.
• Lack of desires and interests.
• Decreased sexual interest.
• Frequent nervousness and photophobia.
• Careless attitude to personal hygiene and daily duties.
• Constant need for rest.
• Irritability, restlessness and nervous tension.

The above symptoms are starting. If they last long, they lead to mania.

Early warning symptoms of depression

• Fatigue, feeling of exhaustion, lack of energy
• Depressed mood, depression
• Increased need for rest
• Decreased self-confidence, self-doubt
• Increased sophistication and concern
• Lack of interest and desire
• Sleep disturbances and sleep maintenance
• Careless attitude to daily duties
• Attention disorder (thinking is difficult)
• Decreased sexual interest
• Fear, nervousness
• Decreased resistance to stress, decreased performance
• A person takes everything personally, believes that others talk badly about him
• Changes in the daily routine
• physical ailment
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Tension, anxiety
• Irritability

Various parameters of depression in women

When studying depression in women, scientists pay special attention to the following issues:

adolescence

There is very little difference in depression levels between boys and girls before they enter adolescence, but between the ages of 11 and 13, girls' depression rates skyrocket. By the time they are 15, girls are twice as likely as boys to experience episodes of major depression, and this is happening at a time when teen assignments and expectations are undergoing significant changes. Personality formation, awakening sexuality, separation from parents and the first time you have to make independent decisions, as well as physical, mental and hormonal changes - all this causes stress in adolescents. Stressful situations of this kind usually affect boys and girls differently and may be more commonly associated with depression in girls. Studies show that, compared with boys, who are more likely to experience aggressive behavior, high school students have significantly more high level depression disease, anxiety disorder, eating disorder and adjustment disorder.

Coming of Age - Relationships and Responsibilities

Usually, stress contributes to depression in cases where people are biologically susceptible to this disease. There is an opinion that the high level of depression in women is not due to the fact that they are more vulnerable, but to the fact that women face certain stressful situations. Such stressful situations can be basic responsibilities at home and at work, raising a child without a father, and caring for children and aging parents. It is not yet entirely clear how all these peculiar factors affect women. Major depression is high in both men and women who are divorced or separated from their spouse, and low in married people, although women also have higher rates of major depression. One way or another, and the quality of marriage can significantly contribute to the disease of depression. Relationships that lack intimacy and trust, as well as repetitive quarrels between spouses, are now known to be associated with depression in women. So, it turned out that among women who are unhappy in marriage, there is the highest level of depression.

reproductive period

The reproductive period in women includes the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, post-pregnancy, infertility, menopause, and sometimes the decision not to have children. All of these events can cause mood swings and, in some women, depression. Scientists have confirmed that hormones affect chemical elements brains that control emotions and mood, but they do not know the specific biological mechanism that explains the effects of hormones.

Many women experience certain changes in mood as well as physical changes associated with different phases of the menstrual cycle. For some women, these changes can be abrupt, occur regularly, and cause feelings of depression, irritability, and other emotional and physical changes. called premenstrual syndrome(PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), these changes usually begin after ovulation and continue to increase until menstruation begins. Scientists are investigating how the cycling up and down levels of estrogen and other hormones can affect brain chemistry associated with depressive illness.

Pregnancy, if desired, rarely leads to depression, and the same is true of abortions - they do not lead to widespread depression. Women suffering from infertility may experience feelings of extreme anxiety or sadness, but it is not known whether infertility leads to increased levels of depressive illness. Motherhood, in turn, can be a time when the risk of depression increases due to the stress and responsibilities of motherhood. As for menopause, it is usually not associated with the risk of depression. So, although depression was once considered a unique illness, studies have shown that depression that occurs during menopause is no different from depression during other periods. life periods. Women who are more susceptible to life-changing depression are women who have had depression before.

Circumstances associated with a particular culture

In terms of depression per se, rates are twice as high among African American and Hispanic women as among men, but there are some indications that major depression and dysthymia

may be found less frequently in African American women and somewhat more frequently in Hispanic women than in white women. Information about the spread of this disease in other racial and ethnic groups is not conclusive.

Possible differences in how symptoms manifest may affect how depression is defined and diagnosed among minorities. African-American women, for example, may be the most likely to complain of somatic symptoms, such as changes in appetite and body aches. In addition, people of different cultures may interpret episodes of depression in different ways. Such factors should be taken into account in cases involving women who represent certain population groups.

Victimization

Research shows that women who have been molested as children are more likely to develop clinical depression at some point in their lives than those who have not. In addition, according to some studies, among women who were raped in adolescence or in adulthood, the level of depressive illnesses is higher. Since the seduction of young girls happens much more often than the seduction of boys, insofar as such conclusions are directly related to this issue. Women who experience other common forms of abuse, such as physical abuse or sexual harassment at work, may also experience higher levels of depression. Violence leads to depression because it contributes to low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness and guilt, and causes social isolation. The risk of depression is also associated with biological factors and factors environment and may be the result of growing up in a dysfunctional family. More research is needed to understand whether victimization is specifically related to depression.

Poverty

Women and children represent 75% of the US population considered poor. heavy economic situation leads to stress, isolation, insecurity, frequent adverse events and poor access to support services. Feelings of depression and low morale are common among people with low incomes and lack of social assistance, but scientists have not yet determined whether depressive illnesses are actually more common among people living in such conditions.

depression in old age

It was once believed that women were especially prone to depression when their children moved away, they were seized by the "empty nest syndrome", and they began to feel that they had lost their purpose in life and their individuality. However, studies show that there is no increase in depressive illnesses at this stage of life.

As with younger people, rates of depressive illness are higher among older women than among older men. And, just like in all age groups, unmarried people (this includes widowhood) are also at risk of depression. Most importantly, depression should not be treated as a condition that is natural consequence physical, social and economic problems of the elderly. On the contrary, studies show that most older people are satisfied with their lives.

Approximately 800,000 people become widows or widowers each year, most of them older women who varying degrees experience some of the symptoms of depression. Many of them don't need regular treatment, although for those who are experiencing bouts of moderate to severe depression, attending self-help groups or various psychotherapy sessions may seem to have a beneficial effect. One way or another, but during the first month after the death of a spouse (s), the condition of a third of widows and widowers meets the criteria for major depression, and half of them continue to experience clinical depression a year later. Various forms of this disease are susceptible conventional treatment antidepressants, but research on when to start treatment or how to combine medication and psychotherapy sessions is at an early stage.

Clinical Research on Symptoms of Depression

As a result clinical research depression is caused by a disease that cannot be treated on its own. Due to psychological disorders a person cannot cope with it by a simple effort of will. The main symptom of pathology is the oppression of the spirit and the ability to self-heal. A feeling of despondency and constant anxiety indicates problems in the psychological sphere. If depression is triggered by a tragic event, such as a loss of loved ones, a divorce, or being fired from a job, the person often becomes addicted to alcohol. However, in some cases, the symptoms of pathology occur without expressed cause. They affect the daily activities of a person. Gradually, he becomes aggressive towards the people around him.

One of the frequent signs of pathology is a violation of concentration. A person focuses on internal experiences, so it is difficult for him to perform the necessary production or home task. Severe depression causes a person to stop responding normally to ordinary things.

Problems such as the inability to sleep well, high pressure, sudden weight loss common symptoms diseases. The cause of their appearance is unknown, but they must be treated. When patients with depressive disorders lose interest in life, they stop looking after themselves. In this case, only the help of relatives and friends will lead to the return of a person to the social environment.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of depression “I was “attacked” by depression, what should I do?” is a question that is widespread among young people. Yes, most people can already identify themselves with depression and are trying to find ways to get rid of it. But is depression really depression? In order to find out whether a person really suffers from depression, it is necessary to undergo a diagnostic course. Diagnosis of the disease is carried out an experienced doctor, who, at the first complaints, begins with simple questions about the mood and thoughts of the patient. Next, they move on to tests, on the basis of which the doctor becomes

known picture of the disease. If, nevertheless, the doctor reveals a suspicion of depression, then a series of procedures are carried out to examine the patient, which make it possible to exclude other similar diseases. So, diagnostics includes: Checking physical condition: weight, height, pressure and pulse. Laboratory tests: it is necessary to donate blood for analysis to identify abnormalities. Psychological research: a visit to a psychotherapist who talks about the symptoms and finds out the cause of the disease. Also, based on this, the doctor finds out the presence of thoughts about suicidal tendencies, which is important in diagnosing depression. After an appropriate diagnosis is made, it is necessary to immediately proceed to the treatment of depression.

How to get rid of depression?

First steps in treating depression

1. Learn more about depression and how to treat it on our website. Check what symptoms you have, read about existing methods treatment, you can read about what you might discuss with your doctor.
2. Contact a specialist - a psychotherapist. It will help you determine if you have depression and how you can manage it.
3. Talk to relatives or friends. Depression could alienate you from them. Close people can support you during this period and help you find a specialist for the disease. You don't have to be alone with depression. After talking with loved ones, you will feel better.

Contacting a specialist

Depression distorts a person's perception of life and can cause shame, fear, and guilt that a person suffers from it. Many people silently suffer through depression. Some are ashamed or afraid to admit their feelings; others deceive themselves by downplaying the symptoms, treatment of the disease is delayed.

Remember that one of the manifestations of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. It may be hard for you to believe that anything can help you, but in the vast majority of cases, depression is treatable.

After you tell what is happening to you, you can ask a psychotherapist:

• "Do you think I have depression?" (after all, even if you have some of the symptoms described above, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis)
• What do you think causes depression?
• What should be done to get rid of depression?
• Do I need to consult with any other specialists? (depression is often associated with neurological pathology) If yes, could you recommend someone?
• Do I need to take a vacation, relieve some of my responsibilities, somehow change my lifestyle?
• How long can depression last?
• What are the consequences if you do not start treatment right now?
• What is the preferred treatment method? drug therapy, psychotherapy or their combination (combination therapy)?

What else can you do to get rid of depression?

1. Don't take important decisions. Depression can prevent you from making an informed decision, because in depression a person perceives himself and the world around him biased.
2. Try to avoid stress. For a person suffering from depression, even a small load can seem like a heavy burden. Do not overwork yourself even when you feel that you have strength - this can cause a worsening of the condition.
3. Take care of your body. When depressed, a person often loses physical forces feels exhausted. If you feel that you have physical strength - give your body a little physical activity, but do not overdo it - start walking a little or take care of the flowers.
4. Eat regularly and enjoy. If you have an appetite - do not deny yourself delicious food. This will help you bring back the taste for life. When depression is impaired immunity, so try to eat more vitamins.
5. Avoid negative thoughts. If you get negative thought- try to think about something pleasant, distract yourself with some action - make a cup of tea, listen to the radio or call a friend.
6. Communicate with friends and relatives, even overcoming yourself. Your loved ones can be a source of support. They can help you make decisions or solve problems that you are afraid of not coping with, help with household chores.
7. Feel free to let your therapist know about any concerns or changes in how you feel. The doctor will help to cope with any problem if he knows about it.
8. Do not take alcohol and drugs - they can provoke a worsening of the condition. Try not to abuse sleeping pills

Talk to your loved ones about what is bothering you - they will support you.