Depression is spreading more and more. She's getting younger. Effective methods based on the use of basic principles of physiology and biochemistry will help you get rid of depression.

What is depression?

Depression is an illness, a mental and somatic disorder. The main signs of depression are depression and bad mood. Along with them, inhibition of motor skills and brain activity is observed. When examining the brains of people suffering from the disease, multiple areas of reduced activity are identified.

Other somatic manifestations are possible as a result of a decrease in the overall energy of the body. This:

• headaches;
• digestive disorders;
• blood pressure surges;
• joint pain;
• heart pain;
• sexual disorders.

At the biochemical level, depression is associated with disturbances in the functioning of the brain. This is a reduced production of monoamines or good mood hormones. They are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons. If there is a lack of serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine, the brain cannot function normally.

This fact shows that the disease has a mental and material background.

Types of depression

In psychiatry, depression is distinguished according to two principles. The disease is caused by three categories of causes:

• somatogenic;
• psychogenic;
• endogenous.

With different genesis, the manifestation of the same symptoms of depression is possible. Therefore, it is advisable to distinguish the nature of the course of the disease. Unipolar and bipolar depression are possible. The first is characterized by a permanent depressed state that does not change for months and years. The second type is part of an affective disorder. Periodically it gives way to a manic, active stage.

Unipolar forms are divided into:

• clinical;
• small;
• atypical;
• postnatal;
• recurrent;
• dysthymia.

With such a gradation, the boundaries of states are not clear, the classification remains imperfect. At Stanford University, depression was divided according to how it manifests itself:

• voltage;
• anxious arousal;
• generalized anxiety;
• anhedonia;
• melancholy.

Conditions vary in severity. They require different treatments.

Anxiety-depressive disorder

This is a neurotic condition in which depression and despondency are aggravated by anxiety and anxiety. The subjective feeling of fear is unreasonable. Against the background of habitual obsessive fear, frequent panic attacks occur. The result is nervous exhaustion and breakdowns.

The patient feels apathy, fatigue, irritation. Under such conditions, somatic reactions begin:

• diarrhea;
• dyspnea;
• chills;
• insomnia;
• tachycardia;
• headaches;
• muscle blocks.

In severe cases, nausea, fainting, and panic attacks are added. An adult does not suspect that he needs treatment for depression. He goes to the therapist with complaints about his health. It is important for a doctor to quickly distinguish the latent course of the disease from secondary symptoms in order to refer the patient to a psychiatrist.

Women are more susceptible to anxiety disorders. This is the influence of unstable hormonal levels and natural emotionality.

Depression in spring

Spring depressed mental states are of an endogenous nature, but do not fall under the definition of severe medical pathologies. They talk about asthenic syndrome, which manifests itself as:

• avitaminosis;
• drowsiness;
• lack of appetite;
• causeless sadness;
• feeling of hopelessness;
• loss of strength.

A prolonged period of cold weather and short daylight hours help weaken the production of hormones, including neurotransmitters. Oxygen starvation, climatic, astronomical factors, physical inactivity are the prerequisites for a decrease in vitality in the spring. Both men and women are susceptible to it. But they can cope with depression on their own.

Proper nutrition, exercise, fresh air are well-known folk methods.

Sleep and wakefulness, music, aromatherapy, a week's vacation will become an effective medicine. Experiencing joyful moments in life works better than pills.

Postpartum depression

Pregnancy and childbirth mobilize the vital resources of the female body. During the postpartum period, functional disruptions in the functioning of the digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems are common. Transient depression occurs in the first week after birth and lasts 2-3 days. 80% of women are able to get out of depression on their own. But 20% of young mothers have a history of:

• hereditary predisposition to the disease;
• major life stressors;
• unsuccessful pregnancies.

These are risk factors. Together with hormonal changes, they provoke severe postpartum depression. The symptoms are similar to the classic ones, but add:

• fear or hostility towards the child;
• suicidal thoughts;
• anxiety;
• tearfulness;
• attacks of anger;
• delusions or hallucinations.

Without treatment, postpartum depression goes away on its own over time or develops into psychosis.

The child's father, along with other relatives, also become sources of irritation. The disease is treated with antidepressants, supported by psychotherapy and physiotherapy.

Protracted condition

Making this diagnosis is extremely difficult due to the vagueness of the symptoms. Often a prolonged depressive state (depressive neurosis, neurasthenia) accompanies a person from childhood or adolescence. Therefore, manifestations of the disease are considered character traits. This leads to decreased self-esteem, isolation, and distrust of the world. A person suffers from misunderstanding and loses interest in life. Markers of the disease in young girls are bad habits and unkempt appearance.

The danger of prolonged depression is that it becomes habitual. The patient himself considers it normal and refuses to recognize it as a disease. In this case, there is no chance of cure.

The patient must do homework. You should contact one of the following specialists:

• psychologist;
• psychiatrist;
• psychotherapist;
• neurologist.

He will prescribe auxiliary medications.

Dysthymia

In the International Classification of Diseases, dysthymia is coded F34. Clinical manifestations are similar to a depressive episode (code F32).

Prolonged depression is often called dysthymic conditions. The clinical manifestations of both diseases are similar. In ICD-11, the term “dysthymia” is replaced by “dysthymic disorder”.

The principles of diagnosis and treatment are common to all types of disease. Dysthymia is a common cause of pathological weight gain, loneliness, lack of prospects and goals. But it does not interfere with leading a normal lifestyle and going to work. This is where the difficulty of diagnosis lies.

In the early stages of the disease, self-cure is possible.

The difficulty is that diagnosis is difficult due to unclear symptoms. Prevention after traumatic factors prevents the development of depression. These include:

• divorce;
• parting;
• death of loved ones;
• treason;
• difficulties with money;
• conflicts at home;
• menopause in women.

Preventive measures - pharmacological in combination with psychotherapeutic ones.

Features of depression in men

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Women suffer from it more often. 25% of women are familiar with this disease. The percentage of sick men is 15-20%. But male depression is more severe and more often ends tragically.

Men are susceptible to depression of an exogenous nature. Their hormonal levels are stable. Social pressure leads to breakdowns. Heredity and childhood impressions are the basis for the development of mental disorders and neuroses.

Manifestations in men have their own characteristics. Often this is:

• aggressive behavior;
• tendency to take unnecessary risks;
• alcoholism;
• uncontrollable outbursts of anger;
• sexual promiscuity and perversion.

These signs are mistakenly taken for manifestations of male nature, the influence of testosterone or adrenaline. Men tend to hide depressive feelings and emotions.

This behavior aggravates the patient's condition.

Depression in children

Symptoms of the disease in children are mistaken for whims. This:

• poor appetite;
• lethargy;
• sleep disorders;
• disobedience.

Previously, it was believed that depression occurs only in mature individuals after 30 years of age. Later they started talking about depression in children and adolescents. Now you can hear about depression in infants due to improper weaning.

Depression is a biochemical malfunction in the body. It is possible at any age.

Parents need to pay attention to:

• speed of reactions, motor skills of the child;
• interest in communicating with peers;
• sleep, appetite;
• mood.

If a child is depressed and loses weight for no apparent reason, then this is a signal of problems.

Children are prone to anxiety. They can develop into full-blown depression or destructive disorder.

10% of children are genetically predisposed to depression. They have insufficient production of neurotransmitter hormones. The addition of external factors gives a typical clinical picture of a mental disorder.

What causes the disease

Depression has internal causes related to the biochemistry of the body.

The first of them is a lack of neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. It is associated with insufficient synthesis of these hormones or with an excess of the enzyme that breaks them down. MAO (monoamine oxidase) is sometimes produced in large quantities. It destroys three enzymes responsible for the synaptic interaction of brain neurons. This is the second possible cause of the disease.

The theory of suppression of the functions of brain synapses underlies the action of currently used antidepressants.

It is unknown what is primary for the onset of the disease - external circumstances or internal hormonal imbalances. Cases of drug-free treatment for depression prove the inverse relationship between external and internal factors.

Signs and symptoms

Mood changes and functional disorders are normal in healthy people. They do not mean illness or mental disorder. But if the symptoms do not go away within 2 weeks, then something needs to be done about them.

Action should be taken if:

• chronic fatigue appeared;
• haunted by anxiety, causeless fear;
• attacks of irritation and anger become more frequent;
• bad mood does not go away;
• suicidal thoughts arise;
• It became difficult to concentrate.

The physical body responds to the suffering of the soul with pain in the heart, solar plexus, joints, and head. In advanced cases, psychosomatics is expressed in skin diseases, stomach ulcers, and arterial hypertension.

The patient is unable to interact with society and is forced to live in isolation. Chronic protracted cases are not so noticeable, but bring grief and suffering to the person and his relatives.

What are the consequences of this condition?

Negative thinking in depression cultivates feelings of guilt and inferiority. This destroys the patient's personality.

Apathy is expressed in indifference to others, an inability to experience feelings. Over time, a person loses loved ones, family, and friends. This closes the vicious circle of loneliness and aggravates the manifestations of the disease.

Due to the inability to concentrate, mental work has to be eliminated. This essentially means the patient is mentally disabled. If you let the course of the disease take its course, it can lead to suicide.

History knows cases of suicide of great artists, poets, and writers. They suffered from chronic depression for years. Marina Tsvetaeva, Ernst Hemingway, Stefan Zweig, Fyodor Dostoevsky are famous suicides. Their lives took a tragic turn, giving food to neurotic tendencies. They did not even try to fight depression, considering it a part of their life. They left, unable to withstand the pressure of circumstances. But from the point of view of psychiatry, this is a natural result of advanced depression.

In older people, metabolic processes slow down and hormone production is reduced. Hence the senile strengthening of character traits and age-related depression.

Diagnostics

Only a psychiatrist or psychotherapist can make a diagnosis of depression. To be sure, you will need a consultation of the following specialists:

• psychiatrist;
• therapist;
• neurologist;
• clinical psychologist.

The opinion of these doctors is important for determining hidden depression and identifying the cause of concomitant somatic disorders.

The psychiatrist examines the patient and draws up a clinical picture of the disease. For rapid diagnosis of the severity of depressive disorder, testing according to Zung or Beck is used.

Zung scale - 20 questions with answer options “never”, “sometimes”, “often”, “all the time”. Despite the apparent simplicity of the method, it accurately determines four degrees of severity of the patient’s condition:

• norm;
• light;
• moderate;
• severe depression.

The patient can test himself. This is important when subjective sensations do not allow one to assess the condition or track the dynamics of treatment.

How is depression treated?

People suffered from mental disorders thousands of years ago, today the disease is progressing and getting younger. The term "depression" appeared in the 19th century. Before this, the disease was called melancholy, spleen or obsession.

Ancient methods and treatment in the Middle Ages were similar to brutal physical therapy. Doctors used:

• bloodletting;
• emetic, laxative powders;
• ice baths;
• starvation;
• sleep deprivation.

It is not known how deprivation helps patients heal. But it is an effective treatment. Modern doctors use radical methods such as electroshock therapy.

Until the mid-20th century, the official cures for depression and stress were opium and marijuana. And ladies at the beginning of the last century snorted cocaine for migraines.

The disease in its early stages is curable using physiological methods without the use of drugs. Recommend:

• physical activity;
• socialization (communication);
• balanced diet;
• 7-9 hours of sleep daily;
• psychotherapy.

Gentle methods include deep hypnosis. It has a strong effect, but requires a large number of sessions. In severe cases of bipolar disorder and psychosis, treatment is carried out in a hospital with the use of antidepressants.

The problem with treating depressive disorders is that 2/3 of patients turn to therapists and neurologists, rather than psychiatrists. After going to the doctor, people do not receive adequate treatment. Therefore, 50% of cases of disability are associated with advanced depression.

Medicines and vitamins for depression

Non-drug therapies are successful as long as the patient is stable. Therefore, in severe cases and conditions of moderate severity, drug treatment cannot be avoided. Antidepressants, hormones, and lithium salts are used. The mechanism of action of the latter is unknown.

It is important to note that drugs with neurometabolic action are not psychostimulants. In healthy people they do not improve mood. The mechanism of action affects the synaptic interactions of hormones with neurons. Antidepressants are divided into MAO inhibitors and tricyclics.

Clinical practice has shown the positive effect of antidepressants on concomitant somatic diseases.

Their effect on the disease is noticeable after 2 weeks of use. First of all, appetite and sleep improve, and anxiety decreases. Sometimes a sedative effect is observed.

When choosing funds, the following are taken into account:

• patient's age;
• his gender;
• severity of symptoms;
• medications taken.

Antidepressants have side effects. If they are very pronounced, then you need to choose another drug. Vitamins C, D, group B and zinc salts are recommended.

Psychotherapy

50% of specialists consider psychotherapy a more effective method than pharmacological one. Taking pills is difficult due to patients' paranoia. They experience side effects even when taking a placebo.

Cases of treatment-resistant depression have been described when medications do not work. This occurs in 30% of patients with unipolar depression.

In such cases, psychotherapy is the last hope for recovery. There are such types of it:

• psychoanalysis;
• cognitive;
• existential;
• interpersonal;
• relaxation.

Complex treatment combines pharmacology with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is not an alternative to medications, but an additional treatment.

Studies have proven the same clinical effectiveness of antidepressants and cognitive psychotherapy.

The latter reduces the likelihood of relapses compared to drug treatment.

How to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment?

An indicator of the effectiveness of disease treatment is the patient’s well-being and absence of symptoms. It happens that at an intermediate stage of treatment it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug. To understand the dynamics of the recovery process, the same Zung scale is used.

To quantitatively measure the effectiveness of treatment, readings of the electrical activity of the brain are used. Depressive states are characterized by a loss of interest in once-loved activities, food, and people. Using an electroencephalogram, you can measure the brain's potential when receiving a reward. Then you need to repeat the study after a course of treatment with drugs or psychotherapy. The dynamics of potential changes will show the effectiveness of the treatment.

How to get out of depression on your own?

To get rid of depression, a person must admit that he is sick. This means taking responsibility for your own health, declaring your intention to heal.

It is necessary to exclude contacts with negativity:

• horror and thriller films;
• television news;
• "toxic" communication.

The patient should be surrounded by friendly, positive people. Friendly support is very important: going to fun concerts and meetings. You need to learn to accept the help of others. Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes should be excluded.

We must gradually achieve a full night's sleep. If you can’t fall asleep at first, then you need to lie in bed with your eyes closed, without moving. The body will perceive this as complete rest. In time, sleep will come.

Physical activity until fatigue is required. Running, aerobics, and swimming are recommended. Water generally has a positive effect on energy.

You need to learn to relax. Meditation, music, massage help well with this. Aromatherapy with lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary oils complements meditation.

You need to give vent to emotions - positive and negative, without identifying yourself with them.

What should you not do?

You should not prescribe pills yourself. Only a doctor can choose an antidepressant.

Only the initial forms of the disease can be cured on your own. You can determine the stage of the disease yourself using the Zung scale. If testing shows a moderate or severe form of the disease, then self-medication is contraindicated.

For mild forms of the disease, aggressive treatment methods cannot be used. These are antidepressants and electric shock intended for the treatment of severe stages.

There is no need to fall into despair and blame yourself. The feeling of hopelessness is just a symptom. He will go away with the disease.

Modern medicine cures many forms of mental disorders. Timely consultation with a doctor and the patient’s desire to be healthy are a guarantee of successful treatment.

The term “depression” is familiar to almost everyone today. People easily apply this label to themselves and others, putting the usual melancholy or depressed mood and a very serious psychoneurological disease on the same scale.

Depression - an emotional disorder that causes suffering, interferes with living and working fully, and has devastating consequences for interpersonal relationships. In the worst case scenario, this disease can lead to suicide.

Important! At the first signs of a depressive disorder, you should seek help from specialists. Any disease is easier to treat at the initial stage than in its advanced form.

Unfortunately, depressive disorder is often not taken seriously, not considered a disease, much less a reason to see a doctor. And not only those around them, but also the patients themselves. A depressed person may hear a lot of unpleasant things from others: accusations of laziness and self-indulgence, of unwillingness to look at life positively. These reproaches fall into fertile ground, since depression, figuratively speaking, “feeds” on guilt, false shame and depression. The patient, as a rule, cannot get out of this state on his own, and his condition steadily worsens.

Biofeedback therapy for the treatment of depression

Biofeedback therapy for the treatment of depression

Causes and types of depression

Depending on the manifestations of the disorder and the factors that provoked the disease, several types of depression are distinguished.

Based on their origin, depressive disorders are divided into two main types:

• exogenous (provoked by external factors);
• endogenous (caused by internal human problems).

Based on the severity, it is customary to distinguish between mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease.

Based on the nature of symptoms and characteristics of the course, the following types of depression are distinguished:

Depressive episode . A primary case that was not preceded by any episodes of illness. It manifests itself as insomnia, depressed mood, isolation, and decreased activity.

Recurrent depression . Signs of the disorder appear approximately once a month and last for several days. It can also manifest itself with other symptoms, in addition to emotional ones: decreased memory and attention, deterioration of concentration.

Postpartum depression . A condition that can develop in women in the first days and weeks after childbirth due to hormonal changes. It manifests itself as nervousness, mood swings, insomnia, increased fatigue and - often - indifference to the newborn.

Depression in bipolar disorder . This disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of high and low mood in the patient. At the same time, the rest of the time the person lives a completely normal life.

Chronic depressive disorder . It is characterized by constant long-term (more than two weeks) physical and emotional devastation, decreased appetite, and sleep disturbances.

Biofeedback therapy for the treatment of depression

Biofeedback therapy for the treatment of depression

Biofeedback therapy for the treatment of depression

Causes of depression

The causes of depressive disorders in modern medicine are usually divided into three groups:

• psychological;
• sociocultural;
• biological.

Psychological factors . The overwhelming majority of patients note that “on the eve” of depression there was a large amount of stress in their lives (conflicts in the family and at work, past infections, overwork, etc.).

An unconditional impetus for going into depression can be psychological trauma caused by the death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, or violence.

Socio-cultural factors . Many people are made emotionally vulnerable by the various labels that society places on them. Low/high self-esteem, objective or apparent lack of recognition, failure to meet someone’s expectations, goals not achieved by the deadline are common causes of depression in modern people.

Biological factors . Sometimes depression is a consequence of internal pathological causes - genetic predisposition, neurochemical processes (such depression is more common in women), etc. And they can be both a consequence and a cause of depressive disorder.

Whatever the causes of psycho-emotional disorder, it is almost impossible to get out of depression on your own, and taking medications recommended by “experts” from the Internet is extremely dangerous! Only a specialist can understand the causes of the disease and develop treatment tactics.

Signs of Depression

Manifestations of depressive disorder are numerous, varied and can affect not only the emotional sphere, but also the physical one.

Symptoms of depression include:

• sadness, depressed mood for 2 weeks or longer;
• general fatigue;
• pessimism;
• apathy, lethargy;
• irritability;
• tearfulness;
• guilt;
• unstable appetite, weight changes (loss, gain);
• sleep disorders;
• decreased libido;
• attacks of anxiety, fear;
• decreased performance;
• inability to concentrate, memory impairment;
• loss of interest in previously loved things;
• somatic illnesses (complaints about physical ailments, often not previously a concern).

In advanced cases, slow speech, delusions, a noticeable decrease in intelligence, obsessive thoughts about death, and alcohol and drug abuse are not uncommon.

Diagnosis and treatment of depression

Diagnosis and treatment of depression

Parents of children and adolescents should be alert to the appearance of such signs of depression as:

• sleep disorders;
• decreased appetite, weight loss, slow growth;
• frequent headaches;
• manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract (frequent vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, etc.);
• rapid heartbeat;
• inadequate reaction to the ordinary;
• irritability, aggression;
• stubbornness, isolation;
• defiant behavior;
• anxiety, fears;
• decline in academic performance.

Treatment of depression

It is impossible to get rid of depression without qualified help! A neurologist (psychotherapist, psychiatrist) is a specialist who should be contacted if a person suspects a depressive disorder in himself or someone close to him.

Most often, depression develops against the background of stress or a long-term traumatic situation. Often depressive disorders are hidden under the guise of a bad mood and character traits. In order to prevent serious consequences, it is important to understand how and why it occurs. depression.

Causes of depression

Depressive disorders can appear at any age and in representatives of any social group. This is explained, first of all, by the fact that the values ​​of modern society exert significant pressure on a person. People strive for social well-being, professional success, and external attractiveness. If this cannot be achieved, a person may fall into despair, have a hard time experiencing failures, and, as a result, depression develops. Severe psychological trauma, such as the death of a loved one, family breakdown, breakup of a relationship with a loved one, or serious illness, can also lead to depressive disorder.

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

Symptoms of depression

The emotional manifestations of depression are very diverse. These include feelings of anxiety, despair, and decreased self-esteem. A person suffering from depression experiences constant fatigue and sadness. He ceases to be interested in what previously brought him joy and becomes indifferent to others.

The behavior of patients also changes. Depression can be suspected if a person loses the ability to take purposeful actions and cannot concentrate. A person who is sociable and cheerful by nature, falling into depression, begins to avoid contact with friends and relatives, “locks himself within four walls.” Often there is an attachment to alcohol and drugs.

Patients with depression also have some peculiarities of thinking. Thoughts about oneself become negative, a person becomes fixated on the negative aspects of his life, considers himself unnecessary, worthless, and a burden to relatives. It is difficult for the patient to make decisions on his own.

In addition to changes in the emotional sphere, depression is also characterized by physiological (somatic) manifestations. Most often, the sleep-wake pattern is disrupted and occurs. Appetite may disappear completely or, conversely, intensify and lead to overeating. Patients complain of pain in the heart, stomach, and suffer. The body's energy reserves noticeably decrease; patients quickly become overtired even with minor physical and mental stress. Sexual disorders often occur.

Complications

Unfortunately, drug addiction is very often caused by depressive states. Alcohol and drugs give the patient a false sense of well-being. Depression also underlies a variety of social phobias (fear of losing a loved one, fear of being in a public place), and in severe cases can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.

What can you do

First of all, you need to know that depression can and should be fought.

If you notice that one of your loved ones begins to criticize themselves too often, conflicts with family members, work colleagues, or experiences an inexplicable feeling of fear, you should consult a doctor.

If the patient is diagnosed depression, he needs to be supported, try to cheer him up, even if he himself is not interested in this.

The patient’s relatives must understand that depression is a transient condition in which they need to provide psychological help without plunging into the disease themselves. Try to convince the patient that it is not his fault that he has developed depression. Together you will cope with this difficult condition.

What your doctor can do

Without treatment, depression can last for months or even years. The basis of treatment is the use of medications and psychotherapy.

Medicines for the treatment of depression (antidepressants) are selected individually for each patient and are taken long-term, for several months. Drug treatment will be successful if the patient strictly adheres to the recommended medication regimen.

The goal of psychotherapy is to help a person learn to regulate their own emotions. This method of treatment involves the active participation of the patient himself, his willingness to talk about his problems. All information received by the doctor during a psychotherapy session remains secret.

Prevention of depression

To hinder the development depression, you need to learn to overcome stressful situations. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, proper work and rest hours - this is what will help you fight and maintain peace of mind!

Read in the project Depression #it's not that simple.

Mental disorders, characterized primarily by decreased mood, motor retardation and disruption of thinking, are a serious and dangerous disease called depression. Many people believe that depression is not a disease and, moreover, does not pose any particular danger, which they are deeply mistaken about. Depression is a rather dangerous type of disease, caused by a person’s passivity and depression.

This disease is characterized by signs of low self-esteem, indifference to one’s life, and loss of taste for it. Very often, a person with symptoms of depression finds salvation in alcohol or, worse, psychotropic substances. These substances, of course, help get rid of the signs and symptoms of the disease, but this does not resolve the issue of the cause of depression. In addition, the use of harmful substances worsens the situation and leads to complete loss of the person.

Let’s take a closer look at what depression is and what main types of this disease exist.

Species

Depression is a human mental disorder that is most common in women and less common in men. The age of people who fall under the influence of the disease ranges from 18 to 55 years, but the occurrence of the disease at earlier and later ages cannot be ruled out, but only in rare cases.

Depending on the reasons that provoke the appearance of depression in a person, this disease is divided into types. These types are called:

1. Chronic depression or dysthymia occurs over a long period of time (up to 2-3 years).
2. Acute or clinical depression- the most complex form of the disease, which is characterized by pronounced symptoms. Clinical depression is characterized by a short duration of course, but is complex in nature. Every adult is familiar with the symptoms of the acute form of this disease.
3. Reactive depression characterized by spontaneity of occurrence against the background of the emergence of serious stressful situations.
4. Neurotic depression arises through emotional disorders in which neuroses occupy the dominant link.
5. - actually this type of ailment through which a person is deprived of drinking alcoholic beverages. This may occur due to coding or identification of another disease in which a person is prohibited from drinking alcohol.
6. Prolonged depression characterized by a long-term accumulation of negative factors, which are ultimately localized into malaise.
7. Masked depression is caused by pain symptoms that indicate somatic forms of disease.
8. - occurs, accordingly, after the birth of a child.
9. Bipolar or manic depression- characterized by the predominance of emotional lability (unstable mood) in the human psyche.

Each of the above types has its own reasons why one or another form of illness actually occurs. Let's look at what these reasons are in more detail.

Causes of mental disorders

The occurrence of a mental disorder in both women and men is determined primarily by negative changes in their lives. This is the main factor or sign that plays a major role in the initiation of the disease. But in addition to negative changes, there are a number of other reasons that influence the appearance of depressive disorder. If you know these reasons, then in some situations it is possible to independently avoid the occurrence of a psychological illness.

The main reasons include the following factors:

1. Conflict situations that arise between relatives, friends and loved ones. As a consequence of such conflicts, this unpleasant situation is deposited in the human brain. Constant worries and thoughts about only one thing lead to depression.
2. The loss of a loved one or friend also leads to the fact that a person cannot withstand psychological trauma and withdraws into himself. Most people experience reactive depression, which disappears after a certain time. But for some people, especially women, the loss leads to complete psychological disorder, that is, neurotic depression. If you do not take therapeutic measures, this can lead to mental insanity.
3. Violence. For women, the sign of sexual violence is no less significant than the loss of a loved one. Apart from sexual, abuse can also be emotional or physical. The last two types of violence in most cases are not capable of leaving psychological trauma for life.
4. Genetic predisposition. Cases of depression in ancestors can cause depression in descendants.
5. Problems. The presence of problems directly affects the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Moreover, problems can be both personal and business in nature. A problem of a social nature cannot be ruled out.
6. Disease. Having learned about a fatal disease, a corresponding reaction occurs in the form of a decadent mood.
7. Alcohol addiction. A person suffering from bad habits also has the characteristic feature of depression. Such people have two types of disease: chronic and alcoholic. The first occurs against the background of some event, leading to the fact that a person finds pain relief in alcohol or drugs. And the second type arises due to the prohibition of drinking alcoholic beverages, which actually leads a person to confusion. Alcoholic depression was previously found exclusively in males, but nowadays this type of disease is often diagnosed in women.
8. Medicines. Taking medications can cause depressive disorders in some cases. These disorders occur under the influence of medications taken that have side effects on a person.

Thus, depression can occur not only in women. This disease is widespread among people of all genders, ages and nationalities. Mental disorders are diagnosed among ordinary middle class people, as well as among the rich and even famous. This is explained by the fact that modern values ​​have a direct negative impact on a person and his condition. Each person has his own specific goal, but when he realizes that he is unable to achieve it, then a feeling of despair, isolation and uncertainty sets in. This is where the first sign of depression arises, which, if you do not try to cure it, can lead to much more serious diseases, such as the development of cancerous tumors of the cerebral cortex, etc.

Only in some cases, depression can occur in the absence of problems, but there are reasons for this, because, most likely, it is caused by a person’s genetic subconscious.

Symptoms

People often ask the following question: “What is depression, and how to deal with it?” It is already known that depression is a complex and serious disease that manifests itself due to the predominance of psychological trauma. When considering how to combat the disease, it is necessary to first pay attention to the symptoms of depression, since it is the first sign of the disease that makes it clear about the localization of a particular type of ailment in a person.

Symptoms of depression are quite varied and manifest themselves differently in everyone, depending on the type of predominant ailment. The main signs of the symptoms of the disease are:

• anxious feelings;
• feelings of guilt or despair;
• decreased self-esteem;
• self-isolation.

Symptoms in women appear more clearly than in men, which is associated with the physiological characteristics of the brain. A man can be depressed for many years and hide it. In women, the picture of symptoms is visible quite clearly, so if the first signs of localization of the disease are detected, then it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.

For your information! Depression is a serious illness that requires medical intervention. It is possible to treat the disorder on your own, but in most cases this treatment for depression is null and void.

Symptoms of the disease also manifest themselves in the form of constant fatigue and lack of interest in life. The patient is no longer interested in what previously brought him joy and pleasure. Symptoms of the disease even affect sexual life, contributing to the development of impotence in men and infertility in women.

The disease is also observed by a change in a person’s behavior: he becomes inattentive, loses the ability to take purposeful actions, and cannot concentrate his attention. Often the sick person begins to avoid his family and friends, he becomes lonely and withdrawn. People often find salvation from such symptoms in alcohol-containing drinks or psychotropic, and even worse, narcotic substances.

A depressed person's thoughts become negative, negative, and self-directed. It is common for a person to record the denial of himself; he considers himself unnecessary, worthless, and a burden to his family and friends. He is characterized by difficulty in making any decisions.

Symptoms of the disease affect not only the emotional sphere, they also manifest themselves in the form of sleep disturbances and insomnia. During the day, the patient can sleep through the night, but the dreams are short and filled with frequent awakenings and phobias. On the nutrition side, the picture can develop according to two scenarios:

1. The patient may lose his appetite completely, and the body begins to quickly become exhausted, which leads to weight loss.
2. Appetite may increase, and at the same time the patient begins to overeat, eat at night and actively gain weight.

As the disease progresses, physical pain appears in the area of ​​the heart, abdomen, and sternum. Depression often leads to constipation. Against the background of a decrease in energy reserves, the body quickly becomes overtired during both physical and mental stress. The first sign that is characteristic of the emergence of psychological and emotional malaise is a problem in sexual life, which the sexual partner will understand on the very first day.

Symptoms by type

Depending on the type of predominance of the disease, the characteristic symptoms of manifestation vary. It is important to know the symptoms in order to notice them in time and seek help. If the picture of symptoms is unclear, then in this case the medical diagnosis of the disease cannot be postponed.

Symptoms for each type of disease manifest themselves as:

Clinical depression characterized by a feeling of oppression and uselessness. The patient has delusional thoughts about feelings of guilt and the meaninglessness of existence. In this case, the patient experiences disturbances in sleep, appetite, and pain in the stomach. This type often causes migraines and skin diseases. Constant irritability leads to disorders of the genital organs.

Reactive depression It is characterized by both short-term symptoms, which typically last no more than a month, and prolonged ones - up to two years.

Characteristic symptoms are the emergence of feelings of deep despair, thoughts of suicide, the emergence of fears and phobias. Headaches and fatigue occur, appetite and night sleep are disturbed. All these signs indicate the predominance of a mental disorder - reactive depression. Sometimes reactive depression leads to suicide attempts, especially common among women. If the first signs of such tendencies are noticed, then it is necessary to constantly monitor the patient.

Neurotic depression has the following symptoms: a feeling of lethargy, fatigue, weakness, which are accompanied by prevailing headaches. Neurotic depression often leads to the appearance of nervous diseases. Symptoms of this type are not persistent and lead to successful recovery if appropriate measures are taken. The patient is characterized by exciting experiences with which he constantly struggles, tries to influence the psycho-emotional situation, while maintaining self-awareness. Neurotic depression also, together with neurosis, leads to mental attacks and hysteria.

Caused by the manifestation of disturbances in the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, as well as the functioning of the liver. The first signs of the alcoholic type of disease are characterized by the appearance of vomiting.

Alcoholic depression is expressed in a deterioration in well-being, the occurrence of lethargy and the appearance of thoughts of suicide. This type of disease is most common among older men, so suicide attempts occur specifically with alcoholic depression. The main symptoms include:

• slowness when moving;
• general lethargy;
• facial expressions correspond to a sad mood;
• insomnia;
• feeling of constant anxiety.

Alcohol-related depression can occur a week after an unwanted cessation of alcohol and last up to 2 years.

Lingering look characterized by the following symptoms:

• apathy;
• increased anxiety and despair;
• distrust of others;
• low self-esteem;
• tearfulness;
• isolation and craving for solitude.

Masked depression manifests itself as the following picture of symptoms:

• headaches and migraines;
• skin itching;
• sexual disorders;
• pain when inhaling;
• the appearance of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Masked depression is also called hidden depression, which indicates the difficulty of diagnosis. The most characteristic sign of this type of illness is the lack of improvement even with medical intervention. Against this background, in order to try to get rid of the malaise, the patient finds other alternative ways to get rid of the symptoms. Masked depression often leads to a shortened life, so even during treatment, patient supervision is required.

Manic depression manifests itself in the form of the following signs of illness:

• irritability to objects, society and any activities;
• feelings of helplessness and guilt;
• inhibition: physical, mental and speech;
• melancholy, anxiety, sadness;
• lack of appetite and sleep.

In addition to emotional disorders, manic depression causes disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, arrhythmia, tachycardia, and bradycardia appear. Constipation occurs, the patient gradually goes into a frozen state, manifested in the form of refusal to eat and lack of response to people around him.

Chronic depression is determined by a change in a person’s behavior: he loses the ability to take purposeful actions, concentration of attention is impaired. He withdraws into himself, does not want to have long emotional conversations, loneliness becomes his usual habitat. The patient finds friends such as alcohol and drugs. Constant thoughts only about bad things, low self-esteem, complete apathy towards the world around you. During alcohol intoxication, frequent suicidal relapses occur.

All of the above symptoms indicate the predominance of mental disorders in a person. The sooner the first signs of the disease are detected, the correspondingly greater the chances of complete relief from the disease. Treatment for depression begins with an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostics

“I was “attacked” by depression, what should I do?” is a question that is widespread among young people. Yes, most people themselves can already identify the presence of depression and are trying to find ways to get rid of it. But is being overwhelmed 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 by an experienced doctor, who, at the first complaints, begins with simple questions about the patient’s mood and thoughts. Next, they move on to tests, based on which the doctor knows the picture of the disease. If, nevertheless, the doctor detects 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:

1. Physical condition check: weight, height, blood pressure and pulse.
2. Laboratory tests: It is necessary to donate blood for analysis to identify abnormalities.
3. Psychological study: a visit to a psychotherapist who conducts a conversation about symptoms and finding out the cause of the disease. Also, based on this, the doctor determines the presence of thoughts of suicidal tendencies, which is important in diagnosing depression.

Once the appropriate diagnosis has been made, it is necessary to immediately move on to treatment for depression.

Treatment

Treatment of depression begins, first of all, with a correct diagnosis and determination of the form of exacerbation in which the disease is located. If depression is treated correctly and in a timely manner, the result can be a complete recovery. Most people do not want to visit a doctor, since determining the diagnosis is fraught with negative consequences for the patient: the introduction of social restrictions, registration, a ban on driving vehicles and traveling abroad. In most cases, the patient believes that everything will pass after a certain time, but, unfortunately, this will only worsen the situation. Thus, if a mental disorder is not treated, the patient will end up with either a suicidal relapse due to an emotional breakdown, or the appearance of a fatal disease.

The disease tends to localize due to stressful situations, which leads to somatic ailments of the following systems:

• cardiovascular;
• endocrine;
• gastrointestinal.

Depression in such situations tends to become more complicated, but if it is treated in a timely manner, you can achieve complete relief from the ailment.

If a person has mental disorders, then it is necessary to understand that it is not worth treating this disease on your own, since it will have practically no effect. Treatment of depression consists of the following complex techniques:

• Biological therapy, which is divided into drug and non-drug treatment for depression.
• Psychological therapy.

Treatment of depression through biological therapy using medication involves the use of special medications. These drugs include tricyclic antidepressants:

• Melipramine;
• Amitriptyline;
• Paroxetine;
• Tianeptine.

Treatment of the disease with these antidepressants is not only effective, but also safe. For each patient, a specific dose is prescribed individually. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these drugs lies in the duration, so there is no need to count on a positive effect in the first weeks. In addition, antidepressants do not cause dependence or addiction, so their use is prescribed in the first place.

Depression is treated by using benzodiazepine tranquilizers, which have a positive effect in the first month of use. But unlike tricyclics, benzodiazepines are addictive, so their use is strictly controlled. Benzodiazepine drugs include:

• Phenazepam;
• Tazepam;
• Elenium;
• Corvalol;
• Valocordin.

Treatment with psychological therapy

Treatment of depression according to the method of using psychotherapy consists of three types:

• cognitive;
• psychodynamic;
• behavioral therapy.

The main purpose of therapy is to identify the conflict and resolve it constructively.

Treatment of depression with cognitive therapy is the most effective, since it is based not only on identifying conflict, but also on changing the way of thinking to a more acceptable one, that is, optimistic.

Behavioral therapy treats depression by eliminating behavioral symptoms. These symptoms include: refusal of entertainment and pleasure, leading a monotonous lifestyle, etc.

At the same time, treatment for depression should rely not only on the attending physician, but also on the people around the patient. It is important that all the patient’s actions are perceived without aggression; it is necessary to constantly support him, speak only on optimistic topics and set the patient up for positive aspects. In the end, you need to distract him from his thoughts, give him a smile and joy, and the more often you observe these manifestations on his face, the faster he will recover from depression.