Depression or Major Depressive Disorder

What is Depression?

Feeling sad or blue for a few days is normal in everyday life. However, when those sad feelings do not subside, but instead worsen and interfere with everyday functioning, then depression has taken over. Major depression (as it is called) is a serious illness that affects many people. There is a major difference between brief periods of being down and clinical depression. Responses to outside events, like the death of a loved or the loss of a job, can set off an episode of depression. The intensity, duration, and impact of the depression, and an individual’s ability to gather his or her inner strength and move beyond the experience is what separates brief periods of depression from clinical depression. Most people who receive a clinical diagnosis of depression need treatment to overcome the state. However, many do not seek that treatment. At present, about 19 million Americans suffer from clinical depression.

People suffering from mental health disorders, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities are more vulnerable to major depression. Scientists have found that “people with alcoholism are almost twice as likely as those without alcoholism to also suffer from major depression.” (NIMH, Men and Depression) And, women, for unknown reasons, are twice as likely to become depressed as men.

What Causes Depression?

No one knows for certain what causes depression. As with other mood and personality disorders, there are a number of biological, genetic, and environmental factors that combine to bring on a depressive episode. And, like other disorders, the longer it goes unaddressed, the worse it gets.
Several chemicals produced within the brain are involved in maintaining a healthy emotional balance. A medically identified physical condition, medication or psychological issues can shift the chemical balance in the brain. Other times, an external event will instigate a depressive episode. The severity of a depressive episode can impact the overall health of one’s body and mind. Despair and a sense of hopelessness are overwhelming in those suffering from clinical depression. Like diabetes, chronic depression and major depressive episodes require long-term treatment.

Symptoms of Depression

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
  • Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Overeating, or appetite loss
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
    (National Institute of Mental Health)

Major depressive episodes and dysthymic disorder (chronic, low-level depression) are the two largest groups of depressive disorders. At times, it is difficult to diagnose which type of depression an individual is suffering from. The symptoms are similar and sometimes a person can suffer from both conditions simultaneously. However, the symptoms in dysthymic disorder do not last as long nor are they as severe as those in major depressive disorders.

Types of Depression

  • Major depression
  • Chronic depression (dysthymia)
  • Atypical depression
  • Postpartum depression
  • Bipolar depression (manic depression)
  • Seasonal depression (SAD)
  • Psychotic depression
    (http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-symptoms-and-types)

It is common among people suffering from other mood, personality, and anxiety disorders to be diagnosed with depression as well. Depression is also common among people suffering from major medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Substance Abuse (SUD) and Depression

The rate of substance abuse and alcoholism among people exhibiting depressive symptoms is high. It is unlikely that a person suffering from an untreated depressive disorder who is also using drugs or alcohol for self-medication will be able to maintain abstinence for any length of time. Both disorders are considered primary disorders unless the symptoms of depression occurred after the substance use began. Unfortunately, substance use often delays a person with depressive disorder from seeking help.

“Depression and hopelessness, combined with alcohol and/or drug use, may also increase the potential for violence to self or others. The client may be at higher risk for thinking about, planning, or acting on suicidal thoughts.”
(source: TIP 48, p.9,  http://kap.samhsa.gov/products/manuals/tips/pdf/TIP48.pdf)

Why take a Depression Test?

The test below can help indicate whether you are suffering from some form of depression. If you are feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness, you should speak to your physician or a licensed therapist to determine the appropriate course of action. With treatment, a person can decrease the symptoms of depression, learn the warning signs of a depressive episode, and learn how to manage the symptoms before you become engulfed by a major depressive episode.

If you have been taking drugs or alcohol, your depression could be related to your substance use. You should seek help for substance abuse and identify the cause of your depression. Self-medicating is a serious mistake. It can exacerbate the underlying cause of the drug and alcohol use, or it can bring on mood disorders.

Depression Screener

In the last two weeks, have you experienced any of these symptoms:

  1. Had a change in sleeping patterns (either increased or decreased)
  2. Your interest in your normal activities has diminished
  3. Feeling badly about yourself, feeling guilty ( you have let the significant people in your life down) or worthless
  4. Have you experienced a loss of energy, or increase in tiredness
  5. Have you had trouble concentrating on things
  6. Experienced a change in appetite: an increase (overeating) or decrease (loss of appetite)
  7. Motor sensations have changed: you are slow to respond, slow to move, slow to react, or
    you have noticed a increase in agitation or feel fidgety and are unable to sit still
  8. You have thought about taking your own life or that everyone would be better off without you around

If you answered yes to any of these questions you might seek help from a medical professional. If you answered yes to two or more questions you might be suffering from depression.  However, these signs can be symptoms of other health issues as well.

DISCLAIMER
The screening test on this web site is intended solely for the purpose of identifying the symptoms of depressive disorders, and is not designed to provide a diagnosis for clinical depression. An accurate diagnosis for depression and other psychiatric disorders can only be made by a physician or qualified mental health professional after a complete evaluation, including a physical exam to rule out any medical illnesses or conditions.

The screening test on this site is not appropriate for, and should not be completed by persons under age 18.

If you are having thoughts of dying, of suicide, or of not being able to continue living, call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  You can speak with someone right now at 1-888-221-5866.

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