A huge number of studies conducted by experts from different countries show that to date, depression has become one of the most common diseases. Depression affects millions of people around the world, and in developed countries their number reaches 20%.
Depression is a very serious disease that usually brings problems both to the patient himself and his family. The patient's ability to work is greatly reduced. Unfortunately, many people do not have a complete picture of the manifestations and possible consequences of depression. It is very important to recognize the disease in the early stages when it has not yet taken on a neglected character. Most countries have special support and treatment services for depression. There is a widespread warning of the population about ways to combat it. Let's try to learn more about the treatment and diagnosis of depression.
How is the disease manifested?
Diagnosing depression and anxiety begins with identifying signs of the disease. It can manifest itself in a variety of forms. It is worth knowing the main signs of such a disorder. The following can be attributed to emotional manifestations:
- Sensation of longing, depression and depression.
- Increased irritability.
- The emergence of self-doubt and their actions.
- Very often, depressive symptoms are combined with anxiety about health.
- The ability to have fun is lost.
Physiological manifestations of depression:
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain in the body.
- Various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sleep disturbance.
In the differential diagnosis of depression, behavioral manifestations are expressed in:
- increased consumption of alcohol;
- propensities to avoid society and contacts with it;
- passive behavior.
In order to confidently diagnose depression, a certain part of the symptoms from this list must be present.
The main types of depression
As a rule, various prolonged stresses or deeply traumatic incidents are causes of depression. Although, she sometimes appears for no apparent reason. The presence of various diseases of human organs, for example, problems in the work of the heart, intestines and others, complicates the treatment seriously. But, if you seek help from a specialist in time, you can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being.
In some people, the disease can be chronic, manifesting itself throughout life. Exacerbations may occur after sudden traumatic events. In rare cases, depression is limited only by physical symptoms. Methods for diagnosing depression are quite diverse. Each psychotherapist is guided by the most suitable ways of identifying the causes, and only after that prescribes therapy.
The bio-psycho-social model of depression
According to this view, the root of depression lies in the aggregate of various biological, psychological and social factors.
The biological factors that cause depression, usually include various disorders of the neurochemical processes.
Numerous studies have revealed the following psychological factors for depression:
- Fixation on negative and negative life phenomena.
- Constant criticism and conflict in communication.
- An increased level of various stressful conditions.
- The lack of a large number of trusts
Due to the increased pace of life that has occurred in recent decades, instability in society, the increased number of various stressful situations and constant economic crises, there has been an increase in the number of people suffering from depression.
Today, a number of values are constantly being cultivated in society that make a person hate and doom themselves to loneliness. Among these values, one especially stands out: the cult of physical strength and violent superiority over other people,
Depression Treatment
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of different methods of drug therapy and psychotherapy. Before embarking on it, they diagnose depression - a test. It shows the most visible signs of the disease. Medication is usually prescribed for patients who have mild to moderate depressive symptoms. In order for the treatment to be successful, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions of the attending physician and regularly visit him with a report on his condition. In most cases, using the right therapy can get rid of all depressive symptoms.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are almost the only class of drugs that are used to treat depression. Thanks to the development of the pharmaceutical industry, new types of antidepressants appear on the drug market every year. They undoubtedly have a number of advantages compared to their counterparts produced in the middle of the last century. The new generation antidepressants have reduced side effects, significantly improved tolerance and reduced several times the negative effect on the body.
The required dose of antidepressants is calculated by the attending physician, you do not need to try to determine it yourself, this can cause not too pleasant consequences. Antidepressants are safe means, of course, if you take them under the supervision of a doctor.
A large number of studies prove the high effectiveness of these funds, but you need to remember that the effect occurs only after prolonged use of the drug, do not wait for instant results. Unlike various tranquilizers, antidepressants do not addictive to the patient.
Psychotherapy
At its core, psychotherapy is a very important addition to the main method of treatment, in contrast to which, psychotherapy suggests a more significant role for the patient in this process. It helps patients learn how to regulate their emotions so that in the future he can effectively survive various crisis situations.
The most effective methods in psychiatry for treating depression are the following.
Psychodynamic and behavioral therapy
Psychodynamic therapy, according to which the main cause of depressive disorders are internal conflicts, which include the desire to be independent and the simultaneous desire to have a large amount of support. Another typical problem is the presence of intense anger, resentment against people who surround, combined with the need to always be kind, good and keep the location of loved ones.
The beginning of these problems lies in the patient’s life history, which may be the subject of analysis in psychodynamic therapy. In any particular case, there may be a unique content of conflicting experiences, and therefore personal psychotherapeutic work is needed. The meaning of such treatment is to recognize the conflict by the patient and help in its constructive resolution: learn to find a balance of independence and closeness, develop the ability to constructively express your feelings.
Behavioral psychotherapy is used to resolve the patient’s existing problems, among which are passive behavior, a monotonous lifestyle and protecting a person from the surrounding society.
Cognitive psychotherapy
This view combines all the advantages of these two approaches. This method consists in working with certain problems in life and the behavioral signs of depression and working with their internal psychological sources. The main reason for the development of depression is considered negative thoughts, which are manifested in the tendency of patients with depression to consider everything that happened to them in a negative light. To change the existing way of thinking, it is necessary to conduct very thorough work, which will be aimed at developing an optimistic outlook on life.
After completing a course of cognitive psychotherapy, the risk of re-depression is halved.