| Depression
Depression is a common illness that can affect anyone. About one in 20
Americans — more than 11 million people — suffers from depression every
year. The condition is found twice as often in women as in men.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a medical disorder. It is more than feeling sad for a
short time or feeling grief after a loss. Depression disrupts your
daily life. It affects your thoughts, feelings, behavior and physical
health. It is not a weakness or a fault.
Depression
has many causes. A family history of depression may mean that you are
more likely to have this disorder. Other illnesses may trigger it.
About 10 percent to 15 percent of all cases of depression are triggered
by other medical conditions. The use of drugs or alcohol or a history
of abuse also can cause depression.
In some people, depression can occur even though life is going well.
Depression
also can get worse around the time of certain reproductive events, such
as menstruation, pregnancy, loss of a baby, birth of a baby (postpartum
depression), infertility and menopause.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression are shown in the box. You may have other
physical or mental symptoms of depression as well. These may include:
- Headaches or other aches and pains
- Digestive problems
- Sexual problems
- Hopeless and negative feelings
- Worry or fear
An episode lasts at least two weeks and often longer.
Depression may be mild, moderate, or severe (major).
Symptoms of Depression
- Lack interest in things they used to enjoy
- Feel sad, blue or "down in the dumps"
- Slow down or act restless and not able to sit still
- Feel worthless or guilty
- Have a change in appetite or lose or gain weight
- Have thoughts of death or suicide or try to commit suicide
- Have problems concentrating, thinking, remembering or making decisions
- Sleep too much or are not able to fall asleep or to stay asleep
- Lack energy and feel tired all the time
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of depression is based on the types of symptoms, how often they occur and how severe they are.
Treatment
You and your doctor should work as a team to find the best treatment
for you. Treatment may include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy
or both.
Antidepressants
Medications (antidepressants) often are used to treat major depression.
These medications also may be useful for mild to moderate depression.
Antidepressants relieve symptoms in more than half the people who take
them. They work by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain.
Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, a therapist works with you to help you overcome your
depression. Psychotherapy alone helps about half the people with mild
to moderate depression. You can work with your doctor to find a
therapist.
Psychotherapy Plus Antidepressants
Psychotherapy
plus medication relieves the symptoms of depression in most patients.
It may take a couple of months for the treatment to work.
Light Therapy
Some people have mild or moderate seasonal depression (depression that
comes during seasons with shorter days). This is known as seasonal
affective disorder or SAD. Light therapy may help some people who have
this disorder.
Hospital Treatment
Most people who have depression are treated with outpatient visits to
their doctors or therapists. People who do not get better or who are at
risk of suicide may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or
longer.
Finally...
Depression is a common medical problem. It affects many people and, in most cases, can be treated with success.
This
excerpt from ACOG's Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your
information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have
any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient
Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.
To ensure the information is current and accurate, ACOG titles are reviewed every 18 months
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