Major depression, also known as clinical depression,
severe depression and
unipolar depression, affects almost 10 million Americans annually.
This number translates to about 5 percent of the adult population
that will experience major depression. Among all medical
illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of disability in
the United States.
Major depression is often a chronic, recurring illness. Although
some people who experience an episode of major depression once
will never have another episode, the majority of people with major
depression will have additional episodes during their life. About
75 percent of those who experience an episode of major depression
will have at least one more episode in their lifetime.
Major depression can occur with any age group and any ethnic,
racial or socioeconomic group. However, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from major depression.
The effects of major depression can be so intense that daily
functions like eating, sleeping or simply getting out of bed in
the morning seem impossible.
Major depression can be the result of a traumatic event. Major
depression can also develop slowly from a number of personal
disappointments and problems. Some people develop major depression
without any obvious crisis to blame.
Although major depression is just one type of depression, it is a
severe form of depression. The three main categories of depression
are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar depression. With major
depression, more symptoms of depression are present and these
symptoms are usually more intense.
If the onset of major depression is gradual, the person
experiencing major depression may not be aware of the severity of
their problem.
If untreated, major depression episodes can last six months to a
year. Research has shown that cognitive therapy coupled with
lifestyle changes like diet, supplementation and exercise is the
best treatment for major depression. This major depression
treatment approach nets better results than using antidepressant
medication and/or psychotherapy.
The symptoms of major depression include;
-
Persistent sadness or irritability.
-
Changes in sleep, appetite and energy.
-
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness.
-
Difficulty thinking clearly, concentrating or remembering.
-
Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
-
Thoughts of death or suicide.
-
Physical ailments like headaches or chronic pain that do not
respond to treatment.
If several of these symptoms of major depression occur, last
longer than two weeks and interfere with daily functioning,
treatment should be sought out.
Antidepressant medications can be helpful, but the person with
major depression considering the use of antidepressants should be
well educated on the side effects and risks of taking these drugs.
