So many of my clients suffer from depression. There are many different types which may be confusing to people if they compare the intensity and frequency of their symptoms to the symptoms of others. Depression is felt on a spectrum of severity. It’s very important to have a medical physical and also a psychiatrist who can assist with medications for brain chemistry.
Check out this link for different types of depression.
Many of my client struggle with a persistent depressive disorder -symptoms usually come and go over a period of years, and their intensity can change over time. The symptoms typically don’t disappear for more than two months at a time. In addition, major depression episodes may occur before or during persistent depressive disorder — this is sometimes called double depression.
Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder can cause significant impairment and may include:
Loss of interest in daily activities
Sadness, emptiness or feeling down
Hopelessness
Tiredness and lack of energy
Low self-esteem, self-criticism or feeling incapable
Trouble concentrating and trouble making decisions
Irritability or excessive anger
Decreased activity, effectiveness and productivity
Avoidance of social activities
Feelings of guilt and worries over the past
Poor appetite or overeating
Sleep problems
In children, symptoms of a persistent depressive disorder may include depressed mood and irritability.
When to see a doctor
Because these feelings have gone on for such a long time, you may think they’ll always be part of your life. But if you have any symptoms of a persistent depressive disorder, seek medical help.
Talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms. Or seek help directly from a mental health provider. If you’re reluctant to see a mental health professional, reach out to someone else who may be able to help guide you to treatment, whether it’s a friend or loved one, a teacher, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Causes
The exact cause of persistent depressive disorder isn’t known. As with major depression, it may involve more than one cause, such as:
Biological differences. People with persistent depressive disorder may have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but they may eventually help pinpoint causes.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. Recent research indicates that changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability may play a significant role in depression and its treatment.
Inherited traits. Persistent depressive disorder appears to be more common in people whose blood relatives also have the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
Life events. As with major depression, traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one, financial problems or a high level of stress can trigger persistent depressive disorder in some people
Risk factors
Persistent depressive disorder often begins early — in childhood, the teen years or young adult life — and is chronic. Certain factors appear to increase the risk of developing or triggering persistent depressive disorder, including:
Having a first-degree relative with major depressive disorder or other depressive disorders
Traumatic or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems
Personality traits that include negativity, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
History of other mental health disorders, such as a personality disorder
Complications
Conditions that may be linked with persistent depressive disorder include:
Reduced quality of life
Major depression, anxiety disorders and other mood disorders
Substance abuse
Relationship difficulties and family conflicts
School and work problems and decreased productivity
Chronic pain and general medical illnesses
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Personality disorders or other mental health disorder
Helpful Links
1)Mayo clinic – Persistent Depression Disorder
2)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
3) Different Types of Depression
For information on areas I can help you and your family please visit my website:
MegCanHelp.com