Symptoms of Depression

Before depression can be treated, it is first important to understand the symptoms of the condition. Depression is easy to misdiagnose, and many of the common symptoms of depression overlap with other conditions such as anxiety or bipolar disorder.

Complicating this problem is the fact that many different symptoms may be present along with the symptoms of clinical depression. The symptoms also vary greatly from patient to patient. Clinical depression is not typically prompted by a single stimulus. It is normal and healthy to be depressed, for instance, after certain devastating circumstances such as the death of a family member. However, unrelenting depression that interferes with a person's ability to operate normally in society is a different issue altogether, and although the individual may cite reasons for his or her condition, the root cause may likely be chemical or genetic. The causes of depression are not fully understood but may have something to do with a low level of serotonin (which causes feelings of elation) in the brain. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to measure serotonin levels.

Common symptoms of depression will include some or all of the following: fatigue, headaches, regular pain that doesn't diminish or go away without treatment (sometimes referred to as "phantom pain," which take place throughout the body), intense feelings of guilt without reason, and hopelessness. Depression often causes a loss in sex drive as well. A patient may also become overly emotional at simple things and will often lose interest in hobbies, work, and relationships. Depressed persons will have trouble concentrating and making decisions, which causes them even more stress.

A feeling of anxiousness is also common, and because of this, "depression" and "anxiety" are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are separate conditions with separate treatment options. For example, bipolar disorder involves periods of depression, but is also an entirely separate condition. Because these conditions have similar symptoms that could ultimately lead to a misdiagnosis, self-diagnosis is close to impossible and is strongly discouraged by medical professionals.

Sleep disorders are also often tied to depression, and difficulty maintaining a normal sleep pattern is a common symptom. People with depression will have trouble sleeping through the night, or in some cases, they might oversleep or sleep only sporadically. Not all sleep disorders indicate depression, however. When sleep problems are present in depression cases, they can contribute to fatigue and listlessness, making the condition even worse for the patient. Treating the depression will also treat the sleep disorder, so usually an antidepressant will be prescribed as opposed than a sleep-aid drug.

Eating disorders are similarly symptomatic of depression. Overeating or abstaining from food entirely may indicate the condition. Again, eating disorders might be a contributing factor, depending on the patient's specific case, so prompt medical evaluation is absolutely essential. An eating disorder may be treated as an entirely separate issue.

Extreme cases of depression may lead to suicidal thoughts, and immediate intervention and treatment is absolutely critical at this point. Suicidal tendencies are the closest thing to a sure-fire symptom that the disease can have. If you know of a person who expresses suicidal thoughts, it is extremely important to contact a hospital at once for specific instructions. If you yourself have suicidal thoughts, you can receive immediate help by calling a suicide hotline (all such lines are free) or your local hospital.

Depression can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by mood swings, but clinical depression is chronic and regularly returns. In nearly every case of chronic depression, the symptoms will continue until the patient seeks professional treatment, which begins with a simple and quick diagnosis from a doctor. This diagnosis and subsequent treatment is often covered in full by health insurance policies, including the use of any medication deemed necessary for treatment.

After depression has been diagnosed, treatment usually includes psychological counseling and possibly prescription drugs as well. There are quite a few depression-fighting medications available. Antidepressant drugs often work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, and many have high rates of success. However, the science behind the drugs isn't exact, and there is some confusion both in popular media and in the medical community as to how the drugs work to alleviate the symptoms of depression. While a particular drug-commonly referred to as an antidepressant-might work in one case, it may utterly fail in another. In some cases, an antidepressant may seem to cure every symptom, and in other cases they might seem to only work for some symptoms, and the patient may not see any effect at all. As such, it is important to speak to your doctor regarding which medication may be best for you or your loved one.

One of the best indicators as to which an antidepressant will be most effective for an individual's depression is to review their family history. As mentioned earlier, depression tends to run in families, and many patients may be aware of a family member who has tried an antidepressant or some other form of treatment. Physicians will want to collect as much information as possible on that family member's medical history. It is important and helpful to note the family member's symptoms, how well the drugs-if any-were received, and any interactions which may have occurred. Keep in mind that genetics have a lot to do with the disease itself, but they are also a massively influential factor on the treatment of the disease as well. If a family member has had success with a particular antidepressant, it is likely that you will have success with the same medication as well.

Even if a patient does not have a family history of depression, it is still possible to have the condition, and it is certainly possible to effectively treat and combat it. Depression treatment has come a long way, and whether a patient utilizes drugs, counseling, or a combination of both, many cases can be easily treated and overcome. A diagnosis from an experienced medical professional is an important first step.