Highlights
- Depression is a common mental disorder affecting an estimated 5% of adults globally.
- Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men, and it can lead to suicide.
- Effective treatments exist for mild, moderate, and severe depression, but many people in low- and middle-income countries do not receive care.
- Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, losing interest in activities, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling very tired or low in energy.
- Prevention programs, such as exercise for older persons and school-based programs for children, have been shown to reduce depression
Depression is a common mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. In this article, we will discuss the key facts about depression, its symptoms and patterns, contributing factors, prevention, and effective treatments.
Key Facts
Depression is a common mental disorder that affects an estimated 5% of adults worldwide. It is more prevalent among women than men. Depression can lead to suicide, which is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. There are known, effective treatments for depression, but more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment due to social stigma, lack of investment in mental health care, and a shortage of trained health-care providers.
Symptoms and Patterns
During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about dying or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling very tired or low in energy. A depressive episode can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number and severity of symptoms and their impact on the individual’s functioning.
There are different patterns of depressive episodes, including single episode depressive disorder, recurrent depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, which is characterized by alternating depressive and manic symptoms.
Contributing Factors and Prevention
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Adverse life events, such as unemployment, bereavement, or traumatic events, can increase the risk of depression. Physical health is closely related to and affected by depression, and many of the factors that influence depression are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.
Prevention programs have been shown to reduce depression, including school-based programs to enhance positive coping in children and adolescents, interventions for parents of children with behavioral problems, and exercise programs for older persons.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Effective treatments for depression include psychological treatment and medications. Psychological treatments are the first line of treatment for depression, including talk therapy with professionals and supervised lay therapists, such as behavioral activation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving therapy. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are also effective in moderate and severe depression.
Summary
Depression is a common mental disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. It is essential to seek care if you have symptoms of depression, and effective treatments are available. Prevention programs can also reduce the risk of depression, including school-based programs, interventions for parents, and exercise programs for older persons. Remember, depression is treatable, and seeking help is the first step towards recovery.
