5.3. Types of Depression: Affective Disorder Depression
Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of interest, and a variety of physical symptoms. There are several types of depression, each with its own characteristics and symptoms. In this chapter, we will focus on affective disorder depression, one of the most common types of depression.
What is Affective Disorder Depression?
Affective Disorder Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder, is a type of depression that involves symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating and thoughts of death or suicide.
This type of depression is called "affective" because it affects a person's mood, feelings and emotions. It is not a passing form of sadness or a sign of personal weakness. It is a serious illness that requires professional medical attention and treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Affective Disorder Depression?
Symptoms of Affective Disorder Depression can vary from person to person, but generally include:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness that persist most of the day, almost every day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities
- Significant changes in weight or appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Restlessness or physical slowness
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
To be diagnosed with Affective Disorder Depression, a person must have experienced some of these symptoms for a period of at least two weeks.
What are the Causes of Affective Disorder Depression?
The exact cause of Affective Disorder Depression is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
For example, some people may be genetically predisposed to developing depression due to family history. Others may experience traumatic or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a diagnosis of a serious illness, which can trigger depression. Additionally, chemical imbalances in the brain may also play a role in the development of depression.
What is Affective Disorder Depression Treatment Like?
Treatment for Affective Disorder Depression usually involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, more advanced treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Antidepressant medications can help alleviate the symptoms of depression by adjusting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people understand and manage their negative thoughts and behaviors.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption can also play an important role in managing the symptoms of depression.
In severe or treatment-resistant cases, electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation may be considered. These treatments use electricity or magnetic fields to stimulate certain areas of the brain, with the aim of relieving symptoms of depression.
It is important to remember that recovering from depression takes time and that each person is unique. Therefore, what works for one person may not work for another. It's crucial to work with a mental health professional to find the most effective treatment for you.
