University of California@San Diego Patient Advisory Group (UCSD PAG): major depression

Showing posts with label major depression. Show all posts

Sep 8, 2010

Information on Major Depressive Disorder

Image part of the public domain library. Artist Vincent Van Gogh

Major depressive disorder (also known as recurrent depressive disorder, clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. The term "major depressive disorder" was selected by the American Psychiatric Association to designate this symptom cluster as a mood disorder in the 1980 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), and has become widely used since. The general term depression is often used to denote the disorder; but as it can also be used in reference to other types of psychological depression, it is disfavored over more precise terminology for the disorder in clinical and research use. Major depression is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. In the United States, around 3.4% of people with major depression commit suicide, and up to 60% of people who commit suicide had depression or another mood disorder.
The diagnosis of major depressive disorder is based on the patient's self-reported experiences, behavior reported by relatives or friends, and a mental status exam. There is no laboratory test for major depression, although physicians generally request tests for physical conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The most common time of onset is between the ages of 20 and 30 years, with a later peak between 30 and 40 years.
Typically, patients are treated with antidepressant medication and, in many cases, also receive psychotherapy or counseling. Hospitalization may be necessary in cases with associated self-neglect or a significant risk of harm to self or—as rarely is the case—to others. A minority are treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), under a short-acting general anaesthetic. The course of the disorder varies widely, from one episode lasting weeks to a lifelong disorder with recurrent major depressive episodes. Depressed individuals have shorter life expectancies than those without depression, in part because of greater susceptibility to medical illnesses and suicide. It is unclear whether or not medications affect the risk of suicide. Current and former patients may be stigmatized.
The understanding of the nature and causes of depression has evolved over the centuries, though this understanding is incomplete and has left many aspects of depression as the subject of discussion and research. Proposed causes include psychological, psycho-social, hereditary, evolutionary and biological factors. Certain types of long-term drug use can both cause and worsen depressive symptoms. Psychological treatments are based on theories of personality, interpersonal communication, and learning. Most biological theories focus on the monoamine chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are naturally present in the brain and assist communication between nerve cells. Click anywhere in this sentence to continue reading...

Via: Wikipedia

Jun 13, 2010

A Very Troublesome Symptom of Major (Clinical) Depression and Manic Depression

Psychomotor retardation or psychomotor impairment comprises a slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movements in an individual. This is most commonly seen in people with major depression, as well as in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder, and is also associated with the adverse effects of certain drugs such as benzodiazepines. Particularly in inpatient settings, psychomotor retardation can require increased nursing care to ensure adequate food and fluid intake as well as sufficient personal care. Informed consent for treatment is more difficult to achieve when this is present.
Psychomotor retardation is also referred to as "motormental retardation", commonly seen in depression and bipolar disorder.
Some examples of psychomotor retardation may include the following:

Unaccountable difficulty with carrying out what are usually considered "automatic" or "mundane" self-care tasks for healthy people (i.e., without depressive illness), such as taking a shower, putting on clothes, self-grooming, preparing food, brushing teeth and exercising.
Actual physical difficulty performing activities that normally would require little thought or effort, such as walking up a flight of stairs, getting out of bed, preparing meals and clearing dishes from the table, household chores, returning phone calls, etc.
Tasks requiring mobility suddenly or gradually and inexplicably seem to be "impossible". Activities such as shopping, getting groceries, caring for the daily needs of one's children, and meeting the demands pertaining to employment or school are commonly affected. Individuals experiencing these symptoms typically sense that something is wrong, and may be confused over their inability to perform these tasks.
Activities usually requiring little mental effort can become challenging. Balancing one's checkbook, making a shopping list, making decisions about mundane tasks, (such as deciding what errands need to be done) are often difficult.

Via: Wikipedia

Mar 12, 2010

Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction

An excellent take on how it feels to have depression and too how it relates to various cognitive dysfunctions.

2006 Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium Depression and Cognitive Dysfunction Adam I. Kaplin, MD, PhD