2. What Is Depression?
A very common, highly treatable, medical
illness.
Affects physical, mental and emotional
well-being.
Affects basic, everyday activities like eating
and sleeping.
Affects how people think about things and
feel about themselves.
3. What is Depression?
In contrast to the normal emotional
experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood
states, clinical depression is persistent and
can interfere significantly with an individual's
ability to function.
Give up like tendency
Symptoms can last months or even years.
4. Symptoms of Depression
Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
Feeling slowed down or restless
Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
5. Symptoms of Depression
Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
Having an increase or decrease in appetite
or weight
Having problems concentrating, thinking,
remembering or making decisions
Feeling worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of death or suicide
6. Symptoms of Depression
People with Major Depression experience at
least five of these symptoms all day, nearly
every day, for at least 2 weeks.
The symptoms cause clinically significant
distress or impairment in social,
occupational, or other important areas of
functioning.
7. Causes of Depression
Causes not known, but current theories include:
Genetic
• Runs in families
• However, depression can also occur in
people who have no family history.
Environmental
• A serious loss, difficult relationship,
financial problem, or any stressful
(unwelcome or even desired) change in life
patterns can trigger a depressive episode.
8. Causes of Depression
Physical Illness: serious complications
such as cancer, some disorders eg
Cushing’s syndrome etc
Drug induced: eg betablockers and
corticosteroids
Hormonal changes: postmenopausal
depression, post-partum depression
9. Causes of Depression
Personality Characteristics
low self-esteem, pessimistic world view, low
stress tolerance
Biological
Current thinking explores problems in brain
functioning in the following areas: Limbic
system, neurotransmitters and neurons,
hormones and the endocrine system
11. Causes of Depression
Combination
a combination of genetic, psychological,
environmental, and/ or biological factors
may contribute to the onset of a
depressive disorder.
12. Forms of Depression
Major Depression
At least 5 of the 9 symptoms of
depression present including either loss of
interest/pleasure or depressed mood;
symptoms interfere with daily functioning
Minor Depression
Fewer symptoms than major depression
with significant disability; shorter
duration than chronic depression
13. Forms of Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Cycling mood changes with severe highs
(mania) and severe lows (depression)
Dysthymia
Low grade chronic symptoms of
depression that last for a minimum of 2
years
14. Depression and Suicide
Of those with MDD, close to 50% report
feelings of wanting to die, 33% consider
suicide and 8.8% report a suicide attempt.
More than 90% of those who commit suicide
have a diagnosable psychiatric illness at the
time of death, usually depression, alcohol
abuse or both
15. Who is at risk for Depression?
Older adults
Young adults
Women, pregnant and post partum women.
women report depression about twice as often
as men. This may result from a greater
likelihood to discuss depression or to seek
help.
16. Depression in Women
Depression is the second leading cause of
disease-related disability among women
1 in 4 women will suffer from a Major
Depressive Episode during the course of their
lives as compared to 1 in 10 men.
• Women may be more likely to discuss
depression or to seek help.
Women of childbearing age are at increased
risk for major depression
• Pregnancy and new motherhood may
increase the risk of depressive episodes
17. Depression in Older Adults
Of the nearly 35 million Americans age 65 and older, an
estimated 2 million have a depressive illness (major depressive
disorder, dysthymic disorder, or bipolar disorder).
Symptoms of clinical depression can be triggered by other
chronic illnesses common in later life, such as Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer and
arthritis.
Depression is one of the most common conditions associated
with suicide in older adults.
Individuals age 65 and older have highest rates of suicide
High suicide rate among older people (85 and older) is largely
accounted for by White men.
18. Depression in Young Adults
10% of college students have been
diagnosed with depression, including 13%
of college women.
Lifetime prevalence for MDE highest among
young adults age 18-25 (10%)
Suicide is the third leading cause of death
for those aged 15-24
19. Additional Risk Factors for
Depression
Family or personal history of depression
Current substance abuse problem
A major life stressor or change in life events;
i.e.: loss of a loved one or a job
Chronic disease
20. Diagnosis
Based on alterations in mood
5 symptoms with insomnia or fatigue must
be present every day for more than 2
weeks.
Standarised questionnaires
Lab test: blood test---cortisol
Sleep EEG
