Causes of Depression

Depression is one of the major problems related to psychiatry worldwide. Approximately 264 million people globally are suffering from depression. A woman is more likely to suffer from depression than a man. However, for a treatable condition, 76% to 85% of the patients in countries with low- and middle-income did not receive treatment. 

Make it a point to Visit a Psychiatrist for treating your depression. Several health organizations, such as the American Psychiatric Association, had framed guidelines for managing depression.

Depression

Depression is a mental health problem with persistent sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. Patients with depression experience several symptoms, including sleep disturbances, altered mood, loss of interest, trouble concentrating, grief, loss of appetite and weight loss, and slow functioning. In severe form, it results in social isolation and suicidal thoughts. 

Therefore, the counseling doctor in Coimbatore should identify the early signs and treat them before it gets progressive. Social media use has also increased during the same time. It’s hard to say for sure that Social Media Causes Depression.

Causes of Depression and Treatment

• Family history

 People with a family history of depression have a doubled risk of developing depression than people without any family history of the condition. Such people are also at higher risk for developing substance dependence and suicidal ideation.

Treatment 

People with a family history of depression should take precautions to avoid depressed feelings. It includes performing mindful therapies, maintaining flexibility in stressful situations, and learning stress reduction techniques. The doctor may also prescribe certain medications in case of clinical depression.

• Anatomical Problems

Alteration in the structure and activity of the brain may result in depression. People with a less active frontal lobe of the brain are at higher risk of developing depression. There is evidence that alteration in the structure of the thalamus, parietal lobe, and hippocampus may also have a role in depression.

Treatment

The doctor may prescribe medications to Manage The Symptoms of Depression. Apart from antidepressant pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and electroconvulsive therapy may be effective in managing depression.

• Traumatic Condition

 People with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse are at risk of developing depression. Further, people with traumatic and life-changing events may also develop depression. Death of a loved one, extremely sad news, and getting a divorce are examples of such events.

Treatment 

The doctors implement a multi-modal approach for managing depression in such patients. Such patients require social support, apart from pharmacotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapies.

• Substance Abuse

Depression may also occur due to substance abuse. People take drugs or alcohol with the view that it will help in reducing depression and will make them feel better. However, these substances aggravate depression.

Treatment 

The doctor should diagnose if the depression is due to substance abuse. There should be the management of withdrawal symptoms. The management involves individualized treatment plans, pharmacotherapy, counselling, family participation, and peer support.

• Underlying Medical Conditions

 Certain conditions increase your risk of developing depression. These include insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Treatment  

The patient mustn’t ignore the symptoms. He should take consultation with the doctor and manage the underlying medical conditions to avoid depression.

• Terminal Illness

Chronic, life-threatening, or terminal illnesses, such as cancer or end-stage renal disease, may cause depression. In addition, such patients with a history of depression are more likely to have this condition.

Treatment 

The doctors provide common treatments to manage depression in these patients. These include medicines, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of the above.

• Conflict

 Some people go into depression after having a dispute with their friends or family members. People with a family history or medical history of depression are more vulnerable to depression due to conflict.

Treatment 

While treating such patients, the doctor must counsel the patients. The doctor may advise the patients to keep calm and try to manage the conflict through resolution. The doctor may also prescribe medications to manage symptoms.

• Medications

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and antivirals, may cause depression.

Treatment If you experience symptoms of depression after taking such medications, consult with the best psychiatrist.

• Hormonal Changes 

Altered hormonal levels may either cause or trigger depression. Hormonal changes may be after child delivery, premenstrual syndrome, thyroid dysregulation, or menopause.

Treatment 

Practice yoga, exercise, and meditation to treat postpartum depression, menopause, and hormonal changes. In order to treat thyroid dysfunction, the patient needs to take medication.

• Age

Elderly are at increased risk for Developing Depression. The risk increases if the person is living alone.

Treatment  

Apart from the medications, such patients require comprehensive social support. The doctors should also provide detailed information about various depression management techniques.

• Personality Studies

Conclude that personality traits have an association with depression. Some of these traits are openness to values and actions, trust, vulnerability, self-consciousness, self-discipline, and competence.

Treatment

Psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are possibly effective in managing depression due to personality traits. These therapies help the patient in identifying and replacing harmful reactions.

• Poor nutrition

Studies conclude that there is a relationship between diet and depression. People who frequently eat chocolates, fried and spicy foods, processed meat, and refined cereals are more likely to have depression. Vitamin deficiency may also cause depression.

Treatment

Incorporating fibrous food, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in the diet may help in improving physical and mental health. A Balanced Diet can Support a healthy immune system and the repair of damaged cells. It provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful events.

 

Conclusion

Depression affects the quality of life and reduces the ability to perform routine tasks. There are several causes of depression. The doctor must comprehensively explore the reason and treat it accordingly. An expert psychological doctor at a Government or Private Psychiatric Hospital can diagnose and treat depression.