Depression Disorders - Research Paper Example

Depression Disorders Depression can be a devastating illness when it goes beyond feeling blue once in a while. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and (CDC), in 2006 "15.7% of people reported being told by a health care provider that they had depression at some point in their life" and another 11.3% were told that they had anxiety as well as depression (p. 1). Those people who had a lifetime diagnosis of depression were more likely to have cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity while many were heavy smokers or heavy drinkers (CDC, p. 1). McGrath (2009) reports that in any given year, "approximately 14.8 million Americans fight depression which is 6.7% of the adult U.S. population" (p. 1). Children and teenagers are not immune to depression as 1 in 8 teenagers and 1 in 33 children are diagnosed with depression each year (McGrath, p.1). Generally speaking, women are more prone to depression than men and many girls are diagnosed with depression as early as 15 years old. In the larger picture, 6%-12% of men and 20%-26% of women will experience depression at least once in their lifetime. According to Arthur-Grube (2010), a womans risk over their lifetime is 1.7-2.7 times higher than men (p. 1042). Also, adults between the ages of 25 and 44 are the most prone to depression than those of other ages (p. 1042). Causes of Depression The National Institute of Health (NIH) (2009), states that there are more than one cause for depression. Some researchers say depression comes from a "combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors" (p. 7). Currently research is being conducted on the brain to see whether depression is a brain disorder. Some of these studies use brain imaging technologies and researchers have found that the brains of depressed individuals look different than those who do not suffer from depression (p. 7). Arthur-Grube states that there is a genetic link because researchers have found that an individual who has a parent or sibling that has been diagnosed with depression has a "1.5-3.0 times greater risk for developing depression than the general population"; this translates to 8% - 18% of patients (p. 1042). Research on genetics and depression has shown that the risk of depression can be influenced by "multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors" (NIH, p. 7). Depression is also complicated by the fact that it can include other illnesses. As an example, anxiety is often a diagnosis with depression. Some people who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may find that they also have depression. Panic disorder, social phobias, and obsessive compulsive disorders can also be illnesses that are directly linked to depression. Also, Parkinsons disease, cancer, heart disease and other life threatening illnesses can have depression symptoms (NIH, p.6). Researchers suggest that when there are other symptoms besides depression that these other illnesses should also be treated. Suicide and Depression Although many people may think that an individual who is depressed is also prone to suicide, this is not necessarily the case. There are some people who stay in a state of depression and never have it diagnosed which can lead to more challenges for them. The CDC reported that in the United States 11.3 % per 100,000 people commit suicide each year (McGrath, p. 1). Depression can exacerbate thoughts of suicide but it is not the only reason that people choose this behavior. Symptoms of Depressive Disorders Most people experience depression from time to time in their lives but most do not stay depressed for long periods of time. Some people are considered moody who experience different moods on a regular basis. A few of the depression symptoms include: 1. Feeling sad, "empty" or anxious on a regular basis. Or pessimistic and hopeless. 2. Feeling irritable and restless consistently or having difficulty concentrating or making decisions. 3. Showing a loss of interest in activities or hobbies that used to be enjoyed. 4. Loss of interest in sex, decreased energy and persistent fatigue. 5. Regular bouts of insomnia or early morning wakefulness. 6. Thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide. (NIH, p. 5). Although most people will experience some of these symptoms from time to time, a person who suffers from depression will experience several of these symptoms on a daily basis. Types of Depression Disorders A diagnosis of depression is usually made by a healthcare provider which can be a primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Depression can be mild or it can be one of a variety of different disorders. The most common depression disorders include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder (NIH, p. 4). Each disorder has its own symptoms and they must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a primary care physician. The differences between the categories of depression are due to its severity. As an example, depression for some people will stop them from being able to do anything in their lives. A mother who has a baby may suffer post partum depression for about a month after they have their baby (NIH, p. 4). Diagnosis must be done by a qualified health practitioner to determine what type of depression exists. Research on Depression There are several research studies that have given insight into depression in different categories. A study by Van Voorhees, Fogel et al. (2005) studied the beliefs and attitudes of young adults who were exhibiting depression. The point of their study was to understand whether the stigma of depression would prevent young people from accepting the diagnosis of depression. The results of their study showed that 26% of the young people in the study would not accept a diagnosis of depression (p. 43). Some of the factors that stopped them from accepting this diagnosis were a family history of depression, negative perceptions of treatment and the social norms created by family, friends or coworkers (p. 39). Although they studied this information for young adults, their researcher could be applied to adults who also have problems accepting this diagnosis. Gaudiano and Miller (2005) studied anxiety disorder as it related to Bipolar Disorder. Because anxiety can be prevalent in many depression disorders this study was significant to this paper. They found that there was a relationship between comorbid anxiety (that which has been a chronic condition over time and existing with other symptoms) and Bipolar I disease (p. 75). They also found that when more than one symptom exists with depression, it is important to treat the depression separately. Treatment Options Treating depression is not difficult once the diagnosis has been made and when it is caught early, many techniques can be used to assist. The most common ways that depression is treated is through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) like Prozac or Zoloft (brand names) are very effective in treating depression. Some people are susceptible to side affects that come with antidepressants that can include headaches, temporary nausea, agitation or sexual problems (NIH, p. 14). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most popular types of short-term psychotherapies because it encourages patients to examine behaviors and thoughts that may trigger depression (Thakkar, Collins and Levitt, p. 63). A combination of psychotherapy and pharmacology (drugs) has been shown to help 40% to 70% of patients who are mild to moderately depressed (Arthur-Grube, p. 1043). Brown, Gerbarg and Muskin (2009) suggest that there are alternative methods of treatment for depression. As an example, St. Johns Wort has been helpful for mild to moderate depression (p. 30). The challenge is that some people may need high does if they have severe depression (p. 33). Any type of medication whether it is alternative remedies or pharmaceuticals should be monitored by your healthcare physician. Conclusion Depression is one of several mood disorders that people may suffer from today. It can be a devastating illness for some people, to the point of them having difficulty doing anything within their daily life. For other people, depression can cause them to have thoughts of suicide or they may actually attempt suicide. The most important aspect of depression is that it is diagnosed by a healthcare professional. References Arthur-Grube, A. (2010). Mood Disorders. In Shargel, L., Mutnick, A.H., Souney, P.F., and Swanson, L.N. (2010). Comprehensive pharmacy review. 7th Edition. PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Brown, R.P., Gerbarg, P.L., and Muskin, P.R. (2009). How to use herbs, nutrients & Yoga in mental health care. NY: W.W. Norton & Company. Center for Disease Control(2008). Anxiety and depression. Retrieved November 6, 2009 from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsBRFSSDEpressionAnxiety/. Gaudiano, B.A., and Miller, I.W. (2005). Anxiety disorder comorbidity in Bipolar I Disorder: relationship to depression severity and treatment outcome. Depression And Anxiety [Depress Anxiety]. 21 (2), pp. 71-7. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from Academic Search Premier. AN: 17083905 McGrath, M. (2009). Understanding depression facts and statistics: Suicide rates, age groups and other information. Suite101. Retrieved November 5, 2009 from http://patient-heatlh-education.suite101.com/print_article.cfm/understanding_ depression_facts_and_statistics. National Institute of Health. (2009). Depression. Retrieved November 6, 2009 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/nimhdepression.pdf. Takkar, V.G., (2006). Depression and bipolar disorder. NY: Infobase Publishing. Van Voorhees, B.W., Fogel, J., Cooper, L.A. and Wang, N.Y. (2005). Beliefs and attitudes associated with the intention to not accept the diagnosis of depression among young adults. Annals Of Family Medicine [Ann Fam Med] 3 (1). p. 38-46. Retrieved November 4, 2009 from MEDLINE. PMID: 15671189. Read More