Depression. Its Impacts/ Treatment/ Counseling - Research Paper Example

?Depression can be described as a disorder whose symptoms are reflected through moods, which exceeds normal sadness or grief. Depression is not only exemplified by pessimistic ideas, and behavior, but it can be characterized by changes in the functions of the body, for instance, changes in eating and sleeping habits, as well as in sexual activities. Research has shown that one person in every ten suffers from depressive disorders during their lifetime, and of these, the depression can be fatal due to suicide. There are certain types of depression, which tend to run within families, an example of which is bipolar depression. There are many different symptoms, which can be used to determine whether one is suffering from depression. However, these symptoms depend on various factors, which include the individual’s age, gender, and ethnicity. The diagnosis of depression can only be done clinically because it is impossible to perform physical tests for this condition. This makes it extremely essential for individuals to consult professionals, who are specialized in mental health, if they notice the symptoms of depression in themselves, or those people close to them. One of the first steps that one should take when seeking treatment for this disorder is by undergoing a full psychological evaluation to determine whether one does suffer from depression. This condition should not be looked upon as a weakness, but as a serious psychological illness, whose causes need to be understood in order for treatment to be effectively administered (Seligman, 2003). Depression is a condition that cannot be willed away by the affected person because if it is left untreated, the condition will worsen. Causes There are many causes of depression, and one of the most significant of these is biological factors. Certain types of depression tend to run within families, and this indicates that there is a biological vulnerability to this condition because it can be inherited from one’s parents. Studies on families with a tendency to suffer from bipolar depression have found that these families have a slightly different genetic makeup than those that do not suffer from this condition (Johansen, et al, 2012). However, not all people with this genetic makeup suffer from this condition since the environment within which they live may bring about their vulnerability to depression. If one lives in a stressful environment, then the possibility of becoming depressed is remarkably high, especially if protective measures are not taken to prevent it. Although bipolar depression is common from generation to generation in some families, serious depressions might also be genetically transferred. This, however, does not occur as frequently as bipolar depression, in fact, it occurs mostly among people who have no depression in their family history. In most cases, external events, such as a serious loss, or financial problems, are the leading causes of depression. Cases of depression often occur because of a consequence of genetic, mental, and environmental factors, which act as a trigger. Impacts Depression has the likelihood of affecting minority groups than other groups because they are disproportionately represented in society (Alegria, et al, 2008). Furthermore, groups, which are disadvantaged in society, have been found to have higher rates of depression than their more advantaged counterparts, and this is likely due to the economic problems which they have to deal with. Regardless of which ethnic group they belong to, men seem to be more sensitive to the depressive effects of everyday life. Problems such as unemployment, divorce, and low social and economic status tend to cause depression among men, because they have few ways with which to deal with the stress brought about by these conditions (Stewart, et al, 2003). Women are also vulnerable to suffering from depression, especially in situations where they have been victims of emotional and physical abuse, from people who are close to them. Studies have shown that women are twice more likely than men to suffer from depression because they tend to ruminate over their problems more than men do. This ensures that their stress levels remain high, and it may eventually push them into serious depression. Drugs used for the treatment of certain medical conditions, which include hypertension, can add to the risk of individuals getting depression. In addition, conflicts especially those affecting people on a personal level have been found to be key factors causing individuals to develop depression. There are many other origins of this condition and some of these are yet to be discovered. Currently, with the advancement in the study of the mind, it will not be long in the future when such causes will be easily pointed out and treated. Diagnosis The best way for diagnosis on depression to be made is by people consulting mental health professionals if they feel that they have the symptoms of this condition. One could significantly benefit if one considers whether the symptoms of depression have been going on for more than two weeks. Furthermore, one should consider whether these symptoms have been affecting the way they function in their everyday lives. If this is the case, then they should seek medical advice from a professional before the situation becomes worse. The first step taken when one visits a professional in order to obtain the treatment that is appropriate for them is by getting an accurate diagnosis of the condition. This requires that he or she be given a complete physical and psychological examination to determine whether they indeed suffer from depression, and the type depression it is (Chen, et al, 2006). As stated above, certain medications may have side effects on a patient whose symptoms are similar to those displayed by people suffering from depression. The health professional examining a person suspected to be suffering from depression should be sure to rule out such possibilities by conducting an interview, as well as laboratory tests. Many health professionals tend to use questionnaires in order to determine whether their patients do indeed display the symptoms of depression, and to decide whether these patients should receive a complete mental evaluation. A meticulous diagnosis of the patient’s symptoms often includes a full record of these symptoms. The health professional has to find out when the symptoms began, how lengthy they have been, how serious they are, and whether they have initially occurred again. Moreover, if the symptoms have occurred before, then the treatment received should be enquired and evaluated. Treatment and Counseling There are several treatment choices for people with depression, but the most effective way to tackle it is through a combination of medications and psychological interventions (Miranda, et al, 2003). The treatment that should be administered on a patient depends on a variety of aspects, which include how severe the symptoms are as well as the depression type from which the patient involved is suffering. Antidepressants can be used to deal with this condition and these medications help with symptoms such as hopelessness, loss of concentration and insomnia. In addition to these medications, the individual who has been affected by this condition should undergo a rigorous psychological treatment, and counseling. This is to enable patients to cope with their lives as well as to realize that they have a problem, and this would immensely help those patients affected in their return to living a normal life. An immense amount of endurance, by both the person affected and his doctor is required when treating depression. This is because the doctor might need to try out different medication in order to find one that perfectly suits the needs of his patient. When choosing the patient’s medication, the doctor needs to consider the patient’s age, other medical conditions, as well as the possible side effects of the medication, which is to be prescribed. Before a prescription is given, it should be found out whether the patient is receiving any other medication for the same condition. If this is so, then the doctor needs to be made aware of the other medications so that a decision can be made concerning the most suitable medication to be given. In conclusion, it can be said that depression is an extremely serious condition that should be dealt with as soon as its symptoms are noticed. This condition should be handled with a complete understanding by all the people who are affected by it, or are in any way involved in it, so that it can be batter managed. Health professionals, who handle patients suffering from depression, should be given the necessary training on how to handle these patients so that their treatment can proceed more effectively. Many individuals have this condition but since there is remarkably little public knowledge about it, remarkably few people even know that they have it. In order to prevent this public ignorance from escalating, initiatives should be put in place, to ensure that the public is made aware of the existence of this condition as well as the various ways that are available for its treatment. This will not only create a greater understanding of the condition, but it will also make people more aware of it, and if individuals happen to notice the symptoms in themselves, they may seek immediate treatment. References Alegria, M., Chatterji, P., Wells, K., Cao, Z., Chen, C. (2008). Disparity in depression treatment among racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 59(11), 1264-72. Chen, T. M., Huang, F. Y., Chang, C., and Chung, H. (2006). Using the PHQ-9 for depression screening and treatment monitoring for Chinese Americans in primary care. Psychiatric Services, 57(7), 976-81. Johansen, A., Holmen, J., Stewart, R., and Bjerkeset, O. (2012). Anxiety and depression symptoms in arterial hypertension: The influence of antihypertensive treatment. the HUNT study, Norway. European Journal of Epidemiology, 27(1), 63-72. Miranda, J., Chung, J. Y., Green, B. L., Krupnick, J., and et al. (2003). Treating depression in predominantly low-income young minority women: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 290(1), 57-65. Seligman, K. (2003, Jun 18). Help for depression lacking, studies find / 14 million americans suffer major episode annually, doctors say. San Francisco Chronicle. Stewart, W. F., Ricci, J. A., Chee, E., Hahn, S. R., & Morganstein, D. (2003). Cost of lost productive work time among US workers with depression. JAMA, 289(23), 3135-44. Read More