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Depression

Identifying the root cause of the issue and resolving the same with the Best possible Therapies & Medications.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Not everyone who is Depressed experiences every Symptom as mentioned below. Some people experience only a few of the Symptoms while others may experience many.

Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major Depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment as well. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness.

  • Persistent Sad, Anxious, Irritable or “Empty” Mood
  • Feelings of Hopelessness, or Pessimism
  • Feelings of Irritability, Frustration, or Restlessness
  • Feelings of Guilt, Worthlessness, or Helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in Hobbies and Activities
  • Decreased Energy, Fatigue, or feeling “Slowed Down”
  • Difficulty Concentrating, Remembering, or making Decisions
  • Difficulty Sleeping, early Morning Awakening, or Oversleeping
  • Changes in Appetite or Unplanned Weight Changes
  • Thoughts of Death or Suicide, or Suicide Attempts
  • Aches or Pains, Headaches, Cramps, or Digestive problems without a clear Physical Cause
  • Suicide attempts or thoughts of Death or Suicide

Main Causes for Depression

In many individuals more than one cause is present and often depression results due to interplay of various internal and external factors. Main causes for depression can be broadly classified as Internal / Biological causes and External causes.

  • Internal/Biological Causes includes:
    • Genes (familial)
    • Neurotransmitter abnormalities in the brain, like reduced serotonin and dopamine
    • Hormonal changes like thyroid abnormalities or pregnancy/ menstrual related
    • Other systemic disorders like Diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis, kidney diseases, epilepsy etc
    • Personality traits like thinking patterns, coping skills, defence mechanisms used while dealing with the stressors

External Causes includes:

    • Death or loss of somebody/ something
    • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
    • Major life changing events
    • Chronic stressors
    • Personal conflicts or disputes (specially when individual already have underlying biological cause)
    • Substance Abuse- Tobacco, Alcohol, cannabis, Opioids etc
    • Some medications like steroids, isotretinoin, Oral contraceptive pills are known to cause depressive like symptoms

Does Depression always need to be Treated?

If someone has mild depression, or it has only just started, one option is to wait and see whether the symptoms go away again without treatment. This “Watchful Waiting” approach doesn’t mean that the symptoms are ignored and nothing is done, though. It is important to stay in touch with the doctor and have regular appointments to discuss how you’re feeling and how you can cope with the situation. If the symptoms get worse or last several weeks, further treatment may be needed.

There are various treatment options for depression. They include psychological treatments, medication and general measures such as relaxation techniques. Different treatment options are often combined.