12 surprising Facts About Depression

Depression is often interpreted as a feeling of sadness. It’s actually a more complex medical condition that is believed as a result of a mix of elements, including biological, genetic, psychological and environmental triggers as per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 

Although it’s still unclear the exact cause of depression, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the best ways to treat and manage the common mental health disorder. Here are some information about depression, the symptoms of depression and treatment for depression that could surprise you.

What is Depression? Facts About Depression!

Physicians can diagnose depression (also known as major depression) by using criteria from the American Psychiatric Society’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition also known as DSM-V. A diagnosis of depression is given when at the very minimum five of the following symptoms are present almost each day, for at the least two weeks:

• Depression
• The loss of enjoyment in all or most of the activities
• Significant weight gain or changes in appetite
• Sleeping patterns change
• Change in activity
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Reduced concentration
• Feelings of guilt or feeling unworthy
• Suicide-related thoughts

To identify major depression, whether it is depression or loss of enjoyment in pursuits must be among the signs.

12 Things You Didn’t Be able to Learn About Depression

The term “major depression” might seem straightforward, the reality is that depression can have a wide range of impact. Here are some important facts about depression that you may not be aware of.

1. The causes of depression vary. There is a greater chance of developing depression in the event of an event that was stressful in their life or have experienced previously experienced depression; or if a family member has suffered from depression. Sometimes depression occurs without obvious reason.
2. Genetics can provide some (but they don’t provide all) answer. The genetic cause of depression is now being understood , and may be the reason why one person is depressed while another isn’t say Ole Thienhaus, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry of the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. The familial history of depression can be a factor but it’s not the sole aspect. For instance, the heritability rate — the proportion of a disorder that may be attributed to geneticsof depression is 37 percent as per a report released in July of 2018 in the Journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
3. Depression is a problem for the body. Problems with stomach and headaches as well as general pains and aches that do not have an obvious physical cause could all be signs of depression, as per the NIMH.
4. Depression could be an indication of “gut feeling.” A study published in August of 2020 within the Journal Cureus discovered a strong link with gut health, and psychological wellbeing and found that depression was highly associated with digestive imbalance. A diverse diet that includes prebiotics and probiotics could help in reducing depression, though it is necessary to conduct more research.
5. The brains of people with depression may appear different. Certain people suffering from major depression have changes to their brains which can be observed through imaging tests, such as magneto-resonance imaging (MRI) scans as per a review released in December 2019 by the journal Translational Psychiatry that evaluated studies that looked at the application for MRI scans to identify and treat major depression. (That being said, the study is also clear that the major depressive disorder is complex biological condition that triggers various brain changes in some individuals as well as that MRI scans by themselves aren’t helpful in diagnosing major depressive disorder. The researchers thus emphasize the importance of developing new imaging techniques and methods of analyzing this information to identify depression.)
6. Depression can be linked to various health issues. Patients with depression are more likely to develop chronic autoimmune or chronic inflammation like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. It isn’t clear if depression triggers inflammation or vice versa according to a study that was published in July of 2019 in Frontiers in Immunology.
7. People who are depressed may not appear depressed. “Depression is a hidden illness,” declares Jeremy Coplan, MD, Professor of Psychiatry in the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center located in Brooklyn. There are people who appear happy and happy, but in reality they’re dealing with the symptoms of depression.
8. Exercise can help manage depression. “Exercise improves mood state,” says Dr. Thienhaus, who explains that exercise stimulates natural substances in the body that make you feel happier. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise activities every day. “We typically recommend that people with depression exercise, develop a healthy diet, and go to bed at a regular time.” A study published in the month of October 2017 within The American Journal of Psychiatry found that even a single hour of exercise each week is linked to lower rates of depression by 12 percent. of depression.
9. It’s not uncommon to try several antidepressant. A lot of people suffering from depression do not see relief with the initial medication they try. This is because, due to a myriad of reasons, different individuals benefit from different drugs and others don’t get any benefits from the medications that are available today. As per Diane Solomon, PhD, psychiatrist nurse practitioner from Portland, Oregon, people might have to try different medications before finding an antidepressant that is effective for them.
10. Therapy is typically required as well. If you suffer from mild-to moderate depressive symptoms, therapies and lifestyle modifications are often considered first-linetreatment. However, for severely depressed to moderately depressed the combination of medication and therapy can be beneficial. Sometimes, antidepressant medication is employed first to help alleviate depression to the point that therapy can be beneficial as the doctor. Coplan says. However, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy or other strategies for therapy like transcranial magnetic stimulation are also essential to effective treatment of depression.
11. Depression is usually accompanied by co-existing anxiety. People who suffer from one mental health issue such as depression might also suffer from another disorder one, like an anxiety disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. “Anxiety can be as debilitating as depression, but people may have lived with it so long, they don’t realize they actually have anxiety,” the psychiatrist Dr. Solomon, who adds that women are more susceptible to anxiety-related disorders.
12. Depression has a profound impact on people all over the globe. A report released in February 2017 by the World Health Organization stated that depression is the main cause of disability across the world, impacting over 300 million individuals around the globe. The report also revealed an increase of 18 percent between 2005 and 2015 in the amount of people suffering from depression which includes the majority of them are elderly, young women, and people with disabilities.