Prognosis of Depression
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 12 million adults in the United States suffer from depression in a given year. Depression does not discriminate against economic status, race, gender or age. No one is immune from the risk. If you seek treatment, the prognosis for depression is good. Depression, however, tends to get worse over time if left untreated.
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Risk factors
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Certain factors seem to trigger depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be at risk if any relatives suffer from depression or have committed suicide; you have recently given birth; you abuse drugs or alcohol; you have long-term use of some medications such as sleeping pills, birth control pills or medications for high blood pressure; you have a serious illness such as HIV, heart disease or cancer; you have specific personality traits such as low self-esteem; you have experienced traumatic life events such as the death of a family member; or you are female: women in the United States are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression.
Symptoms
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Depression encompasses a wide variety of symptoms. Some people suffering from depression may experience only a few symptoms, while others may suffer from many. Common symptoms include feeling you are worthless, hopeless or sad; trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much; irritability; restlessness; loss of interest in daily activities or hobbies; crying spells; fatigue; generally feeling miserable, but unable to pinpoint why; thoughts of suicide; social isolation; and anxiety.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines several types of depression. They are classified by duration and severity of symptoms. Major depression (or major depressive disorder) patients usually exhibit severe symptoms most of the day for at least two weeks. Dysthymic disorder patients exhibit a depressed mood for at least two years. Symptoms may be less severe or frequent with this type of depression. Bipolar disorder is also a type of depression. Patients cycle between mania and depression. Some women experience pre-partum depression (depression during pregnancy) and/or postpartum depression (depression after pregnancy). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) patients exhibit depression symptoms during fall or winter months. Your doctor can help determine which type of depression may be affecting you. -
When to get help
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When you consistently feel sad for weeks, months or even years, consider getting help for your depression. It is not something you can "snap out of," and it goes beyond the common "blues" or daily frustrations. It is normal to feel "down," "blue" or defeated from life's troubles such as finances, the loss of a loved one, relationship issues or problems at work. These feelings usually do not last long, and your ability to function day to day is not affected. You likely are suffering from clinical depression if your sadness is starting to interfere with your life--such as work, relationships or even your ability to eat or find a job. Don't be afraid to reach out to a family member, friend, counselor, spiritual leader or anyone you trust if you feel depressed, especially if you have thoughts of suicide. There are also numerous crisis centers and hot lines available to help.
Treatment
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Sometimes depression is a symptom of another condition. Bipolar disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder are two disorders that may have many of the same symptoms as depression. It is important to be evaluated by a mental health professional or doctor so that you get the best treatment possible. Typical treatments for depression are various medications (antidepressants) and cognitive therapy or psychotherapy. Many patients respond quite well to a combination medication and therapy. Doctors may pursue other forms of treatment depending on the severity of the depression.
Prognosis
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If left untreated, depression can be terminal as it is the leading cause of suicide. Those who put the effort into treatment usually recover. Depression can last anywhere from six months to years. Even if you recover, keep in touch with your doctor and therapist, as sometimes maintenance treatment is required to keep depression from returning.
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