DEPRESSIONDEPRESSION

Antonija JukićAntonija JukićMentor: A. Žmegač HorvatMentor: A. Žmegač Horvat

The words above belong to author William The words above belong to author William Styron, and they describe his first episode Styron, and they describe his first episode of major depressionof major depression

This experience belongs to millionsThis experience belongs to millions

Definition of Definition of MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDERMAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

MMental disorder characterized by an all-ental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and loss of interest or low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activitiespleasure in normally enjoyable activities

Depressed mood persists for at least Depressed mood persists for at least two two weeks weeks

SubtypesSubtypes

Melancholic depressionMelancholic depression

Atypical depressionAtypical depression

Catatonic depressionCatatonic depression

Postpartum depressionPostpartum depression

Seasonal affective depressionSeasonal affective depression

Symptoms and signsSymptoms and signs

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessnessFeelings of helplessness and hopelessness Loss of interest in daily activitiesLoss of interest in daily activities Appetite or weight changesAppetite or weight changes Sleep changesSleep changes Irritability or restlessnessIrritability or restlessness Loss of energyLoss of energy Self-loathingSelf-loathing Concentration problemsConcentration problems Unexplained aches and painsUnexplained aches and pains

Depression and suicide!!!Depression and suicide!!!

3.4% of people with major depression commit 3.4% of people with major depression commit suicidesuicide

60% of people who commit suicide have 60% of people who commit suicide have depression or another mood disorder depression or another mood disorder

Causes and risk factors for Causes and risk factors for depressiondepression

LonelinessLoneliness Lack of social supportLack of social support Recent stressful life experiencesRecent stressful life experiences Family history of depressionFamily history of depression Marital or relationship problemsMarital or relationship problems Financial strainFinancial strain Early childhood trauma or abuseEarly childhood trauma or abuse Alcohol or drug abuseAlcohol or drug abuse Unemployment or underemploymentUnemployment or underemployment Health problems or chronic painHealth problems or chronic pain

Biological theoriesBiological theories

Dysregulation of monoamine chemicals Dysregulation of monoamine chemicals serotoninserotonin, , norepinephrinenorepinephrine and and dopaminedopamine in the brain in the brain

Most antidepressants increase the levels Most antidepressants increase the levels of one or more of the monoamines of one or more of the monoamines

DiagnosisDiagnosis

Patient's self-reported experiences Patient's self-reported experiences Behavior reported by relatives or friends Behavior reported by relatives or friends Mental status exam Mental status exam

No laboratory testNo laboratory test for major depression for major depression

Differential diagnosesDifferential diagnoses

Dysthymia Dysthymia Adjustment disorder with depressed moodAdjustment disorder with depressed mood Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder

ManagementManagement

Antidepressant medicationAntidepressant medication

(MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs) – delayed onset of (MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs) – delayed onset of action (2-6 weeks)!!!action (2-6 weeks)!!!

Psychotherapy or counsellingPsychotherapy or counselling

HospitalizationHospitalization Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Prevention - Lifestyle changes!Prevention - Lifestyle changes! Cultivating supportive Cultivating supportive

relationshipsrelationships Getting regular exercise and Getting regular exercise and

sleepsleep Eating a healthy, mood-boosting Eating a healthy, mood-boosting

dietdiet Managing stressManaging stress Practicing relaxation techniquesPracticing relaxation techniques Challenging negative thought Challenging negative thought

patternspatterns

SMILE SMILE

ReferencesReferences

www.wikipedia.org www.helpguide.org