What is Major Depression? What Are the Symptoms of Major Depression?

Most people may feel sad or unmotivated at some point in their lives. Experiencing such feelings periodically (for example, in response to a negative situation) is considered normal. Major depression is a mental health disorder that involves more than just temporary feelings of low morale, a bad day, or transient sadness. Also known as clinical depression, this condition is characterized by a depressed mood for most of the day and a loss of interest in normal activities and relationships. The occurrence of such conditions for at least two weeks may indicate major depression. Treatment for major depression may involve methods such as medication or psychotherapy recommended by a doctor.

What is Major Depression?

The severity of depression can vary between mild, temporary feelings of sadness and more severe, persistent conditions. Major depression is a more severe form of depression. Major depressive disorder is a mental health condition that leads to persistent feelings of low mood, depression, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Clinical depression can also affect sleep, appetite, and the ability to think clearly.

What Are the Types of Major Depression?

There can be various subtypes of major depressive disorder. Some of them include:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression): Also known as seasonal mood disorder (SAD), seasonal depression is triggered by changes in the seasons. This condition typically begins in late autumn. Symptoms include feelings of sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, excessive sleeping, and weight gain. Treatment options for seasonal depression may include light therapy, talk therapy, and the use of antidepressant medications.
• Prenatal and Postpartum Depression: Depression that arises during pregnancy is referred to as prenatal depression. Symptoms of depression may include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and changes in sleep and eating habits. Treatment options for prenatal depression may include therapy and medication. Depression that occurs after the birth of a baby is referred to as postpartum depression. Individuals with postpartum depression may experience frequent crying, fatigue, feelings of guilt, and anxiety. Postpartum depression can be treated with medication and counseling.
• Atypical Depression: Atypical depression is a type of depression characterized by temporary mood elevation in response to positive events. Symptoms resulting from atypical depression may include increased appetite, excessive sleeping, and heightened sensitivity to feelings of rejection. Psychotherapy and antidepressant medications can be used to treat atypical depression.

What Are the Symptoms of Major Depression?

Major depression can lead to both mental and physical changes. These types of physical or mental symptoms can occur for most of the day and nearly every day. Symptoms that may arise from major depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Sudden outbursts of anger and irritability
• Indecisiveness in various situations
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Feeling physically slowed down
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Recurrent thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Such symptoms may arise as a result of clinical depression. The resulting symptoms can be severe enough to lead to various problems in social life.

What Causes Major Depression?

Major depression primarily results from changes in the areas of the brain that regulate mood. In this case, nerve cells in certain regions of the brain may be functioning inadequately. Additionally, hormonal changes can negatively impact mood.

The exact factors that cause major depression are not yet fully understood. However, some factors may trigger the onset of major depression. Some of these factors include:

• Brain Chemistry: Changes in the function and effects of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, may contribute to the development of depression. Furthermore, the interaction of neurotransmitters that play a role in maintaining mood balance with neural circuits may also lead to major depression.
• Hormones: Changes in the body's hormonal mechanisms can result in mood problems, which may trigger depression. Hormonal changes can arise from conditions such as pregnancy, the postpartum period, thyroid issues, or menopause.
• Hereditary Factors: Depression may occur more frequently in individuals with a family history of this health issue. However, major depression can also develop in individuals without a family history of depression.
• Childhood Development: Multiple adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and trauma, can lead to the development of clinical depression later in life.
• Stressful Life Events: Clinical depression may arise as a result of situations that cause an individual to experience stress in daily life. Stressful life events can include the death of a loved one, separation from a partner, and lack of social support.

How Does Major Depression Resolve?

Clinical depression can affect people of all ages, including children. However, the symptoms of clinical depression (even if severe) typically improve with psychological counseling, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both.

After a diagnosis of major depression, a personalized treatment plan can be implemented. A comprehensive evaluation of medical and mental health history is conducted by a doctor to diagnose clinical depression. Depending on the existing symptoms, specific clinical depression, such as seasonal affective disorder or atypical depression, may also be identified.

To establish a diagnosis of clinical depression, five or more symptoms resulting from the disorder must be present for at least two weeks, nearly every day and for most of the day. Furthermore, two of these five symptoms must include low mood and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

How is Major Depression Treated?

Major depression is a treatable health issue with treatment methods determined by a doctor. Depending on the severity of the symptoms resulting from the illness, the doctor may recommend the use of antidepressant medications. Antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry associated with depression. In some cases, additional medications may be prescribed alongside antidepressants to enhance their effectiveness. Individuals may notice some improvement in their symptoms within two weeks of starting antidepressant treatment; however, it may take two to three months to fully feel the medication's effects.

Methods such as psychotherapy, which assesses the individual's emotional state, may also be applied in the treatment of major depression. Psychotherapy involves talking with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist. In this method, the therapist can help identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. There are various types of psychotherapy used in the treatment of major depression. Depending on the severity of clinical depression, it may take several weeks or longer for the individual to begin feeling better. In most cases, 10 to 15 sessions may lead to significant improvement in most symptoms.

In cases where medications are ineffective or symptoms are severe, other treatment options may also be applied, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as shock therapy.

Despite being treatable, major depression can reoccur. To prevent the reemergence of this condition, it is crucial to be aware of the triggers or causes of major depression and to continue using medications prescribed by a doctor to prevent relapse. Additionally, if any symptoms of major depression are noticed, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. Major depression diagnosed early can be improved with the treatment methods applied by a doctor.