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Major depression is the most common form of clinical depression. It usually affects people between the ages of 25 and 44. It is an episodic disorder which means that the patient suffers periods of depression. In between two episodes, he will lead a normal life. These long term depression symptoms can last anywhere between 9 months to 2 years.
What are the symptoms of major depression
People suffering from major depression stop enjoying life. They are sad all the time and have other mental and physical problems. The major depression symptoms include being unable to sleep, have loss of appetite, loss of concentration, body aches and pains etc. It is a disease that involves the body, mind and spirit.
The best thing a person can attempt is are serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors good for anxiety to utilize natural antidepressant techniques such as meditation, acupuncture or self help books. However these are effective only if the problem is diagnosed at an early stage. Depending on the condition the treatment can vary from hospitalization to major depression medication to counseling.
How does hospitalization help a patient
The therapist first evaluates the patient’s condition to determine his major depression information and whether he needs to be hospitalized. In advanced stages of major depression the patient has suicidal thoughts and is unable to fend for himself. With this major depression information it will be determined whether he needs to be kept under constant supervision which is only possible in a hospital. If the patient is suffering from mild to moderate depression then he can be counseled and the treatment can be given from home.
What is the role of antidepressants
Antidepressants help uplift the patient’s mood. These are not natural antidepressants, rather they are medications. There are different kinds of major depression medications depending on the way they affect people.
Selective Serotoin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Lexapro are often prescribed by doctors. Then there are Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, major depression medications can also cause withdrawal symptoms and so stopping them suddenly is not advisable. It is also not suitable for pregnant and lactating women as it can harm the child.
Major depression medications alone are insufficient to treat major depression symptoms. Psychotherapy or counseling is an equally important part of the treatment. Faced with all major depression information, he learns how to control his major depression symptoms. He learns to face the inner conflicts and traumas.
During the episodes the patient forms a very low opinion of himself. Counseling helps him overcome the low self esteem and negate the irrational beliefs and negative attitude. These thoughts are potentially self destructive and he is taught how to overcome those.
This is a last resort therapy for those patients who are suicidal and who are not responding to medication and natural antidepressants. Electrical currents are passed through the brain that affects the neurotransmitters. However once the patient is cured it is important that he continues using natural antidepressant techniques.
