1 DeBaffista, C. (1997). Medical Management of Depression. Durant: EMIS, Inc.
2 Scott, J. (2001). Cognitive Therapy for Depression. British Medical Bulletin, 57. Oxford University Press.
3 Elkin, I., Shea, M. T., Watkins, J. T., et al (1989) National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program. General effectiveness of treatments. Archives of General Psychiatry, 46
4 Hollon, SD & Garber, J. (1980). A cognitive-expectancy theory for helplessness and depression. Human Helplessness: Theory and applications. New York: American Press.
5 Beck et al., 1979; Blackburn & Bishop, 1979, 1980; McLean & Hakstian, 1979; Rush, Beck, Kovacs, & Hollon, 1977.
**
Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be effective for mild to moderately severe acute depression2. Furthermore, despite a limited amount of studies, beneficial results have also been found in treating depressed inpatients with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Some studies suggest that CBT is just as effective as antidepressant medications3.
Outcome research has consistently found that cognitive therapy is at least as effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of outpatients with non-bipolar depression at the termination of treatment. In one group of studies, the mean percentage changes in the level of depression for such outpatients immediately after treatment were as follows: 66% for those receiving CBT alone, 63% for those treated with TCAs alone, and 72% for patients receiving some combinations of the two. Researchers (Gloaguen, Cottraux, Cucherat, & Blackburn, 1988) commenting on the results from a recent meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted between 1977 and 1996 concluded that “… cognitive behavioral therapy has been demonstrated effective with patients with mild or moderate depression and its effects exceed those of antidepressants”. A study by Hautzinger and de Jong-Meyer (1996) found CBT to be an efficient, short and long-term alternative to the standard drug treatment of patients with a major depression or dysthymic disorder. Hautzinger and de Jong-Meyer (1996) concluded, “Drug treatment along produced more drop-outs and less clinically significant responders than CBT along or the combination treatment”.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960s by Aaron T. Beck. CBT aims to change a person’s maladaptive behaviors through identifying and changing distorted thought patterns and negative emotional responses. Treatment is done through conversation and collaboration between the patient and the therapist. CBT has received an incredibly substantial amount of empirical study, validation, and clinical application.
Find other natural remedies for depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works to treat depression by changing an individual’s faulty information processing and negative belief systems1. CBT views depression as rooted in unhealthy thought patterns, such as blaming oneself for negative events or generalizing the negativity of one situation to a wide range of unrelated situations. The desired outcome of CBT is to enable the individual to create healthier interpretations of situations, thus enabling them to react appropriately to people.
CBT can be distinguished by the detailed structure of each session with its specific agendas, and the very deliberate therapeutic style in which the therapist interacts with the patient by asking a series of questions. This type of therapy encourages patients to examine negative styles of thinking and behaving that may be contributing to their depression. During sessions, the patient and the therapist will define problems, identify assumptions, determine significance of events, and point out the disadvantages of retaining negative beliefs and behaviors. This way, erroneous views can be evaluated and disconfirmed. This collaborative process is called “hypothesis-testing”4. The therapist assists the patient in developing new skills to increase awareness of and ability to alter maladaptive thought processing. In the final sessions, patients are asked to imagine themselves in difficult situations and describe their decision-making processes.
General guidelines suggest 15 to 25 (50 minute) sessions at weekly intervals with a psychologist or therapist at weekly intervals, with more seriously depressed clients usually requiring twice-weekly meetings for the initial 4-5 weeks. To avoid an abrupt termination, a “tapering-off” process is recommended, wit the last few sessions occurring once every 2 weeks. After termination, some clients may also need a few “booster sessions” (4 or 5 are common).
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Although psychotherapy is arguably the most well-known depression treatment centered around the mind, other mind-based treatments for depression treatments do exist. This section outlines many of these treatments.
Depression can have several different underlying causes. It is likely caused by some combination of environmental, genetic, psychological and biochemical factors. In some cases, depression can be triggeredby triggered by an event such as a death or loss of job while other causes are more systemicsuch systemic such as age or heredity.
Also, there are some Hypothesized Adaptive Evolutionary Theories ofDepressionof Depression that point to some evolutionary theories on why we get depressed.
And finally, some Psychological Perspectives on the Etiology of Depression seek to explain depression from the standpoint of unexpressed and repressed anger.
<o:p></o:p> <o:p> [3]: auth/login
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Although psychotherapy is arguably the most well-known depression treatment centered around the mind, other mind-based treatments for depression treatments do exist. This section outlines many of these treatments.
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Although psychotherapy is arguably the most well-known depression treatment centered around the mind, other mind-based treatments for depression treatments do exist. This section outlines many of these treatments.
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Depression is often treated with a series of medications and aggressive therapies to resolve the biochemical imbalances that accompany this health challenge. Antidepressants typically help to normalize brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (such as sertonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) to regulate mood though this claim is often disputed.1
There are a large number of antidepressants available including the following: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclics (TCAs), and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many of the drug therapies have interactions and strong side effects so it is important to take them under the strict supervision of a medical professional. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review which revealed that 4% of those taking a specific antidepressant contemplated or attempted suicide versus 2% of those receiving placebos.2 Therefore, it is obvious that the effects of these medications can be severe and should be taken under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
All classes of antidepressants must be taken for three to four weeks before a full therapeutic effect is established. In most states, medical doctors are the ones solely responsible for prescribing antidepressants. Typically, psychiatrists and general practitioners will prescribe and monitor the patient's drug regime. Usually, the doctor will decide if and when a patient should transition off of an antidepressant. In some cases, a patient may have to stay on the medication indefinitely to stay symptom-free.
Antidepressants are the initial and most frequently prescribed form of treatment for unipolar depression in the United States.5 Although psychotropic medications clearly provide enormous benefit and relief to a substantial portion of depressed patients, research does not support this unilateral bias toward medication. Research has shown that a sizable group of patients either chooses not to continue long-term pharmacological therapy in the absence of any depressive symptoms, cannot take medication due to a medical condition that precludes the use of antidepressants, or suffer from the side effects that are intolerable to them.6
Read more about different depression medications below.
Click here to read more on Depression: Opposition to Medical Treatment.
High-intensity Light Therapy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Depression is often treated with a series of medications and aggressive therapies to resolve the biochemical imbalances that accompany this health challenge. Antidepressants typically help to normalize brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (such as sertonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) to regulate mood though this claim is often disputed.1
There are a large number of antidepressants available including the following: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclics (TCAs), and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many of the drug therapies have interactions and strong side effects so it is important to take them under the strict supervision of a medical professional. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review which revealed that 4% of those taking a specific antidepressant contemplated or attempted suicide versus 2% of those receiving placebos.2 Therefore, it is obvious that the effects of these medications can be severe and should be taken under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
All classes of antidepressants must be taken for three to four weeks before a full therapeutic effect is established. In most states, medical doctors are the ones solely responsible for prescribing antidepressants. Typically, psychiatrists and general practitioners will prescribe and monitor the patient's drug regime. Usually, the doctor will decide if and when a patient should transition off of an antidepressant. In some cases, a patient may have to stay on the medication indefinitely to stay symptom-free.
Antidepressants are the initial and most frequently prescribed form of treatment for unipolar depression in the United States.5 Although psychotropic medications clearly provide enormous benefit and relief to a substantial portion of depressed patients, research does not support this unilateral bias toward medication. Research has shown that a sizable group of patients either chooses not to continue long-term pharmacological therapy in the absence of any depressive symptoms, cannot take medication due to a medical condition that precludes the use of antidepressants, or suffer from the side effects that are intolerable to them.6
Read more about different depression medications below.
Click here to read more on Depression: Opposition to Medical Treatment.
High-intensity Light Therapy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Depression is often treated with a series of medications and aggressive therapies to resolve the biochemical imbalances that accompany this health challenge. Antidepressants typically help to normalize brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (such as sertonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) to regulate mood though this claim is often disputed.1
There are a large number of antidepressants available including the following: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclics (TCAs), and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many of the drug therapies have interactions and strong side effects so it is important to take them under the strict supervision of a medical professional. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review which revealed that 4% of those taking a specific antidepressant contemplated or attempted suicide versus 2% of those receiving placebos.2 Therefore, it is obvious that the effects of these medications can be severe and should be taken under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
All classes of antidepressants must be taken for three to four weeks before a full therapeutic effect is established. In most states, medical doctors are the ones solely responsible for prescribing antidepressants. Typically, psychiatrists and general practitioners will prescribe and monitor the patient's drug regime. Usually, the doctor will decide if and when a patient should transition off of an antidepressant. In some cases, a patient may have to stay on the medication indefinitely to stay symptom-free.
Antidepressants are the initial and most frequently prescribed form of treatment for unipolar depression in the United States.5 Although psychotropic medications clearly provide enormous benefit and relief to a substantial portion of depressed patients, research does not support this unilateral bias toward medication. Research has shown that a sizable group of patients either chooses not to continue long-term pharmacological therapy in the absence of any depressive symptoms, cannot take medication due to a medical condition that precludes the use of antidepressants, or suffer from the side effects that are intolerable to them.6
Read more about different depression medications below.
Click here to read more on Depression: Opposition to Medical Treatment.
High-intensity Light Therapy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Depression is often treated with a series of medications and aggressive therapies to resolve the biochemical imbalances that accompany this health challenge. Antidepressants typically help to normalize brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (such as sertonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) to regulate mood though this claim is often disputed.1
There are a large number of antidepressants available including the following: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclics (TCAs), and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Many of the drug therapies have interactions and strong side effects so it is important to take them under the strict supervision of a medical professional. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a review which revealed that 4% of those taking a specific antidepressant contemplated or attempted suicide versus 2% of those receiving placebos.2 Therefore, it is obvious that the effects of these medications can be severe and should be taken under the strict supervision of a medical professional.
All classes of antidepressants must be taken for three to four weeks before a full therapeutic effect is established. In most states, medical doctors are the ones solely responsible for prescribing antidepressants. Typically, psychiatrists and general practitioners will prescribe and monitor the patient's drug regime. Usually, the doctor will decide if and when a patient should transition off of an antidepressant. In some cases, a patient may have to stay on the medication indefinitely to stay symptom-free.
Antidepressants are the initial and most frequently prescribed form of treatment for unipolar depression in the United States.5 Although psychotropic medications clearly provide enormous benefit and relief to a substantial portion of depressed patients, research does not support this unilateral bias toward medication. Research has shown that a sizable group of patients either chooses not to continue long-term pharmacological therapy in the absence of any depressive symptoms, cannot take medication due to a medical condition that precludes the use of antidepressants, or suffer from the side effects that are intolerable to them.6
Read more about different depression medications below.
Click here to read more on Depression: Opposition to Medical Treatment.
High-intensity Light Therapy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Accurate diagnosis of any individual's specific depression symptoms will provide clarity for how to approach treatment. An individual who suffers from mental fatigue might approach different treatment(s) (like meditation) than one with excessive mental stimulation (who might take Kava to slow the mind down). Similarly, someone showing signs of insomn ia insomnia would be treated differently (perhaps with chamomile and a change in diet) than one who oversleeps (who might need exercise to energize them!).
As a first step in the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, aclinical a clinical psychologist look for theoccurrence the occurrence of the following signs of depression in an individual:1
A. Exhibiting 5 (or more) out of the following symptomsthey symptoms when they have been present during the same two-week period and represent a change from previous functioning. (At least one of the symptoms must be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interestor interest or pleasure):
[**Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps ordigestive or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment may also be assessed bya by a clinician and indicative of depressive symptoms.]1
B. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment insocialin social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning **
C*. * * The symptoms are not due to the directphysiological direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition *
D* *. The symptoms are not better accounted forby for by Bereavement, i.e., after the loss of a loved one, the symptoms persist for longer than 2months 2 months or are characterized by marked functional impairment, morbid preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, psychotic symptoms, or psychomotor retardation. **
I**n Major DepressiveDisorderIn Major Depressive Disorder, the depressed mood must be present for most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of at least 2 weeks. Should a person experience a "Single Episode," these symptoms wold only be present for one period of time (around 2 weeks worth). An individual who suffers form "Recurrent," MajorDepressiveEpisodes Major Depressive Episodes can experience periods of major depression throughout life.
The signs of depression usually develop over days to weeks. A prodromal period that may include anxiety symptoms and mild depressive symptoms may last for weeks to months before the onset of a full depressive episode. An untreated depressive episode typically lasts 4 months or longer, regardless of age at onset. In a majority of cases, there is complete remission of symptoms, and functioning returns to the premorbid level. In a significant proportion of cases (20-30%), some depressive symptoms insufficient to meet full criteria for a major depressive episode may persist for months to years and may be associated with some disability or distress. In some individuals (5-10%), the full criteria for a major depressive episode continue to be met for 2 or more years.1
The overall symptoms associated with depression include tearfulness, irritability, brooding, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, guilt, excessive worry over physical health, complaints of pain, persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease, even with treatment.2 Some individuals note difficulty in intimate relationships, less satisfying social interactions, or difficulties in sexual functioning. There may be marital, occupational, and academic problems, alcohol or other substance abuse, or increased utilization of medical services as a result of depression. The most serious consequence of depression is attempted or completed suicide.
The warning signs and symptoms of depression are key to accurately diagnosing the condition which is done by a clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist. It is important to observe and note any symptoms over a period of at least two weeks time.2
To read more on which specific depression symptoms lead to a diagnosis of depression, click on Depression Diagnosis.
Differences in Age
The rate of depression does vary with age. The onset of depression increases dramatically during adolescence with rates being highest for individuals aged between 25 and 45. The onset of an individual’s first depressive episode most often occurs in their 30’s to 40’s. Most typically, this initial episode is experienced in an individual's mid-twenties with 50% of depressed individuals experiencing this onset before the age of 40. Reported rates are lower for individuals over 65 years old 3,4 but it is speculated that this age group is the largest to suffer from depression; This is probably due to the fact that depression often goes undetected or undiagnosed in the older population.12
Regarding symptomatology and aging, elderly adults may experience depression with more prominent cognitive symptoms (e.g., disorientation, memory loss, and distractibility). Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is a fourfold increase in death rates in individuals with major depressive disorder who are over the age of 55. Individuals with major depressive disorder admitted to nursing homes may have a markedly increased likelihood of death in the first year. Among individuals seen in general medical settings, those with major depressive disorder have more pain and physical illness and decreased physical, social, and role functioning.
Read more on Childhood Depression
Read more on Adolescent Depression
Read more on Geriatric Depression
Differences in Gender
Women and men experience depression differently. Men may exhibit the signs of depression more in terms of fatigue, irritability or anger, loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities and sleep disturbances, while women may have feelings of sadness, worthlessness or excessive guilt.5 Men are more likely than women to turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their depression. Women are 3 times more likely than men to attempt suicide while suffering from depression but men are 4 times more likely to complete it as they choose more lethal means.11
Women are at significantly greater risk than men to develop Major Depressive Episodes at some point during their lives, with the greatest differences found in studies conducted in the United States and Europe. The actual reported proportion of the adult population with major depressive disorder varies widely depending on which study is referenced. The lifetime risk for major depressive disorder in community samples has varied from 10% to 25% for women and from 5% to 12% for men. The point prevalence of major depressive disorder in adults in community samples has varied from 5% to 9% for women and from 2% to 3% for men. A recent National Comorbidity Survey Replication found the following lifetime prevalence rates of major depressive disorder: 13.2% for men and 22.5% for women.6 While the prevalence rates for Major Depressive Disorder appear to be unrelated to ethnicity, education, income, or marital status, studies seem to indicate that there are gender differences with most studies indicating that depressive episodes occur twice as frequently in women as in men.
Read more Depression in Women
Read more Depression in Men
Differences in Cultural Background/Ethnicity
Culture can influence the experience and communication of depression symptoms. Under-diagnosis or misdiagnosis can be reduced when clinicians are attentive to ethnic and cultural nuances that affect the presentation of depression symptoms in diverse populations, individuals and ethnic groups. For example, in some cultures, the depression symptoms may be experienced largely in somatic terms, rather than with sadness or guilt. Complaints of “nerves” and headaches (in Latino and Mediterranean cultures), of weakness, tiredness, or “imbalance” (in Chinese and Asian cultures), of problems of the “heart” (in Middle Eastern cultures), or of being “heartbroken” (among Hopi Native Americans) may describe the diversity of culturally expressed depressive experiences.11It is also imperative that neither a clinician nor an individual not dismiss a symptom just because it is viewed as the norm for that culture.
Depression can have several different underlying causes. It is likely caused by some combination of environmental, genetic, psychological and biochemical factors. In some cases, depression can be triggered by an event such as a death or loss of job while other causes are more systemic such as age or heredity.
Also, there are some Hypothesized Adaptive Evolutionary Theories of Depression that point to some evolutionary theories on why we get depressed.
And finally, some Psychological Perspectives on the Etiology of Depression seek to explain depression from the standpoint of unexpressed and repressed anger.
Depression can have several different underlying causes. It is likely caused by some combination of environmental, genetic, psychological and biochemical factors. In some cases, depression can be triggered by an event such as a death or loss of job while other causes are more systemic such as age or heredity.
Also, there are some Hypothesized Adaptive Evolutionary Theories of Depression that point to some evolutionary theories on why we get depressed.
And finally, some Psychological Perspectives on the Etiology of Depression seek to explain depression from the standpoint of unexpressed and repressed anger.
Depression is one of the most common disorders encounteredby mental health professionals. Data provided by the National Institute ofMental Health (NIMH) indicates that more than 19 million adult Americans willexperience some form of depression each year and that depression is the leadingcause of disability in the U.S. According to NIMH, the costs associated withdepression are more than $30 billion per year.1Further estimates suggest that by 2010, depression will be the second mostcostly of all illnesses worldwide—in 1990 it was ranked fourth.2 Depression can be thought of as a mood state, a syndromeinvolving a collection of symptoms irrespective of the presence of otherpsychological or medical disorders. Depression itself can be a symptom—forexample, being sad or tearful. As a syndrome, depression is a constellation ofsigns and symptoms that cluster together (e.g., sadness, negative self-concept,sleep and appetite disturbances, loss of pleasure). The syndrome of depressionis itself a psychological dysfunction but can also be present, in secondaryways, in other diagnosed disorders. In its most serious forms, depression is adisabling disorder that is associated with serious emotional distress, severesocial and occupational disruption, increased risk for physical illness andsometimes death. Up to 15% of individuals with severe major depressive disorderdie by suicide. Depression is frequently a chronic disorder that can last formonths or even years. Nevertheless, it has been proven that most severedepression can be improved with treatment.
While depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, ischaracterized as a period of unhappiness or low morale which lasts longer thanseveral weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide, Dysthymia,a related disorder, is characterized by depression symptoms that last two yearsor longer but at a lower severity. Other types of depression includingpostpartum depression, psychotic depression and seasonal affective disorder(SAD) are treated with different protocols as prescribed by a psychiatristand/or clinical psychologist.<o:p></o:p>
No amount of data can adequately capture or convey thepersonal pain and suffering experienced in depression. Yet most depressedpeople do not get professional help. Depression effects a fairly largenumber of people—20% of people are impacted but only one-quarter of them seekany type of treatment.3 Even though the vast majorityof people recover from an episode of depression, they remain vulnerable tofuture depression. At least 50% of individuals who suffer from one depressiveepisode will have another within 10 years. Those experiencing two episodes havea 90% chance of suffering a third while individuals with three or more lifetimeepisodes have relapse rates of 40% within 15 weeks of recovery from an episode.4<o:p></o:p>
<o:p>History of Depression</o:p>
The concept of depression is documented in the earliest ofhuman records. For example, descriptions of conditions resembling depressioncan be found in the Bible as well as in Egyptian writings circa 2600 B.C. Ina biblical reference, King David as well Job seemed to be afflicted bydepression. It was the ancient Greeks, however, who provided the firstcasual theories of depression. Diseases were characterized as disruptions ofbalance among the fluids or humors in the body. “Melancholia” was hypothesizedby Hippocrates in the fourth century B.C. to stem from an imbalance of blackbile, “darkening the spirit and making it melancholy.” These ideas paved theway for the modern conception of depression, arising with Araetus of Cappadociaaround 120 A.D., who characterized melancholia by sadness, a tendency towardsuicide, feelings of indifference, and psychomotor agitation.5<o:p></o:p>
In the mid-eighteenth century, Kant turned conceptions ofdepression back to the body by suggesting that emotions could not cause mentalillness. The resulting conception of depression as a somatic ailment prevailedthroughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It was not until the earlytwentieth century that theorists such as Abraham6 andFreud7 associated psychological/ emotionalfactors in a causal manner with the onset and maintenance of depression.
Throughout history much emphasis had been placed on thecause of depression but in recent times, the focus has shifted to the diagnosisof depression which has been categorized by a particular set of symptoms. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p>Prevalence</o:p>
Prevalence estimates vary considerably depending upon theaspects and/or kinds of depression whose prevalence is being estimated. Whendepression is defined as a negative mood, most people would probably qualify ashaving been depressed at some point. Fewer estimates have been attempted toassess the numbers of people with syndromal features indicative of depression.A large number of studies have been conducted to identify numbers ofindividuals meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.Regarding gender, depression tends to be more common in women than in men. Whenvariables such as socioeconomic status are controlled, current research has notdetected markedly different rates of depression for different ethnicitiesthroughout the United States.<o:p></o:p>
Some studies of depression outside of North America findslight differences in lifetime and one-year prevalence rates. In the U.S., theEpidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) study found a mean lifetime prevalencerate of 4.9% for major depressive disorder.8Some research suggests that the rate of depression in Taiwan is generallylower.9 The rate in New Zealand wasconsiderably higher than in the ECA study, with a lifetime prevalence rate of12.6%. This difference was due to the presence of more depressed older womenand younger men in the sample.10Estimates of depression in Ghana and Nigeria have been as high as 20%.11These differences must be considered cautiously, however, in that they may bedue to differences in the samples and methods used to diagnose depression.Nevertheless, setting the differences aside, is it evident that depression is asyndrome that is experienced worldwide. <o:p></o:p>
Some people have isolated episodes of depression that areseparated by many years without any depressive symptoms, whereas others haveclusters of episodes, and still others have increasingly frequent episodes asthey grow older. Some evidence suggests the periods of remission generally lastlonger early in the course of the disorder. The number of prior episodespredicts the likelihood of developing a subsequent Major Depressive Episode. Atleast 60% of individuals with a single episode of Major Depressive Disorder canbe expected can be expected to have a second episode. Individuals who have hadtwo episodes have a 70% chance of having a third, and individuals who have hadthree episodes have a 90% chance of having a fourth.12
References
^1 National Institute of Mental Health. (1999).
2Keller, M. B., & Boland, R. J. (1998). Implications of failing toachieve successful long-term maintenance treatment of of recurrentunipolar major depression. Biological Psychiatry, 44(5), 348-360.^
3Jarrett, R. B. (1995). Comparing and combining short-term psychotherapyand pharmacotherapy for depression. In E. E. Beckham & W. R. Leber(Eds.), Handbook of depression (2nd ed., pp. 435-464). New York: Guilford Press.
^4Kupfer, D J., Frank, E., & Warmhoff, J. (1996). Mood disorders:Update on prevention of recurrence. In C. Mundt, M. M. Goldstein, K.Hahlweg, & P. Fielder (Eds.), Interpersonal factors in the origin and course of affective disorders (pp. 289-302). London: Gaskell/Royal College of Psychiatrists.
5Ingram, R. E., Scott, W., & Siegle, G. (1999). Depression: Socialand Cognitive Aspects. In T. Millon, P. H. Blaney, & R. D. Davis'(Eds.), Oxford textbook of psychopathology(pp.203-226). New York: Oxford Press.^
6 Abraham,K. (1911/1960). Notes on the psychoanalytic investigation and treatmentof manic-depressive insanity and allied conditions. InSelected Papers on Psychoanalysis (pp. 12-24). New York: Basic Books.
^7 Freud, S. (1917/1950). Mourning and melancholia. In Collected Papers (Vol. 4). London: Hogarth Press.
8 Freedman, D. X. (1984). Psychiatric epidemiology counts. Archives of General Psychiatry, 41, 931-933.
9Hwu, H., Yeh, E. K., & Chang, L. Y. (1989). Prevalence ofpsychiatric disorders in Taiwan defined by the Chinese DiagnosticInterview Schedule. Acta Psychiatrica Scandiinavica, 79, 136-147.
10Oakley-Browne, M. A., Joyce, P. R., Wells, J. E., & Bushell, J. A.(1989). Christchurch Psychiatric Epidemiology Study: II. Six month andother period prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 23, 327-340.
11Flaherty, J. A., Gavira, F. M., & Val, E. R. (1982). Diagnosticconsiderations. In E. R. Val, F. M. Gavira, & J. A. Flaherty(Eds.), Affective disorders: Psychopathology and treatment. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers.
12 American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth Edition: Text Revision. Washington, DC: Author.^Depression can be thought of as a mood disorder, a syndrome involving a collection of symptoms irrespective of the presence of other psychological or medical disorders. Depression itself can be a symptom of other diagnosed disorders. As its own psychological dysfunction syndrome, depression is a constellation of signs and symptoms that cluster together (e.g., sadness, negative self-concept, sleep and appetite disturbances, loss of pleasure). In its most serious forms, depression is a disabling disorder that is associated with emotional distress, severe social and occupational disruption, increased risk for physical illness and sometimes death. Up to 15% of individuals with severe Major Depressive Disorder die by suicide. Depression is frequently a chronic disorder that can last for months or even years. Nevertheless, it has been proven that most severe depression can be improved with treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that more than 19 million adult Americans experience some form of depression each year. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. According to NIMH and the costs associated with depression are more than $30 billion per year.1 Needless to say, depression is one of the most commonly encountered disorders by mental health professionals. Further estimates suggest that by 2010, depression will be the second most costly of all illnesses worldwide—in 1990 it was ranked fourth.2
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized as a period of unhappiness or low morale which lasts longer than several weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide. Dysthymia, a related disorder, is characterized by depression symptoms that last two years or longer but at a lower severity. Other types of depression including postpartum depression, bipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are treated with different protocols as prescribed by a psychiatrist and/or clinical psychologist.
No amount of data can adequately capture or convey the personal pain and suffering experienced in depression. Yet most depressed people do not get professional help. Depression effects a fairly large number of people—20% of people are impacted but only one-quarter of them seek any type of treatment.3 Even though the vast majority of people recover from depression, they remain vulnerable to future symptoms and depressive episodes. At least 50% of individuals who suffer from one depressive episode will have another within 10 years. Those experiencing two episodes have a 90% chance of suffering a third while individuals with three or more lifetime episodes have relapse rates of 40% within 15 weeks of recovery from an episode.4
Major Depressive disorder is highlighted in this health challenge as it is the most prevalent form of depression. However, many types of depression exist.
Read more about the varied clinical diagnosis of depression: Types of Depression
Read more about Women's Depression
Read more about Men's Depression
Read more about Childhood Depression
Read more about Adolescent Depression
Read more about History of Depression
Depression can be thought of as a mood disorder, a syndrome involving a collection of symptoms irrespective of the presence of other psychological or medical disorders. Depression itself can be a symptom of other diagnosed disorders. As its own psychological dysfunction syndrome, depression is a constellation of signs and symptoms that cluster together (e.g., sadness, negative self-concept, sleep and appetite disturbances, loss of pleasure). In its most serious forms, depression is a disabling disorder that is associated with emotional distress, severe social and occupational disruption, increased risk for physical illness and sometimes death. Up to 15% of individuals with severe Major Depressive Disorder die by suicide. Depression is frequently a chronic disorder that can last for months or even years. Nevertheless, it has been proven that most severe depression can be improved with treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that more than 19 million adult Americans experience some form of depression each year. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. According to NIMH and the costs associated with depression are more than $30 billion per year.1 Needless to say, depression is one of the most commonly encountered disorders by mental health professionals. Further estimates suggest that by 2010, depression will be the second most costly of all illnesses worldwide—in 1990 it was ranked fourth.2
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized as a period of unhappiness or low morale which lasts longer than several weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide. Dysthymia, a related disorder, is characterized by depression symptoms that last two years or longer but at a lower severity. Other types of depression including postpartum depression, bipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are treated with different protocols as prescribed by a psychiatrist and/or clinical psychologist.
No amount of data can adequately capture or convey the personal pain and suffering experienced in depression. Yet most depressed people do not get professional help. Depression effects a fairly large number of people—20% of people are impacted but only one-quarter of them seek any type of treatment.3 Even though the vast majority of people recover from depression, they remain vulnerable to future symptoms and depressive episodes. At least 50% of individuals who suffer from one depressive episode will have another within 10 years. Those experiencing two episodes have a 90% chance of suffering a third while individuals with three or more lifetime episodes have relapse rates of 40% within 15 weeks of recovery from an episode.4
Major Depressive disorder is highlighted in this health challenge as it is the most prevalent form of depression. However, many types of depression exist.
Read more about the varied clinical diagnosis of depression: Types of Depression
Read more about Women's Depression
Read more about Men's Depression
Read more about Childhood Depression
Read more about Adolescent Depression
Read more about History of Depression
Depression can be thought of as a mood disorder, a syndrome involving a collection of symptoms irrespective of the presence of other psychological or medical disorders. Depression itself can be a symptom of other diagnosed disorders. As its own psychological dysfunction syndrome, depression is a constellation of signs and symptoms that cluster together (e.g., sadness, negative self-concept, sleep and appetite disturbances, loss of pleasure). In its most serious forms, depression is a disabling disorder that is associated with emotional distress, severe social and occupational disruption, increased risk for physical illness and sometimes death. Up to 15% of individuals with severe Major Depressive Disorder die by suicide. Depression is frequently a chronic disorder that can last for months or even years. Nevertheless, it has been proven that most severe depression can be improved with treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that more than 19 million adult Americans experience some form of depression each year. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. According to NIMH and the costs associated with depression are more than $30 billion per year.1 Needless to say, depression is one of the most commonly encountered disorders by mental health professionals. Further estimates suggest that by 2010, depression will be the second most costly of all illnesses worldwide—in 1990 it was ranked fourth.2
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized as a period of unhappiness or low morale which lasts longer than several weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide. Dysthymia, a related disorder, is characterized by depression symptoms that last two years or longer but at a lower severity. Other types of depression including postpartum depression, bipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are treated with different protocols as prescribed by a psychiatrist and/or clinical psychologist.
No amount of data can adequately capture or convey the personal pain and suffering experienced in depression. Yet most depressed people do not get professional help. Depression effects a fairly large number of people—20% of people are impacted but only one-quarter of them seek any type of treatment.3 Even though the vast majority of people recover from depression, they remain vulnerable to future symptoms and depressive episodes. At least 50% of individuals who suffer from one depressive episode will have another within 10 years. Those experiencing two episodes have a 90% chance of suffering a third while individuals with three or more lifetime episodes have relapse rates of 40% within 15 weeks of recovery from an episode.4
Major Depressive disorder is highlighted in this health challenge as it is the most prevalent form of depression. However, many types of depression exist.
Read more about the varied clinical diagnosis of depression: Types of Depression
Read more about Women's Depression
Read more about Men's Depression
Read more about Childhood Depression
Read more about Adolescent Depression
Read more about History of Depression
As a clinical psychologist in-training, I have been educated in treating depression using CBT methods as well as psychodynamic therapy. In my experience with patients, CBT tends to improve depressive symptoms most when there is a strong alliance between the therapist and patient prior to the implementation of CBT methods. The relationship between the patient and myself is primary and must be strong before CBT is delivered. For some who practice in the field of psychology, CBT seems a bit too scripted or structured for their tastes as a practitioner. For me, it has been a good fit as I like both the structure and protocols that are part of the treatment but also enjoy the flexibility in when and how the content is delivered. I have had the most success with those patients who intellectually "get" the tenets of CBT, are willing to do the hard work both in and out of session, and are not afraid or resistant to try something new. Just introducing the patient to common cognitive distortions that many of us engage in on a daily basis can be illuminating to the patient. Combine self-awareness and education with concrete strategies for how to change that negative self-talk and half the battle to eliminating one's depression has been won!
As a clinical psychologist in-training, I have been educated in treating depression using CBT methods as well as psychodynamic therapy. In my experience with patients, CBT tends to improve depressive...
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