TYPES OF DEPRESSION:-

The National Institute of Mental Health states that there are two
common forms of depression:

1. Major Depressive Disorder, also called major depression, is

characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a
person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–
pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents
a person from functioning normally. An episode of major
depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more
often, it recurs throughout a person's life.
2. Dysthymic Disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by
long-term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that
may not disable a person, but can prevent one from functioning
normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also
experience one or more episodes of major depression during their
lifetimes.
3. Other types of depression are Bipolar depression or manic
depression, Depressive psychosis, Perinatal depression(pregnancy
related), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Seasonal depression,
Situational depression, Atypical depression(goes away in response
to positive events).

CAUSES:-
There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of
depression, including the following:
 Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the
vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.
 Certain medications. Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to
treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and
corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
 Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological
vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal
conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
 Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved
one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
 Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's
thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are
probably many different genes that each exert small effects,
rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The
genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as
simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as
Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis.
 Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job,
graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can
moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a
"normal" response to stressful life events.
 Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to
other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group
can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression.
 Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major
illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
 Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse
problems also have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or
alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will
aggravate depression.
What’s the Link Between Depression and Chronic
Illness?
In some people, a chronic illness causes depression. A chronic
illness is an illness that lasts for a very long time and usually
cannot be cured completely. However, chronic illnesses can often
be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, and certain
medications. Some examples of chronic illnesses that may cause
depression are diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease,
HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hypothyroidism may
also lead to depressed feelings.
Researchers believe that treating the depression may sometimes
also help the co-existing medical illness improve.

MISDIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION

“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It is
what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”

These are some of the conditions misdiagnosed to be depression:-

1. BIPOLAR DISORDER , is easily confused with depression
because it can include depressive episodes. The main
difference between the two is that depression is unipolar,
meaning that there is no “up” period, but bipolar disorder
includes symptoms of mania. A manic episode is described
as a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated,
 expansive, or irritable mood and increased goal-directed
activity or energy, lasting at least one week.
1. According to a study published in The British Journal of
Psychiatry, up to 22 percent of people with bipolar
disorder are mistakenly diagnosed with depression.
2. HYPOTHYROIDISM, In this condition, the thyroid gland does
not release a sufficient amount of hormones. Because these
hormones are necessary for the brain and body to function,
people with this disorder typically experience fatigue,
diminished concentration, and a low mood — all
characteristics of depression.
2. Unlike depression, however, people with
hypothyroidism are overly sensitive to cold
temperatures and may feel cold all the time. They’re
also more likely to experience dry skin, hair loss, and a
hoarse voice. Hypothyroidism can be properly
diagnosed through a simple blood test and treatment
requires only one pill a day.
3. DIABETES, People often develop Type 2 diabetes without
recognizing it. They may suddenly find themselves losing
weight, feeling fatigued, and growing irritable. Because all of
these symptoms are also associated with depression, people
may fail to recognize that their body is having problems with
insulin. One precursor to Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance)
has been significantly linked to depression.
3. People with diabetes are also at risk for “diabetes

distress,” a condition that mimics depression. A 2014

study found that people diagnosed with both diabetes
 and depression experienced reduced depression
symptoms after receiving interventions to help manage
diabetes. In other words, their symptoms were not due
to depression, but the stress of living with a chronic
illness.
(https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/5/1128)

4. CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, Also known as myalgic

encephalomyelitis or systemic exertion intolerance
disease, this condition is characterized by extreme
fatigue that has no apparent cause. Chronic fatigue
syndrome also involves difficulty concentrating, muscle
pain, and problems with sleep — all symptoms
associated with depression as well, which is why
people with chronic fatigue syndrome are so
frequently misdiagnosed.
 A study published in The Primary Care
Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
found that chronic fatigue syndrome is under-
diagnosed in more than 80 percent of the people
who have it, with depression being the most
common misdiagnosis.
 People with depression are both exhausted and
uninterested in their hobbies, while those with
chronic fatigue may still want to participate in
their interests despite their lack of energy.
TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION
When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under
a dark shadow. However, even the most severe depression is treatable.
So, if your depression is keeping you from living the life you want to,
don’t hesitate to seek help. From therapy to medication to healthy
lifestyle changes, there are many different treatment options available.

 Learn as much as you can about your depression. It’s important

to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to an
underlying medical condition. If so, that condition will need to be
treated first. Education about your condition can empower you
and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. Encourage your
family to learn about depression to help them understand and
support you.
 Lifestyle changes: An essential part of depression treatment
 Exercise. Regular exercise can be as effective at treating
depression as medication. Not only does exercise boost
serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain chemicals,
it triggers the growth of new brain cells and connections,
just like antidepressants do.
 Social support. Strong social networks reduce isolation, a
key risk factor for depression.
 Nutrition. Eating well is important for both your physical and
mental health. Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout
the day will help you keep your energy up and minimize
mood swings.
 Sleep. Sleep has a strong effect on mood. When you don’t
get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse.
 Sleep deprivation causes irritability, moodiness, sadness,
and fatigue.
 Challenge negative thoughts. The next time you're feeling terrible
about yourself, use logic as a natural depression treatment. You
might feel like no one likes you, but is there real evidence for
that? You might feel like the most worthless person on the planet,
but is that really likely? It takes practice, but in time you can beat
back those negative thoughts before they get out of control.
 Don’t rely on medications alone. Although medication can relieve
the symptoms of depression, it is not usually suitable for long-
term use. Other treatments, including exercise and therapy, can
be just as effective as medication, often even more so, but don’t
come with unwanted side effects. If you do decide to try
medication, remember that medication works best when you
make healthy lifestyle changes as well.
 Treatment takes time and commitment. All of these depression
treatments take time, and sometimes it might feel overwhelming
or frustratingly slow. That is normal. Recovery usually has its ups
and downs.
 Medication. Depression is not just about a chemical imbalance in
the brain. Medication may help relieve some of the symptoms of
moderate and severe depression, but it doesn’t cure the
underlying problem, and it’s usually not a long-term solution.
Antidepressant medications also come with side effects and safety
concerns, and withdrawal can be very difficult. If you are taking
medication for depression, don’t ignore other treatments.
Lifestyle changes and therapy not only help speed recovery from
depression, but also provide skills to help prevent a recurrence.
 Do something new. When you’re depressed, push yourself to do
something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and
read it on a park bench. Make time for things you enjoy.
 Psychotherapy. It is a general term for treating depression by
talking about your condition and related issues with a mental
health professional. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy
or psychological therapy.
 Write in a journal. Journaling, as part of your treatment, may
improve mood by allowing you to express pain, anger, fear or
other emotions
 Don't become isolated. Try to participate in social activities, and
get together with family or friends regularly.
 Don't make important decisions when you're down. Avoid
decision-making when you're feeling depressed, since you may
not be thinking clearly.