Depression explained

Clinical depression, known in psychiatry as major depressive disorder, is a brain disorder in which the brain loses its capacity to properly regulate a person’s emotions, thought patterns, and behavioral reactions. This is due to the brain losing it ability to balance its information connections and biochemistry leading to frequent feelings of sadness, inability to enjoy activities, disruption of sleep and eating patterns, poor energy, irritability, feelings of guilt, concentration problems, and difficulty in making decisions. It is estimated that around 15% of the population that suffers from major depression eventually commits suicide.

There are other neuropsychiatric conditions which might lead to depressive symptoms. Such conditions include adjustment disorders (a very strong reaction to adjusting to changes), bipolar illness, dysthymic disorder (a low level, chronic depression), and others. Mayor depressive disorder also has some subtypes depending on a person’s symptoms.

Factors such as heredity, chronic stress, emotional stress, substance abuse, medical conditions, medication side effects, history of abuse, and others could predispose a person to depression by affecting brain function. Studies indicate that depression is slightly more common in women than in men, meaning gender is also another factor in the condition. 

Depression is unfortunately a very common medical condition. It is estimated that about 25% of all people will at some point meet criteria for a diagnosis of mayor depressive disorder. And current trends indicate that the incidence of depression is increasing. Despite that fact that depression is very common most depressed people will never seek or receive treatment for their condition. And of the people that are prescribed treatment most will abandon treatment. This are regrettable facts because depression is a treatable (even curable) condition.

Depression deeply affects the lives of those who suffer it and the people close to them. Someone with depressed mood will not be able to enjoy life.  Personal relationships and ability to work are also affected, as symptoms impair ability to appropriately respond to personal situations and  problems with concentration frequently affect job performance. Also, appetite changes affect self esteem with the associated weight changes. Depression might also lead some to try to “self-medicate” with drugs and alcohol leading to addiction. And in severe depression a person might attempt and commit suicide.

Depression is a medical condition of the brain which affects in many ways the life of those afflicted. The first in treatment is to a approach a healthcare professional so the condition might be identified and treated. it’s important to understand that depression is a brain disorder and that there are effective therapies to treat the disorder. Also, as with any health condition there are steps a person might take that will lead to better health (dieting, exercising, change of habits and environment) to improve a depressive condition.

The information in this blog is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Consult with your physician about any health concerns you have.

For appointments with Dr. Romero call 787-764-5642 or visit www.mimejoramiento.com

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