Major DepressionMajor Depression is probably the most recognized form of mood disorders. Much of our population suffers to some extent from depression. Keep in mind, there is a difference between normal depression and Major Depressive Disorder. Major Depressive Disorder is also known as clinical depression and consists of low moods, low self esteem and many times loss of interest in daily activities as well as disturbing thoughts.
Diagnosing Major DepressionFor a doctor to diagnose Major Depressive Disorder they will normally start out with what is called a Mental Status Exam. This exam includes a number of questions regarding the individual’s mood. After taking this exam, the doctor will perform a physical and talk with the patient about the symptoms that they are experiencing. Doctors like to investigate the symptoms thoroughly in order to determine if the individual is suffering from clinical depression or are simply having a bout of depression that may simply be part of their normal life. Everyone at some point in their life suffers from some type of depression that seems to heal it self over a brief amount of time.Once the doctor finishes their evaluation, they will be able to better assist the patient with their current mood. One of the most important details in diagnosing major depression is that these episodes have happened on more than one occasion. Those who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder may turn to drugs and alcohol to mask their symptoms. Drugs and alcohol can cause the symptoms of Major Depressive disorder to double or even triple. This temporary state of masking the disorder will eventually bring the patient down and the bottom is much worse than the Major Depressive symptoms without drugs and alcohol. If an individual has periods of hypomania and depression, the diagnosis may not be clinical depression, but Bipolar. This is why it is so important to visit the doctor at the onset of symptoms. Treating Major DepressionDepression is very common in today’s society and should be taken very seriously. As with other mood disorders, doctors will evaluate your symptoms in order to treat you with the appropriate treatment. Antidepressants are being freely prescribed for symptoms of depression but you will also risk major side effects from these drugs such as constipation, anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth and many more too numerous to mention. The point of these mood stabilizers is to help the patient maintain a more even mood but one of the side effects of many antidepressants, rarely mentioned, is depression itself; the very problem you are trying to rid yourself from.
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