Depression Flashcards
What is depression?
Depression is a mental illness characterized by pervasive/persistent feelings of sadness, numbness, loss, hopelessness. It is the leading cause of disability in the US.
What causes depression?
There is no single cause.
Psychological, hereditary, biological/genetic, environmental factors and major life changes (death, major loss, chronic stress, substance abuse, illness).
What are the symptoms of major depression?
Sleeping issues (too much, too little)
Waking up frequently during the night
Eating issues (too much, too little)
Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, anxiety
Feelings of numbness, lack of joy or happiness
Persistent fatigue and “brain fog”
Slowed thinking
Headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, nausea, pain without medical basis
Excessive crying
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
Difficulty with memory
Restlessness, agitation, irritability
Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
What kinds of medications are used to treat depression?
ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND ADJUNCTIVE AGENTS
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
SNRIs (serotonin and neorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Adjunctive agents (ex/ atypical antipsychotic
How long does it take to diagnose depression?
At least 2+ weeks of symptoms
It varies, because depression can start very mildly/gradually and intensively progress. It can also begin severely. It often goes unnoticed and untreated.
How long does it take an antidepressant medication to work?
Starting effect: 2-4 weeks
Full effect: 10-12 weeks
How does depression affect men?
SUPPRESSION OF FEELINGS. Showing signs of sadness, grief, hopelessness and tiredness make men feel extremely vulnerable. Threatens masculinity.
Escalating anger, aggression, addictive behavior, substance abuse, compensation.
How does depression affect women?
Women are twice as likely to suffer depression, and have different kinds of depression that men may not have. They also go through many more hormonal changes and cycles than men do.
Pre-menstrual depression
Post-partum depression
Menopause
How does depression affect children and teens?
Children may complain of aches and pains more than feelings. They may be emotionally needy or “clingy.” They may not be able to verbalize feelings.
Many teenagers experience depression (1 in 5).
Depression in teens can go unnoticed because of interpretation of “teen moody behavior” such as anger, irritability, aggression, substance abuse, risky behaviors or running away.
How does depression affect older people and elders?
It can be difficult to recognize in older persons, because it can be misinterpreted with other illnesses OR be mistakenly considered as “a normal part of aging.”
Body pains and issues Withdrawal and isolation Higher risk of assisted suicide Chronic illness Loss and social transition Memory problems Losing appetite/weight loss Irritability Delusions and hallucinations
What helps older people with depression?
- Give them something to do
- Give people a plan, something to look forward to
