Debilitating Depression

Depression, as you must be aware of, is a chronic psychological condition that not only affects the mind, but also takes its toll on the body, as well. A person who is diagnosed to be suffering from it, thinks, behaves and feels in way that is far from being normal. Most people might suppose that the condition is momentary, and the person may go over it in a matter of time. However, this is not the case. When depression settles down, it stays for a good period of time, requiring long-term treatment to deal with its symptoms, and other emotional and physical problems. Now, as I have said, "debilitating depression" is a term that can be used to describe a critical stage of this condition. We would know more about it, as we move on further in this article.

What is Debilitating Depression?
The word 'debilitating' means a condition wherein strength and vitality get severely impaired. And that is what depression does, both to the body and the mind. Without any kind of treatment, over time, the symptoms become so bad, that it creates a halt in the daily activities of the affected person. The symptoms have been listed in the following, to help you understand how intense this ailment can get.

Responsible Factors
Contrary to what most people think, depression is not the result of any psychological trauma to the person. In many cases, certain medical conditions could also cause it. Some people may have physical changes in the brain, or their neurotransmitters may be malfunctioning. Other causes are hormonal changes in the brain, and heredity factors. And about psychological causes, early childhood trauma and certain life events may end up in this condition.

Important Indicants
As the condition encompasses both the mind and the body, the depression symptoms are many, and easily noticeable. The psychological manifestations are:

• The person may have a constant feeling of sadness or unhappiness, that is fueled with extreme hopelessness.
• The sufferer may not show any interest in stuffs or activities which he/she used to enjoy earlier.
• He/she may exhibit anger or frustration over petty issues.
• Reduced or no sex drive.
• Extreme loss of appetite. This often results in rapid weight loss. However, in some people, the symptom may be otherwise.
• Either there may be lack of sleep, or abnormal sleepiness.
• Debilitating depression brings about a constant spell of restlessness in the person, which makes him/her indecisive, and low on concentration.
• It is common for someone in depression to have a late reaction to body movements, speech and thoughts.
• Suicidal thoughts may be common, and so may be crying spells for no apparent reason.
• The sufferer would develop an attitude in bringing back his/her instances of failures.

Physical manifestations aren't many in number except unexplained fatigue, being drained out most of them, and back pain or headaches.

Medical Intervention
Although the condition is long-term one and take the sufferer through the worst situations, fortunately, there are several choices for the treatment. The treatment methods encompass use of medications and psychological counseling. The standard classes of depression medications which are prescribed are as follows:

• Atypical antidepressants
• Drugs for anxiety
• Drugs for stabilizing mood
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Stimulants
• Tricyclic antidepressants

With regards to medications, no two person may be recommended the same drug. In order to find the right one, the patient might have to go through a trial and error method.

However, it is always said that, when it comes to treating a case of severe debilitating depression, more than medications, counseling is required. Here, experts arrange meetings with patients, wherein, they talk about the condition and other relate problems. This kind of depression treatment is basically a channel through which the sufferer is helped in venting his/her emotions and any kind of thoughts for that matter. The extensive discussions that happen in these sessions, help the patient realize the factors that are behind him/her being a victim of depression. The psychotherapy aims at changing negative thoughts and behavior of the patient, and help him/her learn ways to cope with situations that might be depressing. And above all, experts provide a way with the help of which, the sufferer can set realistic goal for himself/herself in life, which is important to face the real world. Moreover, there is not just one type, but several types of psychological therapy that patients may benefit from.

Another method to deal with such conditions is what is known as the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Here, electric current is passed through the brain, in order to target the neurotransmitters in the area. In most cases, this therapy has been able to provide immediate relief from the symptoms. This method is usually preserved for those people who are on a critical stage of their condition, and have not shown any improvements even with the help of medications. It also suits expecting mothers, for whom, taking drugs is not a viable option. Similar to this is vagus nerve stimulation. Here, electric impulses are fed to the brain, with an attempt to affect the mood centers. Even this is employed for serious cases which have become resistant to all other treatments. Then comes transcranial magnetic stimulation, where, as the name suggests, powerful surges of magnetic flux are made use of to improve the symptoms.

Apart from what the doctors do and recommend, patients or their family members can take several self-care measures at home to keep the condition of debilitating depression from worsening. These would include realizing the symptoms, getting regular exercises, getting plenty of sleep, abstaining from smoking, alcohol and drugs, and educating themselves about the latest findings about the condition.