Depression Case

Depression

Depression has been called the "Common Cold" of psychological disorders. (Myers 612) This is largely due in part to the unfortunate and alarming trends, which seem to indicate that many people suffer from depression at least once during their lifetime. In some cases this depression if not medically attended to may lead to a more severe case of depression or what is referred to as Major Depressive Disorder. There are several symptoms that once recognized can be seen as cause for the seeking out of medical attention. For example, when one feels their body starting to show signs of what may be unmerited fatigue, they develop a lack of a desire to eat, have sleep insomnia, or they suffer from a loss of enjoyment for some normal daily activities, it's time to seek medical attention. All of these can be indicators or symptoms of depression. However, if there are indications of thoughts of death or suicidal ideations then this is certainly a symptom of depression and attention is without a doubt a necessity. Suicidal thoughts should definitely be a trigger for intervention. With all of this being said...understanding how depression comes to exist, how it is diagnosed, the different perspectives on depression, and even some of the diagnostic trends in addition to the symptoms could be the difference in identifying and overcoming this "Common Cold" of psychological disorders.

Depression is usually triggered when stressful events arise in life. Stressful events can be anything from work related issues, financial hardships, a divorce, or loss of a loved one. All of these negative factors can surely disrupt someone's life and how these types of negative burdens are dealt with is the key in understanding and combating depression. Facing them with a positive out-look and solution decreases the chances of depression. Meanwhile, negative or stressful events interpreted through ruminating and a pessimistic explanatory style creates a hopeless, depressed state that hampers the way the person thinks and acts. This, in turn, fills negative experiences such as rejection. (Myer 621) This state is likely depression.

Physicians use the DSM-IV manual to help with the diagnosis of depression. The DSM-IV manual was made by the American Psychiatric Association lists the signs and symptoms of mental disorders along with several other resources. Some signs and symptoms for depression that are listed in the DSM-IV manual are: constant headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, low energy, fatigue, hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty for no reason, significant weight change, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in favorite activities. If five or more are present for most of the day and almost every day for two weeks and it affects your ability to function at home, work, with family, friends or colleagues the physician is able to have a more definite diagnosis of depression.

The Biological Perspective of depression