Treatment FAQ

depression treatment. can dangerous. how it

by Keely Borer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore.

Therapy

Jul 09, 2021 · A depression treatment plan can help you avoid these eight health risks linked to depression. 1. Depression and Heart Disease. Studies show that depression can lead to heart disease, make heart disease worse, and make it more …

Self-care

Another reason to seek treatment: Untreated postpartum depression has been shown to pose long-lasting behavioral and neurodevelopmental risks to a woman’s children. “It can cause marital strife and anxiety for other children in the home who often don’t understand what is wrong but can identify that Mommy isn’t herself,” Dr. Snyder said.

What happens if depression is not treated?

CBT is one of the most commonly used psychological therapies. It helps people with depression to monitor and change negative patterns of thinking and improve their coping skills so they are better equipped to deal with life’s stresses and conflicts. Antidepressant medications. The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medication. Antidepressant medication …

Can depression be treated?

Apr 21, 2017 · Without treatment, depression can lead to a host of serious physical and mental problems. Without treatment, depression can lead to a …

What are the risks of untreated depression?

People with untreated depression can usually get to work. But once there, they may be irritable, fatigued, and have difficulty concentrating. Untreated depression makes it …

How long does untreated clinical depression last?

Apr 11, 2022 · Certain bipolar depression symptoms can wreak havoc on your life. The most dangerous bipolar depression symptoms include: Substance abuse: Some studies indicate that around 60% of people with bipolar disorder also abuse drugs or alcohol. Periods of anger and bipolar depression: Aggressive or irate behavior can be a symptom of bipolar depression. This …

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What makes depression dangerous?

Untreated clinical depression is a serious problem. Untreated depression increases the chance of risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol addiction. It also can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, and make it difficult to overcome serious illnesses.Nov 13, 2021

What are side effects of depression medication?

The most common side effects experienced by people who use SSRIs include:digestive problems, including diarrhea.nausea.dry mouth.restlessness.headaches.insomnia or drowsiness.decreased sexual desire and difficulty reaching orgasm.erectile dysfunction.More items...

Is depression is a serious problem?

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Does depression cause permanent damage?

A depression not only makes a person feel sad and dejected – it can also damage the brain permanently, so the person has difficulties remembering and concentrating once the disease is over. Up to 20 percent of depression patients never make a full recovery.Dec 1, 2011

Can antidepressants damage your brain?

We know that antipsychotics shrink the brain in a dose-dependent manner (4) and benzodiazepines, antidepressants and ADHD drugs also seem to cause permanent brain damage (5).Sep 9, 2014

Is antidepressant harmful?

Antidepressants can cause dizziness and unsteadiness, increasing the risk of falls and bone fractures, especially in older people. Interactions with other medications can increase this risk. A very small number of people have had heart problems, epileptic fits or liver damage while taking antidepressants.Jun 18, 2020

How does depression affect the brain?

As depression starts to affect the brain's chemical balances, neurons in the hippocampus shrink, which can cause difficulty concentrating and memory loss. A shrunken hippocampus can also make completing familiar tasks difficult, which can lead to hopelessness, guilt, and anxiety.

What causes depression in the brain?

Research suggests that depression doesn't spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.

What exactly are the symptoms of depression?

SymptomsFeelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports.Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.More items...•Feb 3, 2018

Can the brain repair itself after depression?

A depressed person's brain does not function normally, but it can recover, according to a study published in the August 11 issue of Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology's scientific journal. Researchers measured the brain's responsiveness using magnetic stimulation over the brain and targeted muscle movement.Aug 13, 1999

How can I fix my brain after depression?

Here are nine brain-boosting tips to help you conquer depression:Get a checkup. This may seem like a no-brainer, especially if you've already been to your doctor for your diagnosis and treatment of depression. ... Check your medications. ... Sleep. ... Get moving. ... Get connected. ... Eat well and take DHA. ... De-stress. ... Be mindful.More items...•Sep 13, 2013

Can the brain heal itself from mental illness?

Your brain does eventually heal itself. This neuroplasticity or “brain plasticity” is the more recent discovery that gray matter can actually shrink or thicken; neural connections can be forged and refined or weakened and severed. Changes in the physical brain manifest as changes in our abilities.

What are the health risks of depression?

A depression treatment plan can help you avoid these eight health risks linked to depression. 1. Depression and Heart Disease. Studies show that depression can lead to heart disease, make heart disease worse, and make it more difficult to recover from complications of heart disease.

How long does depression last?

If you have symptoms of depression that last for more than two weeks, get help. Depression is a treatable disease, but without treatment, it can become a dangerous condition with a number of complications. Start with your primary care doctor. You may be referred to a psychiatrist.

What are the dangers of diabetes?

No matter which comes first, statistics show that about 20 percent of people with diabetes also have depression. Left untreated, depression and diabetes are a dangerous combination. 3. Depression and Obesity. If you’re depressed, you have a higher risk of being obese.

Does depression increase risk of diabetes?

Depression may increase your risk for type 2 diabetes if it causes you to eat poorly, smoke, gain weight, and skip exercising. If you already have diabetes or prediabetes, depression can keep you from doing the things necessary to manage your diabetes.

Can depression cause loss of brain power?

Long-standing depression can contribute to loss of brainpower. This is especially true if you are elderly. Brain scans of elderly people with depression show shrinkage in certain areas of the brain that is more significant than among elderly people without depression. Untreated depression early in life increases your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, becoming senile, and having a stroke. The more episodes of depression you have over time, the higher your risk.

Can you get depression from drugs?

If you have depression and you aren’t getting the right treatment, you may be tempted to treat your symptoms with drugs or alcohol. What’s more, these substances make depression harder to treat. It’s also true that abusing drugs or alcohol can lead to depression. Either way, drugs, alcohol, and depression make a dangerous combination. This is why it’s so important to get help for depression or a substance abuse problem.

Does depression make cancer worse?

Some studies show that depression’s effect on your immune system can make cancer worse. In one study, patients with breast cancer and depression were found to have a higher rate of cancer recurrence and early death. Studies also show that patients with depression and cancer have faster tumor growth.

What is the treatment for depression?

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating depression by talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health professional. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or psychological therapy.

How to help someone with depression?

Identify issues that contribute to your depression and change behaviors that make it worse. Regain a sense of satisfaction and control in your life and help ease depression symptoms, such as hopelessness and anger. Learn to set realistic goals for your life.

Why do people need hospitalization for depression?

This may be necessary if you can't care for yourself properly or when you're in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe until your mood improves.

What is a specifier in psychology?

A specifier means that you have depression with specific features, such as: Anxious distress — depression with unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control. Mixed features — simultaneous depression and mania, which includes elevated self-esteem, talking too much and increased energy.

How do doctors diagnose depression?

Your doctor may determine a diagnosis of depression based on: Physical exam. Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask questions about your health. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem. Lab tests.

Why do people use ECT?

ECT is usually used for people who don't get better with medications, can't take antidepressants for health reasons or are at high risk of suicide.

What are the characteristics of a melancholic personality?

Melancholic features — severe depression with lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure and associated with early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, major changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation or sluggishness. Atypical features — depression that includes the ability to temporarily be cheered by happy ...

What happens when you are depressed?

When you are depressed, you may not enjoy activities that you once loved. You may also think you won’t enjoy something but, when you do it, you actually enjoy it more than you expected.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Antidepressant medications. The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medication . Antidepressant medication may be prescribed, along with psychological treatments, when a person experiences a moderate to severe episode of depression.

What are the best ways to help someone with depression?

Professional help is very important, but there are also things you can do every day to help your recovery. Education, lifestyle changes, social support and psychological therapy are important treatments for depression.

How many people in Australia have depression?

Depression is common. In any one year, around one million people in Australia experience depression. One in six women and one in eight men experience depression at some time in their life. The good news is that just like a physical illness, depression is treatable and effective treatments are available.

What is mindfulness based cognitive therapy?

CBT is one of the most commonly used psychological therapies. It helps people with depression to monitor and change negative patterns of thinking and improve their coping skills so they are better equipped to deal with life’s stresses and conflicts.

How long does depression last?

Treatment for depression. Depression is unlikely to simply go away on its own. In fact, if ignored and left untreated, depression can go on for months, sometimes years, and can have many negative effects on a person’s life. Every person needs to find the treatment that’s right for them.

Can depression and anxiety be the same?

Many people with depression can also simultaneously experience anxiety conditions. In most cases the treatment for anxiety is similar to the treatment for depression, but it is important to tell your doctor or mental health professional about any anxiety symptoms so they tailor the treatment to both conditions.

How to prevent depression from worsening?

Getting professional treatment quickly is the key to preventing depression from worsening and leading to these serious complications. A doctor can first rule out other possible causes of depression-like symptoms, such as other illnesses or medications.

How long does peripartum depression last?

The APA estimates that 1 in 7 women experiences peripartum depression. While up to 70 percent of all new mothers experience short-term “baby blues,” peripartum depression is long-lasting. It can be physically and emotionally debilitating for months or years.

What are the complications of a syringe?

According to the Mayo Clinic, these complications include: 1 Excessive weight gain or loss 2 Physical pain or illness 3 Alcohol or substance abuse 4 Social anxiety, panic or phobias 5 Conflicts with family or personal relationships 6 Problems at work or school 7 Social isolation 8 Suicidal feelings or attempts 9 Self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting oneself 10 Premature death from other medical conditions

Why do older people feel depressed?

Most older adults are generally happy and satisfied with life, even given the increasing health problems and loss of friends and loved ones that come later in life. In some cases, other medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke or cancer, or medications for these or other illnesses, may cause depressive symptoms.

What does it mean when you feel sad?

Feeling sad or lonely or without purpose, which almost everyone experiences for short periods, lasts longer than normal. Or alcohol or drug use becomes heavier and more frequent. Sometimes fatigue or physical aches and pains linger with no obvious cause. All of these symptoms, and others as well, indicate the possibility of depression.

What is social withdrawal?

Social withdrawal from friends and family. Reckless and risky behavior. Severe mood changes. “The longer you live with those [suicidal] thoughts, the more they become entrenched,” says Alison Ross, a clinical psychologist and adjunct associate professor of psychology at the City College of New York.

Can a woman have depression during pregnancy?

Women can experience a unique form of depression during pregnancy. Commonly known as postpartum depression, the American Psychiatric Association prefers the term peripartum depression, because it can occur during pregnancy as well as after childbirth. The APA estimates that 1 in 7 women experiences peripartum depression.

What are the effects of depression?

In addition, untreated depression may result in weight gain or loss, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and irritability. Treating the depression helps the person get control over all of these depression symptoms.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Most people do best with depression treatment using psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both. For treatment-resistant depression, one that does not respond to medication, there are alternative treatments. One example is electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.

How do you know if you have insomnia?

Common signs of insomnia include: 1 Daytime fatigue 2 Irritability and difficulty concentrating 3 Sleep that never feels like "enough" 4 Trouble falling asleep 5 Trouble going back to sleep after waking up during the night 6 Waking up at all hours of the night 7 Waking up before the alarm clock goes off

Why do older people have depression?

Older adults suffer more frequently from depression because of the frequent loss of loved ones and friends as they age. They also experience more chronic illnesses, more major life changes like retirement, and the transition into assisted living or nursing care.

What is the difference between depression and clinical depression?

Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Clinical depression affects the way you eat and sleep. It affects the way you feel about yourself and those around you. It even affects your thoughts.

How long does depression last?

Without proper treatment, including antidepressants and/or psychotherapy, untreated clinical depression can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.

What are the signs of drug and alcohol abuse?

Trouble falling asleep. Trouble going back to sleep after waking up during the night. Waking up at all hours of the night. Waking up before the alarm clock goes off. What are signs of drug and alcohol abuse with untreated depression? Alcohol and drug abuse are common among people with clinical depression.

What are the symptoms of bipolar depression?

When someone is depressed, they usually experience fatigue, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness and a number of other physical and emotional challenges. Regular depressive episodes are often described as "unipolar," meaning they are not accompanied by "up" periods.

What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

Treatment for bipolar depression symptoms varies from person to person. If your doctor decides that medication is your best option, an antidepressant may be prescribed. If chronic, fluctuating moods disrupt your life, you may also be given a mood stabilizer. These two types of medication are often taken together.

How many types of bipolar disorder are there?

Bipolar depression symptoms exist on a sliding scale, and there are three main types of bipolar disorder. It's important to know the difference, as treatment may vary depending on your diagnosis. Bipolar I disorder: Bipolar I is characterized by symptoms of depression accompanied by at least one episode of full mania.

Is bipolar disorder worse than other mental illnesses?

Although no type of mental illness is better or worse than another, people with bipolar type I tend to experience more pronounced manic episodes, while those with bipolar type II are more prone to major depression.

Can bipolar disorder cause violence?

Periods of anger and bipolar depression: Aggressive or irate behavior can be a symptom of bipolar depression. This can lead to violence if left untreated.

Is hypomania dangerous?

Hypomania is usually described as a lesser version of mania and is not usually considered dangerous. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, can be severe. Studies show that depression symptoms outweigh hypomanic symptoms by about 35 to one in people with bipolar II disorder. Cyclothymic disorder: Cyclothymia is a chronic ...

What are the risks of postpartum depression?

Having one or more of the following risk factors for postpartum depression can increase your likelihood of developing the condition: 1 Stressful life events, including a traumatic birth 2 Inadequate social support, including being a single mom or experiencing domestic abuse 3 Personal or family history of depression 4 Pregnancy or birth complications, including preterm birth or a baby’s hospitalization 5 Being a teen mom 6 Giving birth to twins or triplets 7 Having had difficulty getting pregnant

How long does postpartum depression last?

If these symptoms last for longer than two weeks or affect your ability to care for yourself or your family, you might have postpartum depression. Risk factors can include histories of depression, stressful life events or inadequate social support.

What to do if you can't care for your baby?

If you do not think you will hurt your baby but cannot care for him or her, call a trusted family member or friend . If you cannot reach anyone or don’t know who to call and it’s not an emergency, call the “warmline,” a help line operated by Postpartum Support International, at 800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453.

Is it normal to be alone during postpartum?

Know you’re not alone. Even though it’s not “normal,” postpartum depression is common. “The most important thing is to let moms know that it does occur and they’re not alone,” Dr. Trachtenberg said. “Often moms have this image that this must be the most beautiful, wonderful time in their lives.”.

Is it normal to have baby blues?

“The ‘baby blues’ is a normal occurrence, and even when you’re overwhelmed, you feel like you want to be with the baby and bond with the baby,” said Dr. Jen Trachtenberg, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and creator of the parent video guide, “ Pediatrician in Your Pocket .”

Can postpartum depression cause anxiety?

Postpartum anxiety can also occur alongside postpartum depression and might include symptoms such as panic attacks, insomnia, obsessive fears about your baby’s health and safety, an inability to sit still or physical pain or discomfort, such as frequent headaches or stomachaches.

Why is it important to get help for depression?

Depression throws your emotions into a state of turmoil. It amplifies your emotions and makes it difficult for you to find your sense of calm. The anger that you feel may very well be overwhelming. This is why it is so imperative to get the right help when you're going through depression problems.

Why is anger so difficult?

Having reduced control over your emotions makes living your life more difficult. When your anger reaches a certain point, you will not feel as if you can bottle it up any longer. Those going through depression may have less of an ability to keep their anger contained. This can lead to severe outbursts of anger that can cause problems professionally and socially.

Is anger a part of depression?

Anger Is Just A Part Of Depression. Firstly, it's important to understand that there is not a specific condition known as angry depression or anger depression. Anger is simply one emotion or feeling that can manifest itself due to depression.

Can anger cause problems?

This can lead to severe outbursts of anger that can cause problems professionally and socially. If you cannot contain your angry feelings inside of you, then you might wind up unleashing them at the worst times. Some people suffering from depression will wind up having a hard time dealing with stress in the workplace.

Can antidepressants help with depression?

Most patients can be helped by using antidepressants, but therapy is also going to be an important tool for many people. Attending therapy can help you to examine the root causes of your depression. Often, there is a specific reason or trigger for a depressive episode.

Can depression be beaten?

Depression can be beaten over time, and you're going to have the easiest time when you have allies like this on your side. Reaching out today will allow you to get started as soon as possible. You can start receiving therapy to get your anger in check and to alleviate depression symptoms.

Is depression a feeling?

Many people are not aware of how many different ways depression can present itself. Depression is not simply an issue that causes a person to feel sad. It is a lot more profound and nuanced than that. Many people who are going through depression problems will also feel a deep sense of anger. Angry depression is something ...

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Psychotherapy and medications can help overcome the condition. Risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts or actions make major depressive disorder a life-threatening condition.
Medication

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): It increases the serotonin (a neurotransmitter) levels in the brain, which is known to control emotions.

Citalopram . Escitalopram . Sertraline


Antidepressants: Relax the mind.

Bupropion . Mirtazapine . Imipramine . Nortriptyline

Therapy

Psychotherapy:Talking about the condition and related issues with a mental health professional.

Brain stimulation therapy:To impact the function and effect of neurotransmitters and relieve depression.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS):To stimulate nerve cells in the brain which are involved in mood regulation and depression.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Control stressful events.
  • Avoid alcohol.

Specialist to consult

Psychotherapist
Specializes in using psychological methods rather than medical means to treat mental disorders.
Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

  • Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional. If you have severe depression, you may need a hospital stay, or you may need to p…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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