Depression

AvilipsaRautela

Situational and clinical depression are similar but not the same. Recognizing the differences between these types of depression is the first step toward getting help.
Situational depression is known medically as “adjustment disorder with depressed mood.” It often resolves in time, and talking about the problem can ease the recovery process.


Clinical depression, known medically as “major depressive disorder,” can develop if the individual does not recover. This is a more severe mental health condition.
Some key differences between situational and clinical depression will determine the type of treatment the person needs and the severity of the condition.
No type of depression is more “real” than another. Both can present significant challenges and threats to wellbeing.
However, knowing which type of depression is at the root of a persistent negative mood can support recovery.
Situational depression
This is a short-term form of depression that occurs as the result of a traumatic event or change in a person’s life.
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood is another name for this emotional state.
Triggers can include:
divorce
loss of a job
other major life changes, such as retirement
Situational depression stems from a struggle to come to terms with dramatic life changes. Recovery is possible once an individual comes to terms with a new situation.




Symptoms can include:
listlessness
feelings of hopelessness and sadness
sleeping difficulties
frequent episodes of crying
unfocused anxiety and worry
loss of concentration
withdrawal from normal activities as well as from family and friends
suicidal thoughts
Most people who experience situational depression begin to have symptoms within 90 days of the triggering event.


Clinical depression
Clinical depression is more severe than situational depression.
It is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. It is severe enough to interfere with daily function.
The Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) classifies clinical depression as a mood disorder.
Disturbances in levels of certain chemicals — known as neurotransmitters — may be to blame.
However, other factors are likely to play a role, for example:
genetic factors may influence an individual’s response to an experience or event
major life events can trigger negative emotions, such as anger, disappointment, or frustration
alcohol and drug dependence also have links to depression
Depression can also alter a person’s thought processes and bodily functions
Diagnosing depression
For a formal diagnosis of clinical depression, a person must meet the criteria outlined in the DSM.
A person must show five or more symptoms from a specific list of criteria, over a 2-week period, for most of nearly every day.
The symptoms should be severe enough that they substantially reduce the person’s ability to perform regular duties and routines.
At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure.
Other signs and symptoms include:
depressed mood or constant irritability
significantly reduced interest or feeling no pleasure in activities
significant weight loss or weight gain
a decrease or increase in appetite
insomnia or an increased desire to sleep
restlessness or slowed behavior
tiredness or loss of energy
feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
trouble making decisions or concentrating
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or a suicide attempt
Some people with clinical depression experience delusions, hallucinations, and other psychotic disturbances.
These do not generally occur in people with situational depression.
Situational depression is a natural response to a traumatic event.
The condition usually resolves:
as time passes after the stressful situation or event
as the situation improves
when the person recovers from the life event
In most cases, situational depression is only short-term. Mild cases of situational depression often resolve without active treatment. However, some strategies can help a person reduce the effects of situational depression.
A few helpful lifestyle changes include:
getting regular exercise
eating a well-balanced diet
keeping to regular sleeping habits
talking to loved ones
joining a formal support group
taking up a hobby or leisure activity
People who find it difficult to recover from a traumatic experience might wish to seek consultation with a psychotherapist.
If the issue revolves around family dynamics or difficulties, family therapy is another option.
People with severe situational depression might receive a prescription for medications including antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.
Treatment for clinical depression
Clinical depression can last for a long time. It may require more long-term management and an in-depth treatment plan.
A doctor may recommend a combination of psychotherapy or psychological counseling and medication to treat clinical depression.
A primary care physician can prescribe medicine or make a referral to a mental health professional if they feel that the individual requires this level of care.
In severe cases, especially if a person tries to self-harm, they may need to stay in the hospital or attend an outpatient treatment program until symptoms improve.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also support recovery.

mazherali

Leading cause of suicide among young individuals - treatable. Need to create awareness.

sharmayash607

Such a knowledgeable post. Thanks for sharing

Rushcourt71

I wonder if depression is greater in western nations than in other countries.

pgangwani35

In depression take a help of psychiatrist

enbee

There are Suicide prevention helplines and befriending helplines for people in Distress or suicidal. We need to listen more to people who are going through distress...but often close family and friends are not that close! Or we cant talk to them about these things... Listening helplines are a great addition to the overall mental health support network. Also not many people have access to good therapists or psychiatrists. Sometimes a listener on a phone is all they have.