If you are struggling with feelings of hopelessness, anger, or apathy, it is possible that you might be suffering from depression. A doctor can diagnose depression by looking at standard screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). These are surveys of nine questions designed to assess depression severity. Most doctors use the PHQ-9 when diagnosing depression, and many primary care physicians diagnose depression on the basis of this questionnaire. Regardless of whether these symptoms appear on these questionnaires, understanding the causes of depression is essential to finding effective treatment.
Psychotherapy is a valuable form of treatment for depression. It can be as effective as medication alone, and is often combined with medication to reduce the severity of depression and its duration. Psychotherapy can also be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatments. While many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, not everyone responds the same way to each treatment. Therefore, different methods of therapy may be more appropriate for you. However, the most important factor is to make sure that you choose a treatment that works for you.
There is no single “depression gene” that causes depression. However, genetics and environment play a role in developing depression, and relatives of those with depression are more likely to suffer from the disease. It is also possible that multiple genes interact in special ways, contributing to different types of depression in families. Because it is extremely difficult to find a single “depression gene,” many genes may contribute to different types of depression. So, it is unlikely that a single gene is the cause of depression. Instead, the interaction between multiple genes, environment, and lifestyle may lead to different forms of depression.
Many factors may contribute to depression, but these factors can be combined to cause a downward spiral. For example, someone with depression may be feeling glum or depressed after a life-changing illness. A relationship breakup may contribute to a person’s low mood, and may cause him or her to stop socializing and drink more. A lack of friends and family can lead to a person’s depression, and a breakup between two people can also contribute to low mood.
While it is true that some people are more likely to develop depression than others, there is no single cause. A combination of genetics and environmental factors, as well as stressful events in a person’s life, contribute to the condition. Psychotherapy and medication can often alleviate depression symptoms. In some cases, medication alone is not enough. If these factors are present, you may need long-term treatment. If you feel that your depression is progressing to a higher level, it’s a good idea to seek help.
Although feeling down is natural, if it persists and causes you to stop living your life, it could be a sign of depression. Depression is a long-term low mood disorder that interferes with everyday activities. It may affect your sleep patterns, work performance, and relationships. Symptoms vary between individuals. While all of these factors are common, some people may not experience all of them. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person and even for days or weeks.