Symptoms of depression include sadness, irritability, anger, poor performance at school, feeling worthless, feeling misunderstood, and self-harm. Depression in teenagers should be treated immediately, and a trusted adult should be consulted. If symptoms persist, contact a mental health professional or call 911. There are no symptoms of depression that are unique to each individual; instead, symptoms of depression should be recognized and treated as they develop.
Psychotherapy is one option for treating depression. It can involve an individual, family, or a couple. This allows therapists to address issues within a person’s closest relationships. Group therapy is another form of therapy that brings together people with similar illnesses. These groups can teach participants how to cope with similar situations. While treatment for depression can take weeks or months, it is important to remember that a significant improvement can usually be seen after ten to fifteen sessions.
Research has shown that depression runs in families. Although the cause of depression is unknown, it is believed to have a genetic component. People with family members who suffer from depression are more likely to suffer from the disorder than the general population. In addition, multiple genes may interact in specific ways to contribute to the different types of depression that run in families. However, it is unlikely that a single gene is responsible for depression; many factors are believed to contribute to it, based on the way the genes interact with the environment.
Relationships are important. Unhappiness with a significant relationship can lead to depression. Other causes include financial problems and major life changes. A serious illness can trigger depression as well as a person’s hopelessness. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention to treat depression as early as possible. The sooner a person begins treatment, the better their chances of recovering from it. If the problem is chronic, treatment is critical. If not, medication is the only way to combat depression and get back on track.
While there are no specific causes for depression, it is likely that a number of factors contribute to it. Although depression is not solely a chemical imbalance, the disease can result from disruptions in the normal chemical messaging processes of the brain. The majority of modern antidepressants target certain chemical transmitters in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for relaying messages between the nerve cells in the brain. This can cause depression in both men and women. However, research continues to identify which genes are responsible for the development of depression.
A common medical illness, major depressive disorder (MDD), negatively affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Depressed people experience feelings of sadness that can interfere with their ability to perform their daily tasks. They may also have difficulty sleeping, eating, and engaging in other activities. The symptoms of depression vary from person to person, so it is crucial to seek medical care as soon as you suspect a depressive episode. Most people with depression will respond to treatment with psychotherapy or medication.