Depression: How is it Treated
Depression: Treatment – Exercise
Overview. Many people are familiar with the idea that exercise is good for health. The benefits of exercise for heart health, maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes are well established. What some people may not know is that exercise is also good for the brain and can help improve mood. Exercise can have antidepressant […]
Depression: Treatment – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Overview. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely-researched therapies for depression. It was initially developed in the late 1970’s for depression and has since been expanded and adapted to treat a variety of mental and behavioral health problems including anxiety, substance use and even schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Some other therapies including […]
Depression: Suicide
Overview. Suicide is a tragic outcome for some people who experience depression. Many people who attempt or die by suicide do so in response to symptoms of depression, which can generate a sense of profound hopelessness. Having thoughts of being better off dead or of wanting to kill oneself is called suicidal ideation and is […]
Depression: SSRI
Overview. Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for depression. The name “selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor” indicates how the medicine works in the brain by altering serotonin, one of the brains naturally occurring chemical messengers. SSRIs attach to cells in the brain in a way that interferes with the cell’s ability to vacuum […]
Depression: Special Populations – Ethnic Minorities
Compared to non-Latino whites, racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression. However, when racial and ethnic minorities do receive a diagnosis of depression, they are much less likely to receive mental health treatment than are non-Latino whites. For example, it is estimated that about 60% of non-Latino whites with […]
Depression: Special Populations – Men
Ask almost any mental health provider or researcher and they will tell you depression is more common in women than men. In fact, is has been a longstanding and well-accepted finding that depression is diagnosed 2-3 times more often in women. However, researchers have also suggested that this difference is due in part to differences […]
Depression: Societal Impact
Overview. For many people, it is most easily apparent that depression is an important problem because of the personal suffering that it can inflict on those who experience it. And, indeed, the personal suffering depression causes is troubling. In addition to this suffering, depression also has important impacts on society-at-large. Due to the high prevalence […]
Depression: Signs and Symptoms
Overview. Classic symptoms of depression include: Persistent sadness A loss of interest or enjoyment in activities Sleeping more or less than usual Changes in appetite, fatigue, agitation Feeling worthless Excessive guilt Trouble concentrating. Depression may also include irritability, social withdrawal, speaking or moving much more slowly than usual and thoughts of death or suicide. Other […]
Depression: Prevalence
Overview. Although it may be surprising to many people, forms of depression are among some of the most common health conditions out there. Major Depressive Disorder is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression. Because of the frequency with which it is seen, depression is sometimes nicknamed the “common cold” of mental health. However, this […]
Depression in Young Mothers (Perinatal)
Overview Having a child can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in life. It can also be stressful, especially during pregnancy and right after birth. The many changes of pregnancy and life as a parent create stress for everyone at some point. When these stresses pile up one after another and overwhelm […]
Depression: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Overview The Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) approach to relieving depression and preventing relapse is based on the idea that depression is best understood in the context of social and interpersonal events. The word “interpersonal” is used to describe relationships or communications between two or more people. The primary goal of IPT is to understand the link […]