Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, it is estimated that 5.0 percent of adults suffer from depression.
While there are different levels of depression, the most severe form is known as major depressive disorder or MDD. This depression can be disabling and can cause serious problems in a person’s life.
This blog will discuss the symptoms of severe depression and how you can treat them.
Contents
What is MDD and How Can It Affect People?
Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental health condition that causes feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It mainly occurs due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Here’s how it affects the brain:
Your brain is made up of nerve cells, which communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals are transmitted by chemicals called neurotransmitters.
If you have MDD, there is an imbalance of these neurotransmitters in your brain. It can lead to a change in your mood and behavior.
Symptoms of MDD can include changes in:
-mood (sadness, irritability, anxiety, empty feeling)
-behavior (withdrawal from friends and activities, increased use of alcohol or drugs)
-thinking (trouble concentrating, negative thoughts about self, hopelessness)
-physical health (fatigue, headaches and body aches, changes in appetite)
How Can You Treat MDD?
While there is no one-size-fits-all way to treat MDD, several different treatment options can be effective. These include antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Each of these treatment methods is explained below:
1) Antidepressant Medications
These drugs can help improve mood by increasing certain chemicals in the brain.
Common antidepressants also include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
It is important to note that it can take several weeks for antidepressant medications to start working. In addition, side effects of antidepressants can include dry mouth, weight gain, sexual problems, and headaches.
Ketamine has been shown to be an effective antidepressant medication. It is a fast-acting medication that can provide relief within a few hours. In addition, it contains a potent anesthetic called ketamine, which can help to reduce depression symptoms.
Ketamine has a mild range of side effects, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Therefore, it is crucial to speak with a doctor before starting any medication regimen.
2) Psychotherapy
When treating severe depression, a few different options are available. One of the most common methods is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. This type of therapy can help patients understand and manage their emotions better and teach them coping mechanisms for when they’re feeling down.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one specific type of psychotherapy that is particularly effective in treating depression. This therapy focuses on helping patients change their negative thought patterns and beliefs about themselves to improve their mood and outlook on life.
3) TMS Therapy
It is a non-invasive process that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This stimulation can help to improve the symptoms of depression.
TMS is typically done on an outpatient basis so that you can go home after each treatment session. The total sessions required will vary depending on the severity of your depression.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to severe depression, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people suffer from this condition, and there are many resources available to help you.