Clinical depression; A Look at Clinical Depression

Clinical depression; A Look at Clinical Depression

In recent years, clinical depression has quickly become a relatively common psychiatric disorder.

People generally experience bouts of sadness, stress, and grief due to the different events throughout their lives. Such as when we suffer a personal loss or a difficult situation like a divorce, although we cope with these circumstances, we may feel depressed during these stress-inducing events.

After some days or even weeks, we can overcome these negative emotions and resume our normal activities; however, at certain times, these negative emotions and symptoms become all-consuming, making it difficult even to perform simple daily tasks. When these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, we can have what is referred to as Clinical Depression. In severe cases, clinical depression may lead to individuals contemplating and attempting to commit suicide.

It is important to note that the term clinical depression is specifically used to distinguish the mental health disorder of depression from less intensive negative emotions of gloom, unhappiness, and sadness.

Diagnosing Clinical Depression

To diagnose this disorder, professionals use a symptom criteria list for major depressive disorders. This list is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which the American Psychiatric Association published.

Typically, a positive diagnosis for clinical depression can be made when five or more of such symptoms are observed for two weeks, beginning from when the change in the individual’s standard behavior was initially noted. At least one of the symptoms must be a loss of interest and a depressed mood.

The signs of symptoms of clinical depression can include the following:

· Depressed mood accompanied by negative emotions of emptiness, hopelessness, sadness, or general unhappiness
· restlessness, anxiety, and restlessness
· Hostile and angry behavior, general irritability and frustration
· Loss of interest in typical activities such as sports or hobbies
· Lack of energy and fatigue after even effortless tasks
· Reduced appetite accompanied by weight loss or increased cravings and weight gain
· Feeling worthless or consumed by guilt and past failures
· Disturbed sleeping patterns can include sleeping far more than usual or insomnia
· Slowed characteristics (speaking, thinking, moving, etc.)
· Trouble focusing
· Suicidal thoughts or attempts
· Unexplainable physical pain such as back pain or frequent headaches

The highest rates of clinical depression have been seen between the ages of 18 to 29. However, studies are constantly conducted to improve the accuracy of these results. Moreover, clinical depression is almost twice as common in women compared to men.

With a higher prevalence in people who have crossed the age of puberty and a peak between the ages of 20-30, it is essential to understand that clinical depression can occur at any time during an individual’s life. It can affect people in any age group, even children.

How is Clinical Depression Treated?

After a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment and different courses of action to be followed.
Essential factors in treating this disorder are changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy, and complementary therapies, along with which medication such as antidepressants may be given, depending on the severity of the condition. These are prescribed by a mental health professional and are frequently combined with supportive therapy.

Treatment can also include addressing medical conditions that can become a contributing factor, such as hormone imbalances.

Clinical depression is handled on a case-to-case basis, and treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to a year or longer in some situations. Sometimes inpatient care in the hospital is recommended.

Without treatment, symptoms can last over a long period and may never improve. However, with new treatment and therapy options, the chances of making a full recovery are high. If you think you are suffering from depression, you can get in touch with us. We offer depression counselling in Edmonton and also provide online therapy.

Book An appointment here for depression Counselling.