What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that someone once enjoyed. It can affect a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being, and can interfere with daily life and activities.
There are several types of depression, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), among others.
How Common is Depression?
The prevalence of depression varies depending on the population and the definition of depression used, but it is estimated that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 10-15% of adults at some point in their lifetime. The prevalence of depression may be even higher in certain populations, such as individuals with chronic medical conditions, people with a history of trauma or abuse, and people experiencing significant life events such as the loss of a loved one or financial stress.
What Causes Depression?
The exact cause of depression is not known, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of depression include:
- Genetics: Depression can run in families, and certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of depression.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, have been linked to depression.
- Environmental factors: Stressful life events such as the death of a loved one, a relationship break-up, or financial difficulties can trigger depression. Childhood trauma or abuse can also increase the risk of depression later in life.
- Medical conditions: Chronic illness, pain, and other medical conditions can contribute to depression, as can some medications.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse can contribute to depression or make it worse, and depression can also increase the risk of substance abuse.
It’s important to note that depression is not caused by personal weakness, a lack of willpower, or a character flaw. Rather, it is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment.
How Does the Brain Change in Depression?
Depression has been associated with changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity in several areas of the brain. These changes may include:
- Decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, emotion regulation, and executive function. Decreased activity in this region has been associated with symptoms such as indecisiveness, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive impairment in depression.
- Decreased activity in the hippocampus: The hippocampus is important for memory and mood regulation. Decreased activity in this region has been linked to memory problems and the persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness seen in depression.
- Increased activity in the amygdala: The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. Increased activity in this region has been associated with the overactive stress response seen in depression, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness.
- Altered connectivity between regions: Depression has been associated with altered connectivity between regions such as the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Decreased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, for example, has been linked to difficulties in regulating emotions and processing memories, while increased connectivity between the amygdala and other regions has been associated with the overactive stress response seen in depression.
It is important to note that depression is a complex and heterogeneous condition, and the specific changes that occur in the brain may differ from person to person. Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the changes that occur in the brain in depression and how these changes relate to symptoms and treatment outcomes.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
The evaluation of depression typically involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist. The evaluation process usually includes:
- Psychiatric and Medical Evaluation: The doctor will take a detailed history, assess the person/s symptoms, and may use standardized depression scales as needed. The person’s level of functioning will be evaluated in various areas, including work, social relationships, and daily activities, to determine the impact of the symptoms on their life.
- Laboratory tests: The psychiatrist may order laboratory tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions or to assess the person’s overall health.
How is Depression Treated?
It is important to note that depression is a common and treatable condition, and that seeking help from a psychiatrist is often important for recovery. With proper treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, many people with depression can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Dr. Parikh is trained to treat depression through multiple modalities, including psychotherapy, medications and evidence-based natural therapies. She will tailor a cohesive treatment plan to your specific needs. Book an appointment today!