Mood disorders are a category of mental illnesses which alter a person’s emotions in a negative way. One such illness is Major Depressive Disorder (MMD), which involves a loss of enjoyment in usual activities or a sad mood for most of the time over a two week period, along with at least four other symptoms (Grivas, 2016). This is different to bereavement, which is a person’s normal reaction to loss, though the DSM-5 now recognises that forms of depression can develop from bereavement (Bressert, 2016).
In order to qualify for a diagnosis of depression, a person must experience despondency or anhedonia, as well as four or more other symptoms, which should occur most of the time for two weeks. These include a change in eating patterns leading …show more content…
Depression has also been linked to the imbalance of certain neurotransmitters. Serotonin regulates a person’s sleep and wakefulness, perception, and mood, so low levels can produce depressive symptoms and fearfulness. Low levels of dopamine is linked to a lack of pleasure, a key symptom of depression, and low noradrenaline will affect mood (Wasserman, 2011). Levels of melatonin in depressed individuals is even throughout the day, as opposed to a healthy cycle of being at its highest between 2-4am. This relates to the symptoms of fatigue and insomnia or hypersomnia. It is, however, uncertain whether the illness causes the sleep disruptions or the disruptions contribute to the illness (Wasserman, 2011; Zawattzky, 2013). Some medical conditions such as cancers, viral infections, and neurological conditions (including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis) can cause vitamin deficiencies which can contribute to the development of depression (Zawattzky, 2013). When MMD develops from another illness, the original illness should be treated …show more content…
Because of its simplicity, CBT is often used as a self-help method. The aim is to identify the destructive thoughts and either stop them or counteract them with positive alternatives (Zawattzky, 2013). For mild cases, CBT can be effective enough to not require medication, however, it may be necessary in moderate to severe cases. Antidepressants target the neurotransmitter imbalances and in 70-75% of cases, will provide the individual with relief from their symptoms. They’re non-addictive, and can be an option for those who want to relieve their symptoms without exploring the psychological issues. They can, however, cause additional effects including sleeplessness, weight loss, lack of appetite, and motor fatigue. Treatment will generally last for 6 months, then be reduced. If it appears the symptoms are returning, the treatment will be raised. This is repeated until no longer necessary (Wasserman,
In order to qualify for a diagnosis of depression, a person must experience despondency or anhedonia, as well as four or more other symptoms, which should occur most of the time for two weeks. These include a change in eating patterns leading …show more content…
Depression has also been linked to the imbalance of certain neurotransmitters. Serotonin regulates a person’s sleep and wakefulness, perception, and mood, so low levels can produce depressive symptoms and fearfulness. Low levels of dopamine is linked to a lack of pleasure, a key symptom of depression, and low noradrenaline will affect mood (Wasserman, 2011). Levels of melatonin in depressed individuals is even throughout the day, as opposed to a healthy cycle of being at its highest between 2-4am. This relates to the symptoms of fatigue and insomnia or hypersomnia. It is, however, uncertain whether the illness causes the sleep disruptions or the disruptions contribute to the illness (Wasserman, 2011; Zawattzky, 2013). Some medical conditions such as cancers, viral infections, and neurological conditions (including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis) can cause vitamin deficiencies which can contribute to the development of depression (Zawattzky, 2013). When MMD develops from another illness, the original illness should be treated …show more content…
Because of its simplicity, CBT is often used as a self-help method. The aim is to identify the destructive thoughts and either stop them or counteract them with positive alternatives (Zawattzky, 2013). For mild cases, CBT can be effective enough to not require medication, however, it may be necessary in moderate to severe cases. Antidepressants target the neurotransmitter imbalances and in 70-75% of cases, will provide the individual with relief from their symptoms. They’re non-addictive, and can be an option for those who want to relieve their symptoms without exploring the psychological issues. They can, however, cause additional effects including sleeplessness, weight loss, lack of appetite, and motor fatigue. Treatment will generally last for 6 months, then be reduced. If it appears the symptoms are returning, the treatment will be raised. This is repeated until no longer necessary (Wasserman,