Cause Of Depression, Depressed People, Depression Effects, Depression Stories, Double Depression, People With Depression, Prevalence Of Depression

According to estimates made by the Canadian Institutes of Mental Health, approximately 10.9 million people in America age 18 and older suffer from chronic depression.

So what is chronic depression?

Depression is defined as a psychological state in which there is a tremendous sense of sadness. At one time or another, most people feel a sense of sadness in response to a sad event or loss, however, this is usually a temporary state of being. When sadness lasts for a long period, and symptoms of depression can disappear for short periods only to reappear again, is referred to as chronic depression, also called dysthymia. Chronic depression is generally considered a mild form of depression, although it is characterized by a long period of time, sometimes years. Those who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to carry out their daily activities adequately enough, but if constantly unhappy.

What are the causes of dysthymia?

Although it is well known that a sad or traumatic event can often lead to depression, it is not known what causes chronic depression. However, some factors associated with dysthymia are very high levels of stress, a chemical imbalance in the brain, and heredity. Stresses in the life of an individual, over the years of neglect or abuse during childhood can lead to chronic depression later in life. Highlights of chronic diseases, such as hormonal disorders, chronic heart disease, Parkinson's disease, AIDS and depression can also bring about chronic. Studies on brain function has been demonstrated that a complex system of neurotransmitters in the brain produces chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. Serotonin, which is one of these neurotransmitters, it creates a feeling of happiness or well-being. Drugs that are used to correct the imbalances of neurotransmitters are very effective in treating depression, which is why we think that depression can be triggered by a chemical imbalance in the brain. And as far as heredity is concerned, it was noted that depression often goes in families.

It is often quite normal for people with depression also suffer chronic episodes of major depression simultaneously. What I can slip into a major depressive episode or two and then back again to the benign form of dysthymia. This condition is referred to as double depression.

How can it be diagnosed dysthymia?

If you experience symptoms of depression more than two weeks, it is important to consult a psychiatrist or doctor. Health professional will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, with particular attention given to psychiatric history and your family.

There are no laboratory tests such as X-rays or blood tests involved in the diagnosis of dysthymia.

A specialist mental health diagnosis of chronic depression usually based on symptoms of the individual. With dysthymia, depressive symptoms are usually less severe and last longer compared to people with major depression.

What are the symptoms of chronic depression?

The symptoms of chronic depression are similar to those of major depression. These include: difficulty sleeping
Fatigue or lack of energy
feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
A lack of interest and loss of ability to enjoy
Discernible physical and mental sluggishness
Changes in appetite
Difficulty making decisions, thinking and concentration
Constant thoughts of suicide or death
What are the treatment of dysthymia?

Although chronic depression is a serious disease, it can be treated. Dysthymia is usually treated by combining psychotherapy and medications. Medications help correct chemical imbalances and to treat the symptoms of sadness. Psychotherapy helps solve personal problems may be responsible for depression.

There are several types of antidepressants that are used in the treatment of chronic depression, such as SSRIs, or selective inhibitors of serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline and fluoxetine, which helps in increasing levels of serotonin, TCAS or tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline oxidase inhibitors, imipramine and amitriptyline, and monoamine or MAOIs, including phenelzine and anylcypromine, which acts by inhibiting or blocking the action of monoamine oxidase which is an enzyme in the central nervous system. However, all these drugs have side effects and must be taken under medical supervision.