Symptoms of Depression

Serious signs of depression are characterized by the following symptoms:

    * persistent feelings of severe anxiety or emptiness;
    * decreased energy, fatigue;
    * loss of interest in usual activities;
    * sleep disturbances;
    * changes in appetite, abrupt weight change;
    * feelings of hopelessness, pessimism;
    * feelings of guilt, worthlessness;
    * thoughts of death or suicide;
    * difficulty in concentrating, remembering, decision making; or
    * chronic aches not caused by physical illness.

If you experience five or more of these severe depression signs for longer than two weeks, or you find that your normal functioning is impaired, you may have a depressive disorder. Speak to your doctor about your depression, or contact your local hospital or clinic for a referral to a mental health professional.

        How depression treatment works; Clinical and laboratory studies have shown that three types of medication -- antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and mood stabilizers have been successful in alleviating symptoms of depression. These depression medications work by restoring the chemical balance in the brain, thus altering mood, emotions, and impulses. The specific medication prescribed for you will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and your own biochemical profile.

As is the case with all medications, people taking antidepressants may experience unpleasant side effects, like dry skin, constipation, or blurred vision. MAOIs can affect your blood pressure, and you may need to alter your diet accordingly. Mood stabilizers, like lithium and valproic acid, may cause nausea, headaches, or weight gain. Your doctor will explain these and any other possible effects, at the time that any medication is prescribed.

Many of these side effects occur early in treatment, and subside as the body adjusts. Your doctor will monitor these changes, and if necessary, can adjust your dosage to make you more comfortable.

Withdrawing from medication suddenly, or going off medication without your doctor's instruction is never advised. Sudden discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in many patients.

Duration of medication depends mainly on how severe the depression is, but you should experience a significant improvement in your symptoms within the first 6 to 8 weeks of treatment.

For some patients, medication alone is the most effective treatment. Other patients may benefit from a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Psychotherapeutic approach

Short-term therapies -- 10 to 20 sessions over a period of several months -- usually focus on specific areas of concern that seem to be maintaining the depression. For some patients, however, complex personal problems may require longer-term treatment. Your doctor will discuss these options with you, and make recommendations for your treatment.

If you think you are experiencing signs of depression, don't let it go untreated. Depression is a treatable illness, and not something you can "snap out of" alone. Your family physician can refer you to a mental health professional. Or, call your local clinic or hospital for a referral. You can check the yellowpages in your phone book to see if there is a community mental health clinic in your area. These clinics often provide assistance on a sliding scale -- you pay only what you can afford.