Category: Depression

Introduction

A continuous sense of tiredness, unhappiness, and hopelessness are key signs of clinical or major depression. This mood disorder is an illness; it makes one feel frustrated, angry, miserable, blue, or down in the dumps. Such mood changes alter the daily life programs of an individual for sometimes. At one point in life, everybody has experienced the changes in mood, but other people go through it severally in their lifetime.

When such conditions set in, it becomes extremely difficult to sleep, work, eat, enjoy events, and even study (Kendler, Karkowski, & Prescott, 1999). The restlessness status that sets in totally complicates ones programs. Clinical depression mostly takes a historical occurrence; it affects a generation in a specific family. However, clinical depression may well affect those with no family history of the mood disorder (Andrews, Szabo, & Burns, 2002).

Symptoms, Effects, and Diagnosis

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is noted by a constantly depressed mood on most parts of the day, especially before noon, and runs for more than one week. People suffering from MDD lose concentration, sleep excessively (insomnia), lose or gain weight significantly, and think of suicide or death recurrently. The weight change is due to drastic change in appetite. In addition, such people feel worthless and excessively guilty.

Even though medics lack clear information on causes of MDD, a combination of chemical alterations in the brain and specific stressful activities are assumed responsible (Kendler, Karkowski, & Prescott, 1999). Such persons always abuse drugs. Certain medicines like steroids and specific medical conditions like cancer and underactive thyroid may cause depression.

When loneliness sets in, the affected always experience numerous relationship breakups, as they are never willing to share their issues with friends, relatives, and other people. Isolation or withdrawal is a common symptom in those suffering from clinical disorder.

Diagnosis of MDD have to meet the key symptoms stipulated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); it is mostly confused with depressions that occurs due to loss of a close partner or medical circumstance like thyroid disorders (Mojtabai, 2014). It is important to diagnose the illness accurately in order to get suitable treatments.

History

Overtime people referred to major depression as womens disease. This was because most men kept their situations to themselves (Andrews, Szabo, & Burns, 2002). In terms of attack disparities or commonalities, 10% of the US population is likely to suffer from MDD at a given point in their lifetime, according to the research on genetics of depression by Stanford School of Medicine (Mojtabai, 2014). Women are two times likely to suffer from clinical depression as compared to men.

The study of illness patterns in families reveals the heritability of the disorder. In this aspect, a parent having a twin and suffering from clinical disorder presents high risk of affecting the twins. Therefore, monozygotic and dizygotic twins have different levels of risk of disease since they share their genes 100% and 50% respectively (Belmaker & Agam, 2008).

Treatment

After thorough diagnosis of the mood disorder, a doctor has to ensure that the above outlined symptoms are significant in a patient. Treating MDD can be in two ways or a combination of both  talk therapy or medicine. Extremely depressed persons and those contemplating to commit suicide should receive hospital treatment. There is need for the patient to be in constant touch with a personal doctor to monitor the overall progress of the situation.

Providers can use antidepressants to treat clinical depression; the medicines restore the chemical level in the brain. When chemicals are restored to the right level, one is relieved of the aforementioned symptoms. Notably, hallucinations or delusions attract more drug prescriptions. During this time, it is important for a patient to inform the doctor of other medicines that she/he takes since some medicines may alter the work of antidepressants.

Since MDD always lasts for over one week, one should also give the medicines time to work. Some of the medications that a provider can administer on such patients include Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), and Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In administering these medications, providers have to inform the patients of the possible side effects that accompany their usage.

Patients should not terminate taking antidepressants without prior information from the provider. Such abrupt actions may further worsen the MDD. Markedly, pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant have to consult their doctors before taking the antidepressants; some antidepressants pose high health risk to born or unborn children. Any person under antidepressant medications requires close monitoring, as they always develop bizarre behaviors (Kanter, Busch, & Landes, 2008).

Talk therapy or psychotherapy involves one-on-one discussions with a mental health provider. A patient talks about his/her condition with the provider. It is the sole responsibility of psychotherapists to apply varied techniques in order to put the patients in a favorable situation for sharing personal information. Psychosocial therapy or counseling exists in different categories, such as dialectic behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy (Mojtabai, 2014).

These initiatives help depressed persons in developing positive and fruitful engagement with others. Additionally, they help one to find better approaches of solving and coping with problems, as well as regaining a sense of individual satisfaction. Fighting off negative and deleterious thoughts and feelings is an essential impact of cognitive behavioral therapies.

References

Andrews, G., Szabo, M., & Burns, J. (2002). Preventing major depression in young people. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 181(6), 460-462. Web.

Belmaker, R. H., & Agam, G. (2008). Major Depressive Disorder. The New England Journal of Medicine, 358(10), 55-68. Web.

Kanter, J. K., Busch, A. M., & Landes, S. J. (2008). The Nature of Clinical Depression: Symptoms, Syndromes, and Behavior Analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 31(1), 1-21. Web.

Kendler, K. S., Karkowski, L. M., & Prescott, C. A. (1999). Causal Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and the Onset of Major Depression. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(6), 837-841. Web.

Mojtabai, R. (2014). Diagnosing Depression in Older Adults in Primary Care. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(8), 1180-1182. 

Depressive disorders are a significant problem that affects many people in the United States and worldwide. The emergence of practice guidelines and evidence-based therapies implies that satisfactory treatments for the condition exist, and not all of them are traditional. Currently, a lot of attention is drawn to the method of treating depression with the use of hypnosis. Many researchers argue that hypnotic approaches are to be used as strategies to combat the disorder due to their many beneficial effects.

Those specialists who have studied the issue found that hypnotherapy has advantageous outcomes in the treatment of depression. For instance, according to McCann and Landes (2010), hypnosis can help develop positive treatment expectancy, eliminate a number of depressive symptoms, and change self-organization patterns that promote depressed thinking and moods. Other perspectives on hypnosis use for depression emphasize retrieving positive experiences from the past, developing coping skills, strengthening interpersonal psychotherapy, and optimizing cognitive behavior therapy (McCann & Landes, 2010). However, the most widely described approach currently is the one in which hypnotic, strategic, and cognitive behavioral approaches are combined.

Hypnotherapys most attractive facet is that it has the potential to help an individual treat their disorders without turning to additional medication or invasive therapies. That being said, it is mainly known as a complementary therapy, which means that one can resort to hypnotherapy on top of other depression treatment practices. According to Watt (2019), doing that will improve a persons overall well-being, elevate their mood, and boost the sense of hope. Hypnotherapists utilize their method to treat a variety of conditions, such as chronic pains, concentration issues, and problems with smoking and teeth grinding. In addition to that, a depressed person is reported to experience a plethora of different emotions. Watt (2019) cites a study stating that hypnotherapy helps in learning to better control or reduce the feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, hypnotherapy is employed to handle negative behaviors that can exacerbate ones depression. Such behaviors might include poor eating, poor sleeping, and substance use.

The existing body of literature on hypnotherapy being helpful in dealing with depressive disorders employs different methods to test the validity of this claim. For instance, Hypnosis Research (2020) examines a rare meta-analysis of previous research conducted by a group of Taiwanese specialists. The purpose of this analysis was the determination of the symptoms of depression that hypnotherapy could alleviate. The studies included were the ones that used hypnotic intervention for the purpose of relieving depressive symptoms and a control group receiving only standard treatment or no treatment at all. Additionally, the studies employed assessed the subjects depressive status using a standardized tool such as the Beck Depression Inventory. The results coincided with the generally accepted view: it was discovered that patients with depression benefited from hypnotherapy more than from standardized treatments or placebo.

In conclusion, hypnotherapy can be extremely advantageous when it comes to using it for treating depression. Various perspectives on the issue point to a plethora of positive factors associated with the employment of hypnosis in depressed people. Hypnotherapy is reported to improve peoples well-being and lift mood, help treat chronic pains and other issues, and assist in controlling negative feelings. Hypnotic approaches need to continue to be explored so that medical specialists and regular people could find more about the benefits that they bring.

References

Hypnosis Research. (2020). Hypnotherapy for depression: Meta-analysis of previous research. Web.

McCann, B. S., & Landes, S. J. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of depression: Considerations in research design and methods. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 58(2), 147-164.

Watt, A. (2019). Hypnotherapy. Healthline.

Postpartum Maternal Depression and its Influence on Postnatal Infant Attachment

During the early periods of life, infants are particularly dependent on their mothers. The attachment of a vulnerable newborn to the protective caregiver is manifested through physical, physiological, and emotional contact that is required for a baby to survive (Carlson et al., 2014). Postpartum maternal depression has been proved to be a significant cause of insufficient and disorganized attachment at the early stages of life, which ultimately has adverse impacts on childrens cognitive development, health, emotion regulation, and socialization (Cohn & Tronick, 1983; Thomas et al., 2017). According to Edwards and Hans (2015), maternal depression and anxiety constitute a considerable behavioral risk factor. In particular, mothers with postpartum depressive symptoms may become intrusive or disengage during interactions; they display negative emotions more frequently; and are less responsive to infants positive affect (Edwards & Hans, 2015, p. 490). Thus, the lack of positive interaction and response between mother and child due to depression leads to an array of developmental problems at later stages of a childs life.

The study conducted by Cohn and Tronick (1983) investigated the behavioral changes in three-month-old infants in response to the simulation of depression in their mothers. The results indicated that infants could modify their effect in response to their partners effective change; they markedly alter the organization of their behavior; and these changes carry over into their subsequent interactions (Cohn & Tronick, 1983, p. 192). Moreover, in infancy, maternal sensitivity refers to the synchronous timing of a mothers responsiveness to her baby, her effect, flexibility, and ability to read her infants cues (Weaver et al., 2018, p. 221). However, since maternal sensitivity is low due to depression, the lack of connection leads to the lack of attachment as a critical survival mechanism.

As an outcome of poor attachment under the influence of maternal depression, infants are likely to experience negative social and emotional development later in life, demonstrate helplessness, and inability to adapt to new life situations (Cohn & Tronick, 1983). Therefore, it is essential to explore the research and theories addressing the underlying principles of the influence of postpartum maternal depression and its influence on postnatal infant attachment to identify effective interventions capable of mitigating maternal depression as a risk factor for infants development.

Major Theories on Postpartum Maternal Depressions Effects on Postnatal Infant Attachment

The theories and research on attachment provide a solid theoretical background for the validation of the connection between maternal depressive disorders and infants adverse developmental outcomes. Attachment theory developed by Bowlby and further expanded by Bretherton (1985) views attachment not as a mere social bond but as a complex system of interactions and survival dependencies between a parent and an infant. An abundance of research studies has been conducted to investigate the essence and the role of attachment in the life of a child.

The findings of several studies signify those children develop secure attachment when they perceive the primary caregiver as always available and comforting (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991; Palombo et al., 2010; Lionetti et al., 2015; Barone et al., 2016). In comparison, insecure attachment occurs when the child perceives the primary caregiver as distant, rejecting, or inconsistent (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991; Palombo et al., 2010; Lionetti et al., 2015; Barone et al., 2016). Subsequently, a disorganized attachment style develops when the child is frightened by the primary caregiver and perceives them as threatening (Ainsworth & Bowlby, 1991; Palombo et al., 2010; Lionetti et al., 2015; Barone et al., 2016). In infancy, attachment types predetermine the future attachment style influencing the childs emotional regulation and socialization at the later stages of life. Research suggests that over time, children with insecure and disorganized attachment styles tend to exhibit greater rates of behavior disorders, social issues, emotional deregulations, school problems, and mental health concerns (The St. Petersburg-USA Orphanage Research Team, 2008). Thus, attachment theory explains the dependence of an infants development on the environment, socialization, and psychological health of parents.

The outcomes of disorganized attachment due to depression, infants are at risk of poor adaptation in family, society, and school. Indeed, according to Zeanah (1996), infants with insecure attachment to their mothers within the first year of life exhibit tendencies to subsequent psychosocial maladaptation in preschool and middle childhood years, demonstrate interaction disturbance with parents, less social competence with peers, and more problematic relationship with their teachers (p. 42). Thus, it is imperative to identify ways that might help new parents overcome the risks of depression and facilitate infants attachment in the first year of life through specific interventions to eliminate the risk of childrens maladaptation and impaired social and emotional development.

Application of Child Development Theory for Responsive Interventions

Since the core of infant insecure attachment is related to the emergence of postpartum maternal depression, the interventions should be aimed at the prevention and treatment of this condition in mothers. In particular, mothers with depressive disorders should be subject to counseling, support, and education to encourage caring, sensitive, responsive, and warm interaction with their newborns. One of the effective interventions that should be promoted in pregnant women and new mothers is the benefits of long-term engagement in breastfeeding, which has shown to lower the risks for developing postpartum depression and ensure positive attachment with a child (Weaver et al., 2018). Consequently, breastfeeding will minimize the risk for maltreatment and ensure a positive child development. Moreover, the most effective preventative measure capable of mitigating the risks of insecure attachment as the outcome of postpartum maternal depression is the identification of the factors predetermining the likelihood of mothers experiencing the disorder.

In particular, such social, psychological, and economic conditions as poverty, stress, domestic violence, and others are significant triggers of depression. Moreover, the family environment shapes infant development at the early stages of life. According to Goyal et al. (2010), mothers living in poverty are at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. Therefore, it is imperative to implement educational and counseling interventions for families exposed to poverty, health disparities, insufficient education, employment, and other insecurities. (Goyal et al., 2010). Given the pivotal role of attachment in child development within social, emotional, educational, and health realms and the identification of vulnerable populations exposed to greater risks of depression, specific intervention approaches might be suggested. According to Hall et al. (2020), such interventions should include both educational sessions and trauma-based cognitive therapy. While educational sessions are aimed at providing necessary knowledge and skills aimed at parents informed interactions with the aim of positive facilitation of child development in infancy, cognitive therapies might help in restructuring thoughts and behaviors to eliminate depressive symptoms.

References

Bretherton, I. (1985). Attachment theory: Retrospect and prospect. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 3-35.

Carlson, E. A., Hostinar, C. E., Mliner, S. B., & Gunnar, M. R. (2014). The emergence of attachment following early social deprivation. Development and Psychopathology, 26(2), 479-489.

Cohn, J. F., & Tronick, E. Z. (1983). Three-month-old infants reaction to simulated maternal depression. Child Development, 54(1), 185-193.

Edwards, R. C., & Hans, S. L. (2015). Infant risk factors associated with internalizing, externalizing, and co-occurring behavior problems in young children. Developmental Psychology, 51(4), 489-499.

Goyal, D., Gay, C., & Lee, K. A. (2010). How much does low socioeconomic status increase the risk of prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms in first-time mothers? Womens Health Issues, 20(2), 96-104.

Hall, E. M., Shahidullah, J. D., & Lassen, S. R. (2020). Development of postpartum depression interventions for mothers of premature infants: A call to target low-SES NICU families. Journal of Perinatology, 40(1), 1-9

Thomas, J. C., Letourneau, N., Campbell, T. S., Tomfohr-Madsen, L., & Giesbrecht, G. F. (2017). Developmental origins of infant emotion regulation: Mediation by temperamental negativity and moderation by maternal sensitivity. Developmental Psychology, 53(4), 611-628.

Weaver, J. M., Schofield, T. J., & Papp, L. M. (2018). Breastfeeding duration predicts greater maternal sensitivity over the next decade. Developmental Psychology, 54(2), 220-227.

Zeanah, C. H. (1996). Beyond insecurity: A reconceptualization of attachment disorders of infancy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64(1), 42-52.

Introduction

Depression is a common condition, affecting both men and women, young people, and adults. Public awareness about depression has increased in recent years, with more attention dedicated to the need for addressing this serious mental health illness and less stigma surrounding it. At least fifteen percent of the population in the United States suffers from depression. This illness impacts not only the emotional wellbeing of individuals but also their physical health, often causing fatigue and sleep problems. This paper will examine depression, its symptoms, and causes, and the differences in the way men and women experience this mental health disorder.

Background Information

Depression is a type of mental illness, which in essence, is a mood disorder, affecting the persons wellbeing both physically and mentally. The main consequence of a major depressive disorder is a consistently low mood, which cannot be explained by a specific reason (Ellis, Depression). Moreover, this type of mood is persistent over many weeks, and a person usually cannot get rid of it. Ellis states that some common symptoms include lack of interest in anything, even the activities that a person used to enjoy, feeling of sadness or hopelessness, inability to sleep, fatigue, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal thoughts. Among some physical symptoms, an individual can experience weight loss or extreme weight gain.

This is a common condition, affecting a large portion of the population in the United States. According to Ellis, the current estimations suggest that from 15% to 30% of the population is affected by depression. Although it impacts both men and women, the latter are more often diagnosed with this disorder. Therefore, this disorder is characterized by a variety of symptoms that disrupt the wellbeing of an individual and affect his or her day today

functioning. It is crucial for a mental health specialist to diagnose depression because some of the symptoms overlap with over conditions. Ellis states that some of the mentioned symptoms can be explained by substance abuse, medications, or an illness. Depression, however, persists for several weeks or even longer and disrupts the normal functioning of an individual. Therefore, a mental health specialist can assess the symptoms and determine whether they can be explained by other conditions or not, to diagnose major depression.

Depression is a complex issue, which includes a variety of causes and impacts different systems of ones body. According to Ellis, depression affects not only a persons mind but also his or her body. The most significant impact of this disease is that over time it changes the brain, making the symptoms more frequent and severe. Long-term consequences of depression include inadequate nutrition, bad habits such as substance abuse, issues with weight management, and other problems related to inadequate decision-making capabilities of a person affected by depression (Depression). In the worst cases, it can lead to suicide, which is why the condition cannot be left untreated.

Effect of Depression on Brain

Although the current research does not answer the question of why depression occurs in the first place, it is evident that the causes are mainly biological and brain functioning plays a significant role (Ellis). Major depression changes a persons brain, which makes the condition even more difficult to deal with because the symptoms become more severe. Cortisol is a hormone released by the hippocampus located in the brain. Mainly, this hormone is released during stress, which is also the case when a person has depression (Schimelpfening). However, unlike with the typical day to day stress, a person with depression experiences these symptoms every day, meaning that the inflow of cortisol is continuous. This adversely affects the ability of the brain to produce new neurons and the shrinking of the hippocampus (Ellis). As a result, an individual with depression also experiences problems with memory.Another adverse effect of the continuous cortisol release is the amygdalas increase in size. Normally, this part of the brain regulates emotional responses, however, when enlarged it can cause problems with sleep (Ellis). Moreover, the amygdala affects the release of other hormones and can change an individuals activity levels. This is why people with depression often experience fatigue and inability to sleep properly.

Information in the brain is the topic of debate in the context of depression. Mainly, it is unclear whether the inflammation is caused by depression or vice versa. However, Ellis states that many studies have shown the increased levels of brain inflammation in individuals with depression. Moreover, these differences are very significant and worsen over time. For example, Ellis states that in one study, people who have struggled with depression for more than ten years have 30 percent more inflammation. Therefore, although the role of inflammation is not entirely clear in the process of depression development, it is evident that there is a link between the two occurrences.

Brain inflammation affects a persons ability to perform day to day tasks. Mainly, it affects the neurotransmitters, which are responsible for mood regulation (Ellis). As a result, an individual with depression experiences low mood, consistently over extensive periods. Moreover, neurotransmitters are also engaged in enabling the processes of regulating memory and learning capabilities (Ellis). Similar to other consequences of depression, these two abilities are negatively affected by brain inflammation. Finally, major depression is linked to the lack of oxygen in the brain. This condition is referred to as hypoxia, and having it for long periods can cause some damage to the brain, affecting learning and memory (Ellis).

Depression and Body

As was mentioned, depression changes ones brain, enhancing the severity of the condition. Apart from the impact on the brain, depression also causes physical symptoms. Ellis states that it results in fatigue, digestive issues, pain, and other complications related to the poor decisions. One example is the effect of depression on eating, a person with this illness can feel the urge to eat more than usual or eat very little. The impact on ones physical health is the result of such a change in ones eating behavior  these can be conditions associated with obesity or adversities caused by unhealthy amounts of weight lost by an individual. Therefore, one of the major effects of depression is the change in ones appetite, which subsequently leads to associated health conditions.

Chronic pain, which is persistent pain in a part of the body is linked to this disorder as well. This is a prolonged feeling of pain that can manifest as head pain, chest pain, joint issues, and others. One issue with depression-induced pain is that it usually has no underlying cause, although there is a hypothesis that depression can make one less tolerable to pain (Depression). Next, the risk of developing heart disease and stroke significantly increases for people who have depression. One hypothesis that can explain this is the increase of clotting factors as a result of this condition and changing heart rate, which contribute to developing severe heart impairments (Ellis). Therefore, depression is dangerous because it impairs the physical health of a person, leading to serious problems with ones health.

Gastrointestinal problems is another physical issue that can be a result of depression. According to Ellis, the gut actually has a major connection to mood and mental health and is sometimes referred to as the bodys second brain. This is why the gastrointestinal system plays such an important role in understanding depression and helping an individual relieve its symptoms. Moreover, researchers have some evidence that depression susceptibility is related to diet, both directlythrough inadequate consumption of nutrients such as omega-3 fats (Depression). Thus, more research is necessary to explain the effect that ones nutrition has on the likelihood of developing depression because there is a link between the two, and more insight into the topic can help treat depression more effectively.

Different Ways Depression Affects Men and Women

Depression can affect anyone, men and women alike, as well as individuals of different age groups. However, Nierenberg reports that are some substantial differences in the way depression affects different genders and the way people experience it. For example, Ellis argues that women are more often diagnosed with depression than men, and Nierenberg states that women have about twice the risk of developing the condition as men. One explanation for this difference is the disruption of brain development and the balance of hormones as a result of issues arising during the brain development of a fetus.

This problem results in increased vulnerability for mood changes, and conditions such as depression primarily affect ones mood. Women often have other disorders when experiencing depression. Moreover, some types of depression can only affect women, such as depression occurring during pregnancy, the postpartum period, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle (Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know). Moreover, each woman can experience different effects associated with this condition. Therefore, although depression affects both genders, due to the specifics of biological development women are more likely to develop it when compared to men.

One danger is that men may be less sensitive to their emotional wellbeing, resulting in an inability to recognize the mood disorder. According to Nierenberg, this occurs because women are more likely to ruminate on their feelings when compared to men. Moreover, men usually choose to distract themselves from negative emotions, unlike women, which helps them overcome the development of depression. Thus, another reason why women are more often diagnosed with depression, then men is the inclination of the former to recognize their feelings and low moods.

There are other factors that distinguish the way men and women experience depression. As mentioned, men can have a difficultly recognizing the mood change. However, Nierenberg also states that others not recognize these changes in men. Moreover, males are at a greater risk of committing suicide when compared to women. This difference is connected to the symptoms that may progress and remain unnoticed for a while, resulting in damage to the brain that was previously discussed. Additionally, depression in males often manifests with substance abuse, mainly alcohol (Nierenberg). Finally, both genders may respond to treatment differently, which highlights the need to work with a skillful medical professional who is aware of these differences and can adjust the medication.

Treatment

Depression can be treated, and this can reverse some of the damage caused to the brain, which makes the symptoms more severe the symptoms and helps an individual return to a normal life. Ellis recommends dedicated residential treatment as one of the best options. This approach allows a person to take as much time as needed, as well as the dedicated space and support of professionals to overcome depression. A combination of different treatment methods is used for this condition. Usually, both medication and therapy are applied to relieve the symptoms (Ellis). The antidepression medication aims to adjust the brain chemicals and reduce inflammation, which should help treat the condition.

Conclusion

Overall, this paper examines the issue of depression and its impact on the mind and body of an individual. The condition causes ones brain to change, mainly impacting the release of cortisol, which is usually released as a response to stress. Continuous exposure to cortisol causes changes in ones brain, primarily impacting the development of new neurons. Moreover, depression affects the memory and learning functions of the brain and impairs ones ability to learn. Physically, depression increases the risk of developing heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, and having issues with overeating and undereating. Treatment for major depression usually comprises of medication and therapy. It is vital to remember that although depression affects men and women alike, women are diagnosed with it more often.

Works Cited

Ellis, Mary Ellen. How Major Depression Affects The Brain And Body  Why Residential Treatment Can Help  Bridges To Recovery. Bridges to Recovery. 

Depression. Psychology Today. 

Depression in Women: 5 Things You Should Know. Nimh.

Nierenberg, Cari. 7 Ways Depression Differs In Men And Women. LiveScience. 

Schimelpfening, Nancy. The Role of Cortisol in Depression. Verywell Mind. 

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a range of emotional and physical changes that the majority of new mothers go through. Immediately after delivery, mothers experience a sharp drop in hormones, and this chemical change may cause depression. Additionally, social and psychological changes that occur after getting a baby may cause this condition. One in every 10 new mothers experiences PPD (Chojenta, Lucke, Forder, & Loxton, 2016). Postpartum depression is a common condition involving psychological, emotional, social, and physical changes that many new mothers experience immediately after giving birth, but it is easily treated using medications and therapy. Postpartum depression is a common condition involving psychological, emotional, social, and physical changes that many new mothers experience immediately after giving birth, but it is easily treated using medications and therapy.

Types

The common form of PPD is baby blues, which is mild and it affects almost every new mother. Normally, after delivery, new mothers are likely to experience sudden moods, which may lead to irritability, anxiety, loneliness, restlessness, and sadness. These changes may last for two weeks. PPD is prolonged and frequent baby blues symptoms with depressive characteristics, and it can occur several weeks or months after delivery. A new mother suffering from depressive symptoms should visit a health practitioner for treatment using medication and therapy. Postpartum psychosis is a severe form of PPD with full-blown symptoms of depression. New mothers suffering from this condition lose touch with reality together with having delusions, hallucinations, insomnia, agitation, and restlessness. Treatment is recommended using therapy and medications.

Symptoms

The common symptoms include mood changes, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue, which are common signs after delivery. Other new mothers may experience loneliness, restlessness, agitation, and anxiety. In extreme cases where postpartum psychosis is involved, some individuals may experience symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, feelings of despair, and ineptitude, which are pointers to depression.

Predisposing Factors

A new mother with a history of depression even before pregnancy is highly likely to suffer from PPD. Additionally, having many children may cause depression in new mothers, especially in cases where there is not enough financial support to take care of the kids (Chojenta et al., 2016). Young age at the time of pregnancy predisposes new mothers to PPD as they figure out how to deal with their new status. Finally, marital conflict and limited social or family support are risk factors because new mothers under such conditions lack the requisite backup that they need to deal with motherhood (Ghaedrahmati, Kazemi, Kheirabadi, Ebrahimi, & Bahrami, 2017).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Psychotherapy is used to guide the patient on how to cope and overcome their depression and other related conditions. The commonly used drugs are antidepressants to alleviate depressive symptoms. In cases of psychosis, a patient may be admitted to a hospital, and antipsychotic drugs are used for treatment (Ghaedrahmati et al., 2017). Social support is also recommended as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion

Postpartum depression is a common condition affecting one in every ten new mothers, and it comes in different forms such as baby blues, PPD, and postpartum psychosis. Symptoms differ depending on the type of PPD being experienced. The main predisposing factors include a history of depression, age, marital conflict, and lack of social support. Treatment is done through psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Antipsychotic drugs are used in cases of postpartum psychosis.

References

Chojenta, C. L., Lucke, J. C., Forder, P. M., & Loxton, D. J. (2016). Maternal health factors as risks for postnatal depression: A prospective longitudinal study. PLoS ONE, 11(1), 1-9. Web.

Ghaedrahmati, M., Kazemi, A., Kheirabadi, G., Ebrahimi, A., & Bahrami, M. (2017). Postpartum depression risk factors: A narrative review. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 6(60), 1-21. Web.

The selected contemporary psychological issue that is prevalent today is depression and social media use. The popular source states that people who limit their time on social media tend to be happier than those who dont & this indicates a relationship between lower social media use and emotional wellbeing (Nittle, 2021, para. 8). However, a peer-reviewed study on which the previous article was based states that throughout the four-week intervention, subjects in both groups also showed a significant decline in both fear of missing out and anxiety (Hunt et al., 2018, p. 763). In addition, it points out that our subjects did not show any improvement in social support, self-esteem, or psychological well-being (Hunt et al., 2018, p. 764). Although both sources report on the possible existence of a connection between social media use and depression, the conclusions derived are clearly different.

The popular source does not provide a specific detail that the subjects psychological well-being did not improve, but instead, it claims that it did. Not only the popular source lacks important elements of the direct observational results from the peer-reviewed article, but it additionally makes wrongful assumptions. The true finding is the fact that students experienced lowered fear and anxiety from missing out, not an improvement in happiness or emotional well-being. The popular source inappropriately addresses the vital components of the selected topic in psychology for a general population. Such information can be harmful to readers since they will assume that social media directly causes depression, which was not proven nor argued. The damage can come in the form of misinformation, which can result in an unjustified and unnecessary self-restriction of social media. In addition, truly depressed individuals might use it as a self-treatment instead of seeking professional help.

References

Hunt, M. G., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No more FOMO: Limiting social media decreases loneliness and depression. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37(10), 751768. Web.

Nittle, N. (2021). How does social media play a role in depression? Very Well Mind. Web.

Abstract

The presented research study investigates depression in middle-aged African women. The mental health of the population is a serious concern of the modern healthcare sector. Moreover, the tendency toward the complication of the situation and the emergence of an increased number of cases every year explains the topicality of the research. For this reason, the proposed research focuses on analyzing the selected cohort, its peculiarities, factors leading to the development of depressed states and depression, and possible interventions to address it. The study offers a literature review of the credible and relevant sources that create the theoretical background for the discussion. The data is collected using the qualitative research method, such as case studies and a questionnaire distributed among the chosen sample. The acquired findings might be used in new projects to investigate the selected problem and provide a better vision of its current

Research Context

The mental health of populations is one of the most topical problems of the modern age. Following the official statistics, 21% of adults in the USA have the experience of suffering from various types of mental problems (Villarroel & Terlizzi, 2020). It means that about 52.9 million people suffer from a reduced quality of life because of this problem. Furthermore, 5,6% of adults in the USA reported a severe mental disease in 2020, requiring qualified help and medical assistance (Villarroel & Terlizzi, 2020). The problem worsens as the number of cases grows annually. The major factors causing mental diseases include the high level of stress because of the complexity of the social relations today, financial pressure, problems within a family, chronic medical conditions, and traumatic events, such as the death of close people (Villarroel & Terlizzi, 2020). For this reason, the problem is becoming more topical every year and requires increased attention. Depression is one of the common mental diseases affecting the population. (Corbani et al., 2017) reports that about 17.3 million adults in the USA, or 7,1% of the population, suffer from the given condition. It justifies the relevance of the problem and the necessity to analyze it.

Furthermore, research shows that some population groups face a higher risk of acquiring depression because of specific peculiarities. Thus, the research conducted by Salk et al. (2017) reveals that women aged from 40 to 59 have the highest depression rates. One in eight females in this cohort has this issue, meaning that about 12,3% in general experience the given condition (Ps et al., 2017). The high rates compared to other groups demonstrate the critical situation regarding the mental health sphere. The problem is also complicated because depression might precondition the development of other chronic conditions and diseases, such as high blood pressure, gastritis, insomnia, and more problems (Corbani et al., 2017). Walton (2022) emphasizes that if left unnoticed and untreated, it might result in a suicidal attempt. Under these conditions, depression is becoming a critical problem that should be addressed to improve the health of the population and the quality of life. However, the additional problem in addressing this mental health disease comes from the differences between ethnic groups and the factors affecting them.

The racial differences in rates of depression have become one of the most relevant research issues. Thus Hastings and Snowden (2019) say that following the latest findings, the discussed mental health condition is most prevalent among Hispanics, with 11% of the group affected, and African Americans, with 9% suffering from it. Moreover, as stated previously, middle-aged women face a higher risk of acquiring and developing this disorder. In such a way, middle-aged African females become one of the most vulnerable groups suffering from depression and the conditions associated with it. Ching-Chu et al. (2017) say that the social and family pressure, combined with some biased stereotypes and unfair attitudes, create the basis for the deterioration of the given groups mental health and inability to function at the desired levels. Furthermore, it serves as the primary cause of disability and premature mortality (Walton, 2022). It proves the critical importance of the selected topic and the necessity to discuss peculiarities and unique aspects of depression peculiar to middle-aged African women.

Analyzing the problem, researchers devote much attention to the causes leading to the development of the condition. Speaking about the selected cohort, it is possible to outline two major groups of triggering factors, such as general and linked to the ethnic aspect ones. The first category includes both physiological and social causes. First, some experts are sure that the higher chance of depression in females is linked to the hormonal changes occurring throughout a womans life (Albert, 2015). The major alterations occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, especially after giving birth or miscarriage (Albert, 2015). Furthermore, each months menstrual cycle preconditions the changes in moods and swings influencing daily interactions (Corbani et al., 2017). As a result, the alterations in the endocrine level might trigger the development of the first signs of depression and its further development. It explains the higher risk rates and severer outcomes.

The social factors also impact the higher depression rates in middle-aged women. First, the ongoing psychological stress, the fear of losing a job because of gender issues, relationship stress, and fear of divorce impact the given group (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). As a result, women experience more pressure and become anxious, which might transform into depression (Corbani et al., 2017). Moreover, the age-related changes in the body influence the vision of self, which is critical for women (García-Montero et al., 2022). It might impact the quality of their sexual life and promote isolation and loneliness due to being less desired (Albert, 2015). These factors might trigger the emergence of depressive moods and cultivate the evolution of the undesired medical condition. In such a way, women suffer from numerous specific factors that might be viewed as the causes for the discussed issue, and its becoming more relevant.

At the same time, there is another group of factors that are unique to African women. First, García-Montero et al. (2017) say that regardless of the focus on building a tolerant society, black women suffer from biased attitudes and stereotypical judgments. It results in the development of higher depression rates and undesired outcomes. Furthermore, environmental factors become more significant compared to white women. Statistics show that African households have lower socioeconomic backgrounds, which increases the likelihood of depression (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). The necessity to work hard to avoid poverty impacts mental health and might precondition the emergence of critical issues (Bansal et al., 2015). Furthermore, black women more often suffer from abuse or psychological trauma, which might also impact the emergence of undesired behaviors and critical changes (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). Finally, some studies evidence the significant impact of genetics as depression might run in families, making it an inherited problem (Bansal et al., 2015). In such a way, there is a set of unique factors affecting the selected group.

Furthermore, the degree to which depression impacts an individuals life might also differ. Bansal et al. (2015) say that various women belonging to different social classes and ethnic groups might experience different symptoms. For middle-aged African women, the severity of depression might be complicated because their quality of life is worse compared to white females (Bansal et al., 2015). It means that social pressure and the problems traditional for the given group might serve as factors promoting the emergence of severer forms of depression and the development of more problematic outcomes (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). As a result, there is a critical need to address the problem to ensure African women are provided with the care necessary to manage their conditions and guarantee the improvement of the situation in general.

Treatment of depression might include various approaches regarding the complexity of the case and its unique peculiarities. Usually, medications and psychotherapy are viewed as appropriate and effective interventions to help patients improve their mental health. As for the selected cohort, depression treatment might be complicated because of the differences in social status compared to white women, which might complicate access to necessary treatment and medications (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). As a result, the impossibility to address the triggering factors and the problematic access to therapy and medications might precondition the deterioration of the situation and promote worse outcomes compared to other groups. It means that treating depression in middle-aged African women should also be viewed as an essential concern vital for the healthcare sector and its further evolution. It is critical to consider major factors and select the most appropriate method.

As stated previously, psychotherapy is one of the possible methods to help depressed women. Counseling supported by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might be a potent tool for working with middle-aged women (Health Quality Ontario, 2017). It will help to discuss the most stressful events and problems to reduce anxiety levels. However, Corbani et al. (2017) admit that fewer African women work with counselors compared to other cohorts. It might introduce a specific problem in addressing depression and managing its outcomes. At the same time, educating individuals about the possible ways of managing the condition is fundamental to attaining positive change (Corbani et al., 2017). Under these conditions, counselors are viewed as essential figures who might help African women to recover from depressive states. It means an improved understanding of this aspect is required.

At the same time, there is a particular gap in knowledge linked to the discussed topic. First, few research works analyze mood changes associated with aging and the development of depression in women (Hastings & Snowden, 2019). However, the alteration in the endocrine profile along with the changes in the social roles coming with age is inevitable and might affect the mental health of a woman. These factors might precondition the development of clinical depression. Furthermore, much attention should be devoted to analyzing how the differences in depression among African women influence their experiences of acquiring the necessary help. In other words, it is vital to investigate whether these differences are considered and addressed by therapists while working with this cohort. These gaps should be filled to acquire an enhanced vision of the selected research issue and its impact on peoples mental health.

In such a way, the existing research context proves the relevance of the selected topic. Depression is one of the major causes of the critical deterioration in the quality of peoples lives. It might lead to their disability and the development of chronic issues. It becomes a severe challenge for middle-aged African women because of the unique factors affecting them. The social pressure and differences, along with genetics, hormonal changes, and acquisition of new roles, impact a woman and might serve as the causes for the emergence of depression. For this reason, it becomes central to conduct an in-depth and comprehensive investigation of the selected issue to determine the nature of the problem and its current state, fill the existing gaps in knowledge, and offer recommendations for improving the situation in the future.

Research Questions

The nature of the research and the topic selected for the discussion help to formulate the following research questions:

• What are the major factors associated with the emergence of depression in middle-aged African women?
• What factors might Impact depressions progress and its treatment in middle-aged African women?
• What counseling methods can help to promote better results within the discussed group?

From these major questions, the secondary ones can also be derived:

• What causes and factors lead to higher depression rates in the selected group?
• How do social conditions impact depression in middle-aged African women?
• What are the practical approaches to address the problem regarding the cohorts peculiarities?

The given research questions are vital for the study. First, they will guide the research and impact data collection procedures. Second, information acquired to answer them will promote a better understanding of the research topic. Finally, they can help to promote a positive shift within affected communities due to a better understanding of causes and how to address them.

The following objectives also support the research questions mentioned above:

• to understand the major peculiarities of depression in middle-aged African women
• to outline unique factors differentiating the group from others
• to discuss aspects impacting the progress of depression and its outcomes
• to analyze counseling methods applicable regarding the selected cohort
• to correlate social conditions and high depression rates among middle-aged African women
• to create the basis for the future research devoted to the same problem

In such a way, the proposed research questions and the objectives serve as the basis of the study. They impact the choice of the research paradigm and data collection methods. At the same time, answering these questions and meeting the objectives is critical for acquiring credible results.

Research Methods

The qualitative data collection methods are selected regarding the nature of the research, the research questions, and objectives. Several factors justify the choice of the paradigm for creating the basis for the discussion. First of all, qualitative methods are effective in collecting personal data of individuals possessing the features necessary for the research (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). For this reason, it is possible to work with middle-aged African women suffering from depression and analyze their experiences. Second, the qualitative research paradigm provides a researcher with a higher level of flexibility (Creswell & Poth, 2017). For this reason, it is possible to alter the research settings regarding the conditions and access to participants. Finally, qualitative methods allow making conclusions regarding the information gathered from individuals, which is critical for the study (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). For this reason, the given framework is selected for the investigation.

The literature review forms the theoretical framework of the study. The major advantage of the given method is the possibility to select sources that would be included in the research (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). For this reason, only credible and relevant academic articles, books, and websites offering official reports are utilized. It will contribute to the increased practical utility of the study and increase the credibility of the findings. Furthermore, existing case studies and reviews will also be analyzed and integrated into the research to ensure offers an up-to-date description of the problem and its analysis. Finally, a literature review helps to reveal the gaps in knowledge linked to the discussed issue and address them.

The study also implies using case studies and interviews as the data collection tools. The first method means utilizing existing case studies of middle-aged African women suffering from depression. It will lead to an enhanced understanding of the current state of the problem. At the same time, a new case study based on the acquired information will be created. It will introduce the major trends regarding mental health and depression in the given cohort. Interviews will be conducted among the representatives of the selected group to acquire information about their experiences of living with depression, factors that impacted its emergence, barriers they faced, and peculiarities of specific treatments. In such a way, the following research methodology will help to collect necessary data and answer research questions.

Significance of the Research

The significance of the given research comes from several factors. First of all, it will expand the existing body of knowledge linked to depression and mental health. As stated previously, the given topic remains relevant and attracts the attention of numerous researchers. However, the major peculiarities of the given condition pertaining to middle-aged African women remain underresearched. They have unique social and psychological conditions impacting the disorders emergence and development. It means there is a need for a specific approach to consider their peculiarities and promote the best possible outcomes. Under these conditions, by answering the studys research questions and meeting its objectives, it is possible to contribute to the improved understanding of the problem and its better analysis. From this perspective, the proposed investigation is a significant step toward a better understanding how depression impacts different ethnic groups and promotes changes in them.

Furthermore, depression remains one of the major causes of the reduced functionality and critical changes in the quality of life. The research shows that globally, middle-aged African women have a lower income compared to other groups, and their access to benefits is limited. Compared with the negative impact of the depression, it contributes to the overall deterioration of the existing situation, and its becoming critical. Under these conditions, the findings of the proposed study are vital for the discussed group and the existing body of knowledge. It will help to support the existing incentives aimed at promoting the positive shifts regarding the problem and contribute to a better vision of the issue by specialists. For this reason, it remains a significant step towards addressing the problem of gradually deteriorating mental health of the population.

In such a way, the significance of the research is linked to its possibility to promote positive social shifts and improve the state of a particular group. It means that the results acquired during the investigation possess high practical utility and are essential for other researchers who are also interested in investigating the same problem. From this perspective, the proposed study might be used as the basis for new projects focused on analyzing the problems of middle-aged African women in the sphere of mental health. Using the new information acquired during the investigation, specialists might plan more effective interventions and guarantee better results. For this reason, the significance of the given research is justified by its importance for communities and the ability to promote the positive social change necessary at the moment.

Finally, the proposed study delves into the problem of mental health, which remains one of the most relevant topics for the modern healthcare sector. The statistics discussed above show that every year the number of patients with various mental conditions grows. It means that the topicality of the issue remains high, and it is necessary to continue its investigation. At the same time, it is impossible to promote the critical improvement in the nations mental health without addressing depression and anxiety problems which remain one of the most common issues affecting women. Under these conditions, the proposed study can be viewed as a step towards promoting the improvement of the situation in the selected sphere and its discussion from various perspectives. It might help to succeed in helping vulnerable populations and addressing their nagging problems.

Bibliography

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Bansal, P., Chaudhary, A., Soni, R. K., Sharma, S., Gupta, V. K., & Kaushal, P. (2015). Depression and anxiety among middle-aged women: A community-based study. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(4), 576581. Web.

Ching-Chu, L., Bih-Ching, S., Yu-Ming, W., & Shih-Ming, L. (2017). The lived experience of midlife women with major depression. Journal of Nursing Research, 25(4), 262-267. Web.

Corbani, I. E., Rucci, P., Iapichino, E., Quartieri Bollani, M., Cauli, G., Ceruti, M. R., Gala, C., & Bassi, M. (2017). Comparing the prevalence and the risk profile for antenatal depressive symptoms across cultures. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 63(7), 622631. Web.

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Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4^th ed.). SAGE Publications.

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Salk, R. H., Hyde, J. S., & Abramson, L. Y. (2017). Gender differences in depression in representative national samples: Meta-analyses of diagnoses and symptoms. Psychological Bulletin, 143(8), 783822. Web.

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Walton, Q. L. (2022). Living in between: A grounded theory study of depression among middle-class black women. Journal of Black Psychology, 48(2), 139172. Web.

Introduction

Many of the elderly individuals have found themselves living in nursing homes either by choice or as a necessity. Research has shown that over 20% of the older adults experience such relocations (Podgorski, Langford, Pearson, & Conwell, 2010). Such facilities are usually designed to accommodate lifestyle preferences in order to make the stay pleasant. However, several factors contribute to stress among the older adults living in nursing homes. Firstly, the factors that contributed to the reasons for relocation into nursing homes may cause stress. These factors may include the loss of a caregiver or spouse, debilitating physical health issues, and the inability to function effectively. Another factor that may cause stress is the adjustment process at the facility. These factors have led to suicides among the elderly. However, these factors vary between the community and the nursing homes. Therefore, the rates of suicide differ depending on whether the individual is living among family members or in a nursing care facility.

Suicidal attempts among the elderly in the community and in nursing homes

The issue of suicide among the elderly is controversial because society has different beliefs and makes several assumptions. Many people believe that taking their elderly to nursing homes would result in better health and more fulfilling life. However, research suggests otherwise. Ron (2004) argued that elderly individuals experience certain losses as a consequence of their age. The losses include the physiological changes that come about with old age, loss of functionality, social issues, mental issues, and financial constraints. He argued that placement in the facilities results in environmental isolation. It is also possible for such individuals to feel lonely and anxious. These elderly individuals may also lack a motivation to continue living and get depressed. For this reason, they may start having suicidal ideologies or actually commit suicide.

Podgorski, Langford, Pearson and Conwell (2010) argued that despite the fact that the elderly makeup about 12% of the population in the U.S., this small population is responsible for fourteen percent of all suicides. Studies have shown that there are generally fewer cases of suicides within the residential communities as compared to the nursing facilities. Mezuk, Prescott, Tardiff, Vlahov, and Galea (2008) suggested that long-term care helps to protect elderly individuals from committing suicide. This is usually made possible through ensuring high surveillance and reduction of access to lethal means. However, there are several risk factors associated with this. For example, elderly individuals in other facilities may anticipate placement into long-term care. The individuals may become stressed due to sudden changes in the environment and become depressed probably due to low social support.

A study on this issue was done between 1990 and 2005. Initially, the rate of suicide was significantly higher in the community as compared to that in the long-term care facilities. However, the rate decreased significantly among the community elders but the rate remained the same for the long-term care facilities. The factors that were identified to contribute to suicidal attempts in these nursing homes included the large size of the facilities and high staff turnover.

Ron (2004) compared the conditions that surrounded the elderly individuals living with family member in the community and those living away from family in the nursing care facilities. Those elderly individuals living with family members experienced emotional support. They could have control over their own lives. They could also make their own decisions regarding their day-to-day activities. However, the case was different for the individuals living in nursing homes. The results from the study by Ron suggested that individuals living in nursing homes experienced more hopelessness, depression and helplessness. Therefore, he suggested that nurses should provide special care during the initial stages of placement and adjustment. These stages were believed to cause stress and depression among the elderly and resulted in suicide.

Pros and cons of Nursing homes for the elderly

There are several advantages associated with nursing homes for the elderly. Firstly, it is a place where the elderly are provided special attention and care. With surveillance, it is possible to monitor the individuals behavior and to help prevent suicide. However, there are several disadvantages associated with nursing homes. They take individuals away from family where they would have received emotional support. Elderly individuals in nursing homes also lack a sense of direction and lack motivation to continue living. Despite the presence of surveillance and immediate attention, the elderly individuals may continue with self-harming behaviors such as refusing to eat or take medication (Reiss & Tishler, 2008).

My views about the issue

In my view, the elderly individuals should not be relocated to nursing homes. This appears like an attempt to do away with one of your own. Persons who place older adults in nursing homes put them through stressful and depressing conditions that may cause lead to suicidal attempts. Studies have shown that individuals who stay in nursing homes lack control over their own lives and feel isolated and lonely. They may see no need to continue living and resort to suicide. However, those living with family member may experience the love from family and see the need to continue living. They are also in a position to make their own decisions. Therefore, those individuals living with family in the community are less likely to have suicidal thoughts than those living in nursing homes. This issue is significant to me and the nursing profession as a whole since proper nursing care is required in order to ensure that the elderly individual is monitored and attended to appropriately during the adjustment process.

Conclusion

Many families choose to relocate their older family member into nursing homes for several reasons. They may be relocated due to their deteriorating health condition or due to their decline in physical function. They may also be relocated if they lose a spouse or caregiver. It has been suggested that the reasons for relocation and the adjustment process may be stressful and lead to depression and possibly suicide. Therefore, it is appropriate to make the adjustment process manageable in order to reduce risks of suicide among the elderly. Elderly individuals living in the community also have emotional support from family and are less likely to have suicidal thoughts as compared to those living in nursing homes.

References

Mezuk, B., Prescott, M., Tardiff, K., Vlahov, D., & Galea, S. (2008). Suicide in older adults in long-term care: 1990 to 2005. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 56(11), 2107-2111.

Podgorski, C., Langford, L., Pearson, J., & Conwell, Y. (2010). Suicide prevention for older adults in residential communities: Implications for policy and practice. PLOS, 7(5), 1-5.

Reiss, N., & Tishler, C. (2008). Suicidality in nursing home residents: Part II. special issues. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(3), 271-275.

Ron, P. (2004). Depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation among the elderly: A comparison between men and women living in nursing homes and in the community. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 43(2), 97-116.

Purpose of the Study

This study is intended for males and females over the age of 50 years who are likely to suffer from depression and severe emotional disturbance. The study will be conducted in Baltimore, Maryland. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the health of the elderly. It is accepted that numerous diseases affect old people. With this in mind, this paper seeks to achieve the following objectives

1. To find out the major diseases that affect the elderly
2. To evaluate the quality of health care available in the country
3. To evaluate the disease that is a result of depression
4. To gauge the extent to which lack of enough sleep can affect the health of the elderly
5. To find out what should be done to improve the health of the current old people and the future generation of the old.

Participants are required to have suffered from depression or a disease that is related to it. Age will be strictly observed as it is of importance in the final analysis. When choosing the patients to interview, it will be done with the help of physicians in the facility. Authority will have been sought to get private information and data on human health. Files will be perused to ensure that there is good background information of the patient relating his past life; whether he is married or not, the number of children, the kind of relationship that he has with a spouse (if he/she has any) among others.

The study will involve both inpatients and outpatients. They both have different experiences which need to be captured for a good comprehensive analysis however the greatest concentration will be given to inpatients such that the researcher will have lengthy talks using unstructured questions to gain more information from the patients.

Hypothesis

For this study, it is presumed that patients with depression suffer lack of adequate sleep; secondly, the diseases that are a result of being depressed can be cured through counseling. It is also assumed that the elderly staying together as wife and husband experience more depression than those living apart.

Background & Significance

Needs Assessment

Getting old is inevitable in the life of human beings, each day that passes means that one has become older. A child has no issues with growing the way a grown-up (those who are above forty-five) will have. There are many issues that come along with growing old; they range from diseases; more responsibilities, and deteriorated health. There are some things that an individual can do when young to reduce the negative impacts of old age and some things are meant to be. There are many reasons that can result in depression; but from a general perspective, it has been noted that it is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Our daily life may result in stress; since the way people interpolate things is different, a situation that may result in stress to one person may not be a stressful situation to another. As one grows, he becomes more vulnerable to stress than when young; he becomes more sensitive to things that affect and sometimes do not affect his or her life (Birrer & Vemuri, 2004: 12). Statistics show that women are the ones that are more stressed but they overcome the condition more easily since they talk out their problems more often than not. Despite the number of depressed being more on women the severe conditions that result from it are seen more in men (Birrer & Vemuri 2004:9).

At a certain time in life a person undergoes depression due to various issues; causes of depression among couples vary. In the case of couples living together there are a number of personal issues which the couples have to live with, eventually it leads to stress. In the case of unmarried individuals, they have the chance to live their own life; they have fewer chances of stress and depression. In old age, unmarried people have a higher chance of being depressed since they do not have time together, there lacks someone to console the other. When they decide to come together and try to solve each others problems, they fall into issues not conforming to each other at old age; this results in more depression.

There is no one way that can be termed as the best and less depressing, the way couples interact determines their level of success, and whether they will be depressed or not. In marriages the best way to avoid stress and depression is through communication. Again before engaging in a marriage, people are encouraged to understand their responsibilities and be willing to undertake them accordingly. An old saying goes marriage is not a bed of roses but if well prepared for it can be a source of happiness.

In simple terms, depression is a mental disorder whereby one is not in the right mind to make sound decisions; it is actually not a disease by itself but just a condition that would lead to diseases. In old age this is a common phenomenon that may take different forms in terms of the duration that one undergoes through it. It is the major cause of old age diseases. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) ten percent of the 35million people over the age of 65 years suffer from a depression-related condition.

One of the major factors that make depression prevail in the society is that it is seen as a normal situation of life and thus those suffering from it are seen as undergoing the normal way of life; this is though not so because the effect of depression especially in old age can be so severe that it leads to death. One of the first areas that depression affects is the sleeping pattern of the elderly; this is interrupted and the urge to sleep may disappear altogether.

When the elderly have gone to sleep, instead of sleeping they get time to deliberate about issues, this even makes them more depressed. This brings us to the question of what adequate sleep is; most people sleep between three to ten hours a day but medical experts suggest that six to eight hours a day are enough to leave one refreshed and rejuvenated for the next day (Thinès, Costall & Butterworth, 1994:67).

Prior Research

A depressed person has a changed sleeping pattern that may not result inadequate sleep, it looks like the elderly takes too long to get the sleep, there is no deep sleep and the elderly sleep with episode that he is awake although not physically but the body and mind is still functioning; this includes talking at night or waking up to do some duties unknowingly, REM sleep, there is little or no sleep at all

Statistics show that over 80% of those suffering from depression have sleeping problems; this shows the need to understand the connection between depression and sleep. When one is in a depression circumstance, the mind is not at peace and thus it is willing to work extra hard to attain an equilibrium of peace and comfort. It then interpolates the situation as a moment to think and deliberate the issues at hand. This leads to one not having sleep or staying for long before sleeping.

Sleep is important for the health and well-being of an individual, lack of sleep leads to health complications that lead to further costs and problems. What makes the diseases even more complicated is that they are not diagnosed and treated early enough. The symptom of a depressed person vary but in general they are seen in the moods swings, being nervous, having a feeling of emptiness, feeling unloved, restlessness, irritability among others. The above signs are the resultant of the affected psychological situation of the depressed (Frazer, Christensen, & Griffiths, 2005:56). The importance/ effect can be discussed from psychological, medical, social and economic angles;

Depression is a condition of the mind, it is the mental aspect of the human being that is in danger and thus the psychological well-being of the person is not proper. The way he is going to take things and make choices is different. One of the major advantages of having adequate sleep is to relax our mind and body. The psychological well-being of the individual operates in the correct way if it is given adequate resting intervals after work.

The way a person perceives the world that surrounds him is different from the way other people perceive it and thus it results in cognitive dissonance; this is the feeling that a person gets when he or she is confronted by two opposing ideas at the same time. It happens when one is persuaded to do something that is contrary to his or her believes. It can be explained as embarrassment, guilt, or the uncomfortable feeling. The strength of the feeling is increased with the increase in the importance of the conflicting matter and the inability to make a rational decision on the best way of doing something. Since the elderly are depressed and have not had enough sleep, he is more likely to interpolate the world around him differently; this makes him have conflicts with other people as well as the inner being.

Other areas are affected by being depressed they are; When one fails to get adequate sleep, the memory level decreases. What happens is that the elderly mind starts to forget the things that he thinks he should be remembered; this leads to further depression. As life changes there are new things that we have to learn to be in line with the changing life, the elderly are not exempted but also need to learn. With lack of sleep, then his absorption level reduces and cannot learn new techniques of doing things. This makes him operate at a low level than the general society that might be a source of stress and eventually depression. In our case, when the elderly are already depressed and then get some side forces that accelerate the depression the case is even worse (Cartwright, 2001:111).

When someone has not slept well the mood that he has the following day is not good; it goes further to affect the attitude of the person. According to the law of attraction, a person attracts those things that rhyme with the pulses that he is attracting; so when moody the elderly do not go along well with those with who he interacts with. This is more likely to accelerate the depression condition of the elderly (Freud and Strachey, 1976:45).

Lack of sleep and depression affects the health of an individual; this is because they both interfere with the normal functioning of the body. When one is depressed, the coordination of the body and mind is affected. Lack of sleep leads to a condition called insomnia (not sleeping enough). It leads to reduced appetite and eventually weight loss. This though is not for all people since some people have a boosted appetite when they are depressed and this leads to overweight.

Lack of sleep as result of one being depressed results in fatigue, memory problems, and confusion. Older people are more likely to display aches and pains in different parts of their bodies (Phillips and Penhale 2007:117-133).

When someone is getting married, he/she does so in anticipation of joy and good life; however this is not always the case. Marriage comes with a number of expectations, responsibilities, and commitments which sometimes are the cause of depression among couples.

Depression is more in married couples than in unmarried couples; one of the major causes is responsibilities brought about by marriage which neither party is willing to take effect. Secondly, as far as human beings are social animals, they deceive some freedom; they need to be independent and repel any dictatorship. When people are getting into marriage they overlook and sometimes are ignorant of the new lifestyle that marriage demands. They end up having a shock after their day of marriage or honeymoon. It does not take long before a married couple realizes the realistic picture and responsibilities brought about by marriage.

Significance

Lack of adequate sleep affects the normal functioning of the body; this may lead to adding more weight. Increased weight is hazardous to the life of human beings especially when the weight is accumulated at the upper part of the body. It may lead to heart attack and blood pressure and other diseases that are a result of being overweight. If the elderly get affected by the diseases as a result, he is likely to suffer a great deal. These diseases can lead to the death of the patient. When one is depressed the immune system is reduced; the chances that he will be affected by the above diseases are high. Thus with adequate sleep the life of elderly is more protected (Nuttin, 1966:88).

Lack of sleep can lead to diseases; as much as there are no diseases that can be said to be caused by lack of sleep directly, the result of lack of sleep leads to diseases. Some of the diseases that can come as a result are cancer and high blood pressure. When one is depressed, the mind is compelled to work extra hard in the efforts of solving the problem at hand; this results in overworking the brain and headache is one of the many resultants. On the other hand, if one hand no adequate sleep he will have not rested enough to relax the brain; this may lead to prolonged headaches (Steffens and Potter 2008:7).

Human beings are by nature social beings, they interact with each other at every stage of their development. When a person is depressed, he is more likely to withdraw himself from the people and his social life is affected. The attitude of an individual can be influenced by the internal surroundings that are; the family, friends, and parental training. The external factors are social interactions, educational institutions, and church or other social groups. Your personality grows as you learn about self,  as you learn to be an individual with your own identity, as you begin to learn to accept responsibilities, as you learn to possess ideas and thoughts.

You therefore learn to express your ideas, beliefs and thoughts. The case is different in a depressed person; this is so because he perceives the world around her as a threat in one way or another. He is thus likely to repel interaction with people and the resultant is getting even more depressed. The mood swing also affects the way the depressed interact with others, since he is unpredictable, one of the ways to have peace with such a person is to keep him off.

This is seen as if society is fighting back a situation that may make the patients condition even more badly. To make the situation even more badly those people that the elderly are closer to may keep him off in their efforts to keep pace with her. The elderly may interpolate this as a negative move by those that he believes should be on her side always; these are the extremes that make one commit suicide (Alexopoulos & Kelly, 2009:90).

The Main Effect of the Independent variable overtime

This proposed study predicts that depression is caused by lack of sleep and on the other hand lack of sleep results in depression. There is a close relationship between lack of sleep and depression and they happen to influence each other in one way or another. When one is depressed there is a high likelihood that he is going to lack sleep. On the other hand, when one is not having adequate sleep, he is likely to suffer some depression.

The Interaction Effect of the Independent variable with the Moderator variable over time

During old age, there are high chances that married couples will have depression. They are likely to miss the company of each other; for those couples who have been staying together they are able to assist each other in solving old age stress, this reduces chances of depression in old age. In most cases, in old age, couples who had not been married tend to come together to live as married couples but they face the challenge that they must learn about each other; they have to take time and learn about each other at this stage. This offers another route to depression.

Participants

The participants will be old people over the age of 50 years who are suffering from stress or stress-related diseases. The following are the guiding questions to be used in the interview (the interviews will be unstructured but based around the following questions;

• How often do you go to hospital?

  • This information can be gotten from those people who have a constant clinic attendance and at least they can remember their trend. If one accepts data can be gotten from the hospital records
• Do you have a private doctor?

  • If a patient accepts, his/her private doctor can be contacted for better analysis. Data gotten will be treated privately.
• Do you know the disease that you are suffering from?

  • There are instances where a patient knows which disease he is suffering from. They are made aware by their doctors to assist them to manage their conditions more effectively.
• How many hours do you sleep on average per day?

  • It is expected that people suffering from depression are likely to be suffering from lack of adequate sleep. A normal human being is expected to have at least 7 hours in a day. When one is suffering from depression, this rate may increase but in many cases sleep reduces.
• Is there some food that you are restricted from taking?

  • Old age comes with various complications which may reduce the appetite of a person. When the person is depressed, the situation is made even worse. When taking this data, care will be taken not to include those foods that a patient does not take because he just doesnt like them and those that the doctor has recommended not to be taken.
• Since when was your condition diagnosed by a doctor?

  • There is a tendency that the old people suffering from depression dont go to the hospital until their condition is worsened. This data will be important to know the earliest data that old people go for diagnosis.
• Do you think there is adequate medical attention for your health conditions?

  • This will be a personal opinion but should be supported by facts.

Research Methodology

To collect data, the researcher will use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This is because the kind of data that will be collected will be both theoretical and numerical data. The qualitative method involves an ally of interpretive techniques for data collection and data analysis. Under this method, I will use focus groups and interviews with old men and women. To select the sample from old people the researcher will use Multi-stage Cluster Sampling.

Deductive reasoning will also be employed. This is a systematic method of obtaining knowledge where one proceeds from a general point of view to a specific statement. The research starts from the known and explains the unknown. It provides a means of testing validity of a conclusion by having major premises and minor premises. A major premise is where there exists a previously established relationship and minor premises are the particular case under research for conclusion (Rozakis, 2009:18).

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted on married and unmarried couples. This will involve a face to face of discussion guided by semi-structured questionnaires. In cases where an elderly cannot be reached, the researcher will call them. Data collected on elderly, both inpatient and outpatients, will be merged for a deeper understanding.

Focus groups

Groups of elders will be developed and facilitated to discuss their own experiences in life, this is their youth life and old age; the leaders will be trained to guide discussions to the benefit of the study. For instance, the group may be allowed to talk in their vernacular; this will relax the mood and encourage more information. As people are discussing it is like they are solving their own problems and thus more information is derived from them.

Secondary data

There are numerous researches done in this area; to get an in-depth understanding, an analysis of situation at hand will be interpolated. A wide review will give a good background of the situation and assist in focusing the research.

Rationale for choosing these methods

The researcher will have a wide knowledge of the research topic and develop a wide scope when he reviews secondary data on related topics. Using interviews is a method that will assist open a door for insight discussion with sampled population and develop rich primary data for a better analysis. Focus groups on the other hand will assist the research get first-hand data from discussion with the groups as they review their past experiences and what they are going through. When a well-relaxed mode and environment is realized, the groups can give very reliable information as they compare notes.

One of the methods of data analysis is hypothesis testing. Here the relationship between variable and group was examined. In hypothesis testing I used the various mathematical methods which include but are not limited to the following:-

• Z-test- this is based on normal probability distribution and its use for judging the significance of several statistical measures, particularly the mean of a sample. The same test is used for judging the difference between mean of two different samples.
• T-test- this is based on t distribution and considered appropriate for judging the significance of the difference between mean of two samples. The relevant test statistic t is calculated from sample data then compared with its probable value based on t distribution read from t statistical tables. The chi-square- this is based on chi-square distribution and is used for comparing sample variances to a theoretical population variance.
• F-test- this is based on f- distribution and is used to compare the values of two independent samples. This test is also used in context of analyzing the variances called ANOVAs. ANOVAs are used for judging the significance of more than two samples means one at a time. After it has been calculated it is compared with probable values in the f-ratio tables.

Data Analysis or Interpretation

To analyze data collected most effectively, the researcher will use a thematic analysis procedure. Using this method the researcher will compare and contrast data from homogenous people and continue with the process until he is confident that no new issues emerge. After developing a general idea from the data the next method to fully analyze the data will be the contents method; following the following steps;

Data Understanding

This will involve going through the data collected again and getting the general flow of the data. Various tools used in early development will be understood and the flow of data grasped.

Taking a focus

At this stage with the data collected in mind, the research will review the aim of the research and choose the data that is consistent with the research aim and objectives. Irrelevant data and extreme ends data will be set aside.

Coding the data

At this stage data with the same theme and which have the same meaning are categorized together. Reading and re-reading data is crucial at this level to get an in-depth understanding of the data. Working with coded data will assist in getting the collect analysis and makes work easy.

Identify connections and patterns in codes

At this point critical thinking will be used to derive the meaning of the data and pattern. A relationship of data will be derived. The secondary collected for an insight understanding of depression patterns will assist in making an informed conclusion. After the data has been coded and relationships developed, a conclusion which involves writing a guide on measures that can be implemented to ensure that depression in the elderly is reduced is done.

Limitations

Time constraint- the semester is so squeezed that making comprehensive research is not possible together with other classwork. The period that I will be with the organization is not good enough to give me a full analysis of the health conditions of the elderly; I will have to use a sample. Some of these aspects cannot be revealed by mere observation. Being an outsider may also limit what is revealed to me. I am also warned that some information that I may get may be directed by my presence and maybe manipulated to fit a situation.

Delimitations

I am aware that taking a close analysis of more than one countries elderly may be of great assistance and give more input to the subject as well as offer a chance for comparison; however I choose to only concentrate on one country  my home country. Secondly, I will not use the structured interview to assist me to stay in the course, as much as it is important, I consider my situation not ideal for one.

Conclusion

Old age is an inevitable part of our life that comes with its own challenges. Depression is one of these challenges, as much as it is seen as a part of life; it is a medical condition that calls for the attention of the doctor. It is one of the factors that lead to lack of adequate sleep and the cycle is endless since lack of sleep on its part fights back and leads to further depression. There are other complications (social physical and mental/ psychological) that result from the conditions. As much as there is not much that can be done to stop stress or lack of sleep at a certain time in life, there is the need to always be alert to extreme cases and seek a physicians advice. Writing the above research proposal has assisted in appreciating the structure and the steps that are followed when developing a research proposal.

Reference List

Alexopoulos, S.G., & and Kelly E. R (2009). Research advances in geriatric depression [Review], World Psychiatry 140-149.

Birrer, B.R., & Vemuri, P.S. (2004). Depression in Later Life: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge. American Family Physician 2004, 69(10), 2375-2382.

Cartwright, J. (2001). Evolutionary explanation of human behavior. Canada: Routledge.

Frazer, J.C., Christensen, H. and Griffiths, M.K. (2005). Effectiveness of treatments for depression in older people. Medical Journal of Australia, 627-632.

Freud, S. and Strachey, J. (1976). The complete psychological work of Sigmund freud (standard edition) vol. (1-24).New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Nuttin, J. (1966). Albert Edouard Michotte van den Berck: 1881-1965. The American Journal of Psychology 79 (2): 3313.

Phillips, J. and Penhale, B. (eds) (2007). Reviewing Care Management for Older People. London: Jessica Kingsley chapter 10 pp. 117-33.

Rozakis, L. (2009). Schaumsm Quick Guide to Writing Great Research Papers. New York: McGraw-Hill Press.

Steffens, D. and Potter, G. (2008) Geriatric depression and cognitive impairment., [Review]. Psychological Medicine 163-175.

Thinès, G., Costall, A., Butterworth, G. (1994). Michottes Experimental Phenomenology of Perception, Review. The American Journal of Psychology (University of Illinois Press) 107 (2): 2756..

The Concept of Depression

Depression is a complex mental disorder that is still not completely understood by scientists. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this condition is widespread, and there are more than 264 million people of different ages suffering from this disease all over the world (1). Depression differs from other disorders, connected with mood swings, and it may present a serious threat to the individuals health condition. It often leads to many sufferings and poor performance at work, at school, and in the family. The worst outcome of depression is a suicide, and every year, this problem becomes more serious, as suicide rates are rapidly growing, especially among young adolescents of 15-30 years. There are developed measures for depression treatment, which proved to be effective. However, between 76% and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment for their disorder (WTO 3). Moreover, there are numerous causes and types of depression, suggesting that it is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although, most of them are still not well-researched and understood by scientists.

Symptoms and Types of Depression Disorder

The types of depressive disorder are distinguished according to the degree of symptoms intensity and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Another important factor is the history of the person, as the absence or presence of symptoms in the past is meaningful for defining the gravity of the condition. According to these aspects, there are four common types of the disease: major depression, persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia), bipolar, and seasonal affective disorder (Merz par. 1). The first one is the classic type, implying the state where a person is absorbed with a dark mood and loses interest in all the activities, even those that used to bring pleasure. Among the symptoms of classical depression are sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, lack of energy, and the feeling of worthlessness. In this state, the appearance of negative thoughts, including death or suicide, is highly possible. For treating individuals with this type of depression, psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are generally used. However, for certain patients, electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective measure.

The second type of the condition is persistent disorder, or dysthymia, referring to low mood that has been lasting for more than two years but has not resulted in major depression. Most of the people having this type of disorder show good performance at work and in the family, despite their lack of positive feelings and low life satisfaction. Symptoms may also include problems with appetite and sleep, low self-esteem, and a state of hopelessness. The third type is bipolar disorder, also known as a manic-depressive disease (Merz, par. 4). People suffering from this condition demonstrate periods of high energy and show symptoms that are opposite to those of major depression, such as grandiose ideas, extremely high self-esteem, the constant pursuit of pleasure, and risk-taking. However, this state does not last long, as it leads to self-destruction, and is always followed by true depression. In the process of treatment of this type of disorder, medications stabilizing a persons mood are typically used.

The last type of depression, common to all people, is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by its periodicity, usually occurring in the autumn and winter when days become shorter and the darkness prevails. In this case, mood swings are generally thought to result from changes in the bodys natural daily rhythms. The efficient therapy for treating this condition involves daily sessions using an intense light source. The common treatment for depression, including psychotherapy and medication, may also be used in these cases.

In addition, scientists distinguish two types of depression, which are inherent only for women: perinatal depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The first one is characterized by depressive episodes, occurring during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery (also known as postpartum depression) (Merz par. 7). This condition can have serious consequences for women, their children, and families in case it is not diagnosed and treated in time. The second type, PMDD is depression, connected with a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Women usually begin feeling its symptoms after ovulation, and they end immediately after the menstruations beginning. For reducing the symptoms, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) may be used (Merz). Thus, there are six types of depression, with two being unique for women. Most of these conditions are efficiently treated with proper therapy and medications.

Causes of Depression

There are many possible reasons for depression development, but the nature of this condition remains not entirely clear. Nevertheless, some factors may increase the risk of the disorder occurrence. For example, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can contribute to the appearance of clinical depression in the future. There are also medications, capable of increasing the risk, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids (WebMD 5). Depression can also appear as a result of a serious conflict with friends or relatives, stressful life events, or the death of a loved individual for those who have the biological vulnerability to the disease. Another factor, capable of influencing depression development, is substance abuse. According to the research, 43 percent of people with such issues have major or clinical depression (National Institute on Drug Abuse par. 3). In this case, a person requires help in coping with the addiction first, so they can further cure the developed disorder.

The last factor that is considered to be important regarding its influence on the risks of depression development is genetics. Chances of the disease occurrence are higher in the case of a family history of this mental condition. According to the research, there is approximately 40% of heritability when first-degree relatives (parents, children, or siblings) have depression (Torres par. 6). Researchers have also identified genes, making people more prone to low moods. Moreover, scientists believe that nerve cell connection, and the functioning of nerve circuits in the human brain has a huge impact on depression. However, there is still no full understanding of the neurological fundamentals of mood.

High-risk Groups for Depression Development

Depression is a complex condition that can affect any individual, even those who seem to have a perfect life. According to the estimations, one in fifteen adults faces the disease symptoms, and one in six people experiences its major form at a certain period of their life (Torres par. 6). Women are usually regarded to be more susceptive to the disorder than men, and the first symptoms are usually demonstrated in the late teens. Some factors increase the risk of depression, such as genetics, biochemistry, and personal issues, including exposure to violence. People, who have experienced challenging life events, such as psychological traumas, loss of job and unemployment, and others, are more prone to depression development. In turn, the disease can lead to more stress and affect the life of the person. There is also a deep connection between depression and physical health. For example, cardiovascular disease can cause mental disorders and vice versa. Thus, depression is a complex state, influenced by numerous factors that can have a strong impact on other aspects of the individuals life.

Depression Disorder Treatment and Diagnostics

To diagnose depression, a doctor must identify specific symptoms, proving that the person has this mental disorder. This diagnosis is typically difficult to establish as it is not reflected during the general physical examination, but connected with inner problems, experienced by the individual. Moreover, its manifestation can be different in every particular case. Usually, doctors use a series of questions that allow learning about the patients mood swings, behaviors, and other aspects, relevant for understanding the patients condition. The diagnosis is always made by criteria listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Defining the type of depression is essential because it determines future curative measures. When the diagnosis is proven, there are effective treatment options that include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), and antidepressant medications, which proved to be effective in depression treatment.

Conclusion

Depression is a complicated mental condition, which can affect any individual in a certain period of their life. It is a disease that can be caused by numerous factors, including different life perturbations, genetic susceptibility, experienced abuse or violence, and many others. The condition is characterized by various symptoms that can be present to a mild or serious degree. The signs of depression may include sleep deprivation, problems with appetite and weight, a decrease in performance quality, mood swings and the state of sadness or anxiety, and more. Today, there are efficient ways for helping people with depression signs, and the treatment options include different types of psychotherapy and medications. However, there remain many questions that are not understood by the scientists and need to be further researched to enlarge the opportunities for helping people suffering from the condition.

Works Cited

Merz, Beverly. Six Common Depression Types. Harvard Health Publishing, 2017. Web.

Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness. *National Institute on Drug Abuse*, 2020. Web.

Torres, Felix. What Is Depression? American Psychiatrist Association, 2020. Web.

Causes of Depression. *WebMD*, 2019. Web.

Depression. *World Health Organization*, 2020. Web.