Is Depression a Mood Disorder
Yes; depression is a mood disorder. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “a mood disorder is a mental health class that health professionals use to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders.” The word depression is often erroneously used as a synonym for sadness. However, when used in a clinical setting, depression carries a much different meaning. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that depression is “characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities,” resulting in significant impairment in one’s daily life. All people will experience bouts of extreme sadness, and even despair at some point in their lives. For most, these feelings will naturally dissipate in time and/ or with a change of circumstance. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and is recognized as a serous mood disorder.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Every individual is different and as such the signs and symptoms of one’s depression will manifest distinctly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and will directly depend on the individual and his or her particular circumstances. Common examples of signs and symptoms that could be exhibited by an individual struggling with depression, could include, but are not limited to any combination of the following, provided by the American Psychiatric Association (APA):
Changes in appetite
Weight fluctuation
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed pastimes
Feelings of hopelessness and/ or pessimism
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Increased fatigue
Feeling worthless and/ or guilty
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Persistent feelings of sadness
Moving and/ or talking more slowly than usual
Suicidal ideation
It is important to note that not all signs and symptoms must be present for an individual to be diagnosed with depression. If left untreated, the symptoms of depression can lead to severe short and long-term effects and in some cases could be life-threatening.
TREATMENT
While there is a plethora of treatment options available for an individual diagnosed with depression, there is no universal treatment plan that is effective for everyone. Each person is unique and will require a customized treatment plan that is comprised of a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities and for some medication, to ensure all nuanced mental health needs are addressed. Common psychotherapeutic modalities that could be incorporated into the treatment plan for an individual with depression could include:
· Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies to problem solve effectively.
· Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): utilizes four main strategies (e.g., mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation) for teaching individual’s skills that help with effectively changing their behaviors.
· Interpersonal Therapy: focuses on how an individual’s communications and interactions with other people affect his or her own mental health.
Medication can be an effective component to one’s treatment plan. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the two medications, which are Lexapro (generically: escitalopram) and Prozac (generically: fluoxetine) for the use of treating depression. Depending on one’s needs integrating a combination of both psychotherapy and medication into one’s treatment plan can yield the most successful long-term results.
FOR INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. There is an entire network of professionals that are readily available to help and support you and your loved one throughout every step of the recovery process.
If left untreated, substance abuse, addiction, and/ or mental illness can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are always available to answer any questions, and are certainly happy to discuss how we might best be able to help in the recovery process.