Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Clinical Depression is a fairly common, yet debilitating mental health condition. It is a subtype of the wider condition of Depression.

While many people go through periods of low mood, Clinical depression is a state where an individual has ongoing low mood for several weeks, perhaps longer.

Clinical depression is also commonly referred to as Major Depressive Disorder, and is the most common type of depression. Depression can make life appear pointless, and often leads to suicidal ideation, thus making it a very difficult condition to live with.

However, with the right treatment and support, many people will gain full remission. This should always be the aim.

What are the symptoms of Clinical Depression?

The symptoms of Clinical Depression range from person-to-person – everyone experiences depression in different ways. However, there are some general symptoms that tend to be common.

These symptoms include feeling hopeless and sad, and losing interest in formerly-enjoyable activities. These symptoms need to have been present for at least a few weeks for Clinical depression to be diagnosed.

Symptoms are normally either psychological or physical.

Psychological symptoms

• Continuous low mood or sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of emotion
• Feeling irritable
• Struggling to concentrate
• Not enjoying life
• Losing interest in formerly enjoyable activities
• Numbness
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts

Physical symptoms

• Lack of energy
• Loss of libido
• Losing or gaining appetite and weight
• Insomnia or excessive sleep
• Unexplained aches
• Tiredness
• Restlessness

As alluded to above, this is not an exhaustive list of depressive symptoms – everyone experiences depression in different ways.

What are the causes of Clinical Depression?

It isn’t known what causes Clinical depression. Similarly, it isn’t known why some people suffer from certain types of depression.

Usually, there isn’t just one cause. Instead, usually a range of factors contribute to the onset of the illness.

Traumatic or highly-stressful experiences often contribute to the condition, while many suggest a chain of events can cause a “downward spiral” that results in depression.

Genetics may also have an important part to play. Clinical depression can run in families, with one study finding that 40% of cases of Clinical Depression can be explained by genetic factors [1].

Depression can also run comorbidly with a range of other mental health conditions, such as Anxiety or a Personality Disorder. Substance abuse can also feasibly result in depression.

Loneliness, major illnesses, and any form of trauma can trigger the condition. A chemical imbalance in vital neurotransmitters in the brain has also been posited as a cause.

It is often a range of factors that leads to the onset of depression. Several events can act as a trigger to depression developing, sometimes there is simply no cause.

Diagnosis of Clinical Depression

It is important to see a doctor or mental health professional if you believe you may be suffering from depression. You are particularly encouraged to seek help if you are having suicidal thoughts.

There is no laboratory test or other medical examination that can determine whether or not an individual has Clinical depression. Instead, a doctor can only make a diagnosis based on a meeting with an individual.

At an appointment, a doctor will ascertain the feelings and condition of a patient by asking several questions. You are encouraged to be as honest as possible.

Questions are normally based around the severity and impact of symptoms, how long they have been present, possible causes and queries regarding any family history of mental illness.

In terms of the actual symptoms, for Clinical Depression to be diagnosed, a patient will generally show at least five of the following symptoms:

• Depressed mood for the majority of the day, over the course of a few weeks.
• Loss of interest and enjoyment in formally-enjoyable activities
• Increase or decrease in appetite and subsequent weight gain/loss.
• Problems sleeping.
• General fatigue or lack of energy.
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
• Poor concentration, difficulty in decision-making.
• Thoughts of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation.

In order to assist the diagnosis, something called the PHQ-9 questionnaire can sometimes be used. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can proceed.

How is Clinical Depression treated?

Clinical depression is a serious illness, though treatment is available. In many instances, with the right treatment plan, a full recovery can be made.

The level of treatment however generally depends upon how severe the depression of a patient is.

Self Help

Engaging in self-help materials on the internet or joining a local discussion group for Depression can be helpful. Also, regular exercise can help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression.

A healthy diet is also a useful mechanism. Self-help can prove very helpful in cases of mild depression. At first, trying some low-intensity methods is a useful idea.

Talking Therapy

Talking therapy is an important component in the treatment of Clinical Depression. There are several different types of therapy that are used:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that aims to help uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs that cause psychiatric conditions. Traumatic experiences that may or may not be buried in the unconscious mind can be highlighted and processed. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy involves talking to a trained therapist. The therapist can show the individual how early memories and past traumas have affected their thinking, behaviour and attitude in the modern day. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is especially useful for any condition that involves past trauma. Renowned neurologist Sigmund Freud developed this therapy, which is typically completed over a long-term basis.

Interpersonal Therapy: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a type of therapy that helps people with mental health problems to address issues with their behaviour towards family, friends and colleagues. It is primarily designed for Depression, but can be used for other conditions too. It revolves around the idea that a person’s mood is impacted by relationships with others, and vice versa. Therefore, by improving a person’s relationships with others, it should ease their psychological suffering. A range of techniques are used to achieve this.

Additionally, there are a range of other types of talking therapies available. There are many ways that talking therapy can help. We have more information on our Therapy section.

Medication

In cases of moderate and severe depression, medication can prove helpful. It may also help in some cases of mild depression. Normally, antidepressants are prescribed.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve and regulate mood. They should improve motivation and restore energy. SSRI Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed. They act on the brain chemical serotonin – which is thought to help in regulating mood and emotion. They may include side-effects such as a dry mouth, sexual problems and nausea, though these should hopefully be short-term. Other classes of antidepressants are available in the event of an inadequate reaction.

Other

It is also possible in cases of Severe Depression, that treatment will be handled by a Community Mental Health Team.

Community Mental Health Team (CMHT): CMHT’s are a team of mental health professionals that work with those in the community that have severe mental health problems. They can provide more support and intensive treatment for patients under their care.

In rare cases, hospitilisation may be required. This will only be in cases where an individual is deemed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Electroconvulsive Therapy (commonly referred to as shock treatment) is a treatment that sees an electric current sent through the brain of an individual. The aim is to trigger an epileptic seizure, with the ultimate objective to relieve symptoms of a mental health problem. The human body is fully restrained during the procedure, which also involves a general anaesthetic. Electroconvulsive therapy is normally a last resort. Despite this, ECT actually has an impressive efficacy rate, with many people finding it helps immeasurably.

Summary

It is recommended that an individual suffering from any mental health condition seeks help. Getting help for Clinical Depression is crucial.

There is a significant amount of information on our website to assist you in your recovery.

See Also

• Depression Section
• What is the Prognosis for Depression?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage