Psychiatric Diagnoses to Treat Depression Depression is often characterized by mood changes; a depressed person will typically display intense feelings of loss, failure, hopelessness and ultimately rejection. Statistics indicate that close to 20% of Americans are likely to suffer depression at one time or the other in life; women being more susceptible than men. The two types of depression are major depression and bipolar disorder. Major depression normally interferes with an individual’s work routine or everyday activities. The symptoms of major depression include weight loss, insomnia and lack of interest in outside events. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is very rare; it affects both men and women in equal measure. Because depression is associated with behavioral changes, the condition may lead to social isolation and decreased interest in undertaking pleasurable activities, exercise and nutrition. The main risk factors of depression include biochemistry, genetics, environmental factors and personality. Environmental factors include exposure to neglect, abuse, violence and poverty. The biochemical factors that cause depression are usually brought …show more content…
Treatments for depression are usually formulated based on the severity of the symptoms, how depression has affected the ability one’s ability to work and the patient’s treatment history. Treatment through psychotherapy may also be recommended; the treatment involves; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavior therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy among other approaches. The other treatment techniques include the use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients suffering with major depression. Most depression patients also rely on other sufferers to get emotional support or to improve their