Major depression has become more and more prevalent in recent years. Although the phrase has been thrown around a great deal, many people still have misguided notions about what depression actually is; what are the causes of depression and what are the symptoms of depression are questions to which the average lay person does not know the answers. As well, because depression is so common, many concerned friends and family members of individuals who seem down or blue wonder about whether their loved ones are exhibiting any of the top signs of depression, and if so, whether treatment for depression could be helpful.
The most important thing to understand about depression is that it is neither a choice nor an emotion. Depression is a clinical illness. Though the exact causes of depression are unclear, evidence suggests that brain chemistry has a lot to do with it, and that genes play a role as well. However, studies show that if one twin in an identical set develops depression, the other twin has an approximate 50% likelihood of developing depression. This data suggests that environmental factors play a role in triggering the onset of what we currently understand to be clinical signs of depression.
Depression affects each individual differently. However, the top signs of depression are as follows: fatigue and decreased energy, self-created isolation, hopelessness, lack of interest in activities once found enjoyable, loss of or increase in appetite, changes in weight, sleep related problems, and thoughts of suicide. Not only are suicidal thoughts one of the top signs of depression, they represent the most dangerous aspects of the illness. If your loved one is exhibiting these or other top signs of depression, getting him or her help right away is a necessary measure.
A good psychiatrist knows how to deal with the top signs of depression. There are numerous medications available, including Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, and Tricyclic Antidepressants. Talk therapy is also a necessary component of treating the top signs of depression. Moreover, new therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS therapy, as it is also known, have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating the top signs of depression.
Similar to an MRI machine, TMS therapy is a non-invasive, non-drug method of treating the top signs of depression. TMS therapy stimulates key areas of the brain in order to reduce the major symptoms and top signs of depression. During a TMS session, patients remain awake and do not require hospitalization. In fact, TMS therapy can be conducted during a typical doctor’s appointment. Many patients report a significant reduction in their top signs of depression after undergoing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
