Depression

Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It can affect how a person thinks, feels, and handles daily activities. The condition can vary in severity and duration, making diagnosis and treatment essential for recovery. The types of depression can be divided into two main types as follows:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a variety of emotional and physical problems. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. MDD can range from mild to severe, impacting daily life and functioning.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression where a person experiences a low mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. While symptoms may be less severe than major depression, they are long-lasting.

Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe, lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Mild MDD:
  • Persistent sadness or low mood
  • Decreased interest in activities
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much
• Moderate MDD:
  • Significant weight changes
  • Noticeable decrease in energy and activity
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating
• Severe MDD:
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
  • Severe impairment in daily functioning
  • Psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations)

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

• Chronic sadness or low mood
• Fatigue or low energy
• Low self-esteem
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness

If you experience these symptoms persistently, it may be time to seek professional advice.

When to See a Doctor for Depression

If you have symptoms of depression every day for more than two weeks, it’s best to consult a doctor. If your mood negatively impacts work, hobbies, or relationships, it’s crucial to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible. Delaying can exacerbate the symptoms and prolong recovery.

When to Get Emergency Help

Immediate intervention and attention are needed if a person expresses suicidal thoughts or a desire to self-harm. If you or someone you know is in this situation, seek help immediately.

Diagnosing Depression

Understanding the root causes of depression is vital for effective treatment. Depression diagnosis may involve interviews, physical examinations, and sometimes specific tests to rule out other conditions since some medical conditions may be similar to symptoms of depression. In some cases, a blood test or other specific investigations might be needed.

There are various types of depression, each with its own diagnostic criteria. For MDD, the DSM-5 criteria require the presence of at least five specific symptoms for a minimum duration of two weeks. These symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

In the case of Dysthymia, the diagnosis requires a depressed mood that persists for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents). Additionally, at least two other symptoms must be present during this period.

Both disorders emphasize the importance of symptom duration and the degree of impact on the individual’s daily life, utilizing the standardized criteria set forth in the DSM-5 for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Treatment for Depression

Depression is treatable. If you are diagnosed with depression, don’t feel ashamed, and don’t try to deal with depression symptoms on your own. With the right approach, individuals can manage their symptoms and experience significant improvements in their quality of life. Treatment options at Bangkok Mental Health Hospital include:

Medication such as antidepressants to balance chemicals in your brain affecting mood and stress.

Psychotherapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, offers strategies to deal with negative thoughts and improve coping mechanisms.

Severe cases may call for hospitalization for advanced treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS).

Depression Treatment at Bangkok Mental Health Hospital

Bangkok Mental Health Hospital offers a holistic and personalized approach to treating depression. Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializes in mental health care, providing expertise across a spectrum of treatments for depression. We stay abreast of the latest advancements in depression treatment, offering our patients cutting-edge therapies alongside traditional methods.

We provide a tailored approach that addresses each individual’s unique needs in a supportive, caring, and understanding environment essential for healing and recovery.

Depression doesn’t have to define your life. Bangkok Mental Health Hospital is committed to helping you rediscover hope and recover from depression. Contact us today to learn more about our depression treatment programs and how we can support you or your loved ones in overcoming this challenge.