Week 2 Post 2: Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders are the leading cause of disability in the world. Anatomically, it can often be caused by having a smaller frontal lobe, or an unnatural hippocampus volume. There are many depressive disorders, however the two that are most focused on in the course include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as Dysthymia. Symptoms include significant change in weight or appetite, sleep patterns, psychomotor agitation and retardation, fatigue, thoughts of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or indecisiveness, and suicidal thoughts. To be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, there must be at least 5 symptoms lingering for at least 2 weeks, a persistent sad mood, loss of interest or pleasure (also known as anhedonia), as well as even a significant change in physical being (significant weight gain/loss, etc.). MDD cannot be explained by the use of a substance or another medical condition, or a response to grief. 6%-7% of adults struggle with MDD, and it is 3 times more likely in the ages 18-29 than it is 60+. There is also a genetic risk if a family member has struggled with MDD, especially when in close relativity. Dysthymia is a chronic, lower grade intensity version of MDD, where there is a depressive mood present for most of the day, most days, for at least 2 years. Symptoms include poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or indecisiveness, and a sense of hopelessness . Treatments for depressive disorders include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Behavioral Activation/Pleasant Events Scheduling, exercise, and cognitive restructuring. The Cognitive Behavioral Model of Depression focuses on changing the negativity of one's self, world, and future to change the course of a depressive disorder (lessen symptoms and intensity).
It is evident, especially in MDD, that depressive disorders are more common in youth/young adults. Factors such as genetics and even puberty are good anatomical reasons behind this, however the Diathesis-stress Model, the study of an underlying predisposition (genetic, physiological, psychological) that is triggered by stressful life events and brings on a disorder, is a much more complex reason behind depressive disorders in youth. This could connect to societal issues such as violence in schools, family poverty and homelessness, foster care and adoption systems, and more that has contributed to the decline in mental health in today's youth. As much as mental disorders target youth in today's world, depressive disorders are still very common in older-aged people such as veterans, a perfect example in the Diathesis-stress Model. It is said that classifying mental illness is the most difficult process in clinical psychology, so therefore depressive disorders are the world's leading cause of disability. Although there are treatments including both cognitive and medical approaches, it is clear that society has made enough negative impacts to make it much more difficult for research and treatment to catch up with the decline of mental health all over the world.
It is evident, especially in MDD, that depressive disorders are more common in youth/young adults. Factors such as genetics and even puberty are good anatomical reasons behind this, however the Diathesis-stress Model, the study of an underlying predisposition (genetic, physiological, psychological) that is triggered by stressful life events and brings on a disorder, is a much more complex reason behind depressive disorders in youth. This could connect to societal issues such as violence in schools, family poverty and homelessness, foster care and adoption systems, and more that has contributed to the decline in mental health in today's youth. As much as mental disorders target youth in today's world, depressive disorders are still very common in older-aged people such as veterans, a perfect example in the Diathesis-stress Model. It is said that classifying mental illness is the most difficult process in clinical psychology, so therefore depressive disorders are the world's leading cause of disability. Although there are treatments including both cognitive and medical approaches, it is clear that society has made enough negative impacts to make it much more difficult for research and treatment to catch up with the decline of mental health all over the world.
If depressive disorders are leading cause of disability in the world, do you think there is enough being done to address the problem? New treatments? Treatments connected to a person's DNA?
ReplyDeleteI think it is more of a question of what else can be done-- research is limited, which limits treatment options, especially specialized treatments like connections to DNA. Without the proper equipment for research, treatments such as these will be extremely difficult to obtain. Before reaching a goal of new treatments, the goal of better understanding depression through research must be reached.
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