understand how it occurs, the symptoms and treatments

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 700,000 people die by suicide annually. It is the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Depression, for example, in more severe cases, can lead to suicide. Therefore, psychologist Carine Eleutério explains the symptoms, causes and how the disease is treated. Look!

Depression or sadness?

Initially, it is very important to differentiate depression and sadness. Sadness is a common feeling that can happen to anyone in different situations, including the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a life goal that didn’t work out. However, such a feeling is fleeting, diminishes and/or disappears with time.

Depression, on the other hand, can happen with or without a previous stressful event and lasts longer, lasting at least two weeks. Sadness is one of the main symptoms of depression and many sad people describe themselves as depressed. However, it is important to remember that sadness is just a passing feeling, and depression is a mental disorder that must be treated.

symptoms of depression

Among the most common symptoms of depression are the feeling of constant sadness and the lack of desire and pleasure in carrying out activities that were previously pleasant. Sensations such as changes in appetite and sleep, lack of energy and difficulty performing everyday tasks, feelings of helplessness or guilt and, in more serious cases, thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts accompany the picture.

Changing substances in the body

According to psychologist Carine Eleutério, depression alters certain chemical substances present in our body, influencing mood and emotions. “Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that are associated with people’s affective state. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, sexual activity, appetite, heart rate, neuroendocrine functions, among others. Dopamine is associated with feelings of euphoria and pleasure. This regulates movement control and motivation,” he explains. According to her, in depression, dopamine, serotonin and other chemical substances, such as noradrenaline, are altered, disrupting the state of humor and emotions.

Age groups

The most common stage of life when episodes of depression appear is between the ages of 20 and 30, or around 60. However, depression can strike at any age, from childhood to old age. Not all cases of depression are life-threatening, but the damage to individuals and family relationships is immense.

Causes of the disease

It is very difficult to define specific causes for depression, because, as mentioned earlier, it can occur without a previous stressor. But the main factors responsible for the disease are changes in neurotransmitters, which are chemical substances responsible for communication between neurons – brain cells –, genetic factors and environmental factors.

“Depression can occur after a stressful situation, such as mourning or fighting. It is common to feel sad, desperate when we have a problem. […]. It is normal to feel weakened after a stressful situation such as violence due to robbery or kidnapping. Sometimes, the person cannot react and this sadness turns into depression, especially in people with a predisposition to the disease”, clarifies Carine Eleutério.

Importance of diagnosis

Before starting treatment, it is very important to make an extremely accurate diagnosis. This is because other diseases, such as hypothyroidism, may have symptoms similar to depression, but the treatments are completely different.

forms of treatment

After diagnosis, treatment can be done in different ways. In cases of mild depression, patients can be treated with psychotherapy alone, with the use of medication or a combination of the two approaches (current studies show that the combination of the two forms of treatment promotes more benefits than each form alone).

Relevance of psychotherapy

Psychologist Carine Eleutério emphasizes the importance of treating the causes of depression with psychotherapy, and not just taking medicines antidepressants. According to her, the drugs combat the symptoms, but do not solve the problem, causing the disease to persist. In some cases, the effects of the medication may weaken and the disease persists.

Moderate or severe cases

Moderate or severe cases of depression are obligatorily treated with the use of medication, and may be supplemented with psychotherapy. Medications known as antidepressants are usually used, which exist in different forms, combined with medications to reduce anxiety and help the patient to reconcile sleep when necessary. “Antidepressants take two to four weeks to act effectively on the disease. Once brain chemistry is restored, depression tends to improve”, says the psychologist.

treatment period

Treatment should be continued for a few months after the end of symptoms to ensure that the patient does not relapse. Most patients experience lasting improvement with continued treatment for about six months after symptoms resolve in a first episode. As for recurrent depression, it needs treatment longer period, which can reach two, five or several years.

need for hospitalization

There are cases in which depression is more severe, with symptoms that endanger the lives of patients, such as: unwillingness to eat and drink any type of liquid, even thinking about trying to commit suicide. In these cases, treatment must be started with the patient in hospital to protect his life.