Many people may feel depressed on a daily basis, but do not know why. They do not have a clue as to the reason. There are others who are depressed, but there is a special reason for it. They may have lost a loved one, lost their job, or disappointed in some very important event in their life.
It can be a puzzle for those who have no special cause for their depression. Their depression may come on unexpectedly.
Researchers are now discovering that genetics play an important role as to why a person becomes depressed. People with a genetic susceptibility may be more vulnerable to depression when something upsetting happens. This means that the slightest bit of discomfort or unhappiness can cause this type of person to be depressed. Genetic problems can mean that future generations can possibly have the same problem. .
Researchers in this area have discovered that what is known as “biochemical” factors, caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, can be the culprit.
Another contributing physiological factor can be medical illness, including strokes. Cushing’s disease and thyroid problems.
Various medications, such as treatments for high blood pressure, birth control pills and steroids (like cortisone) can also be a contributing factors for people who don’t know why they are depressed.
There are a number of effective treatments for depression. Some are: antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. Choosing the right type of therapy might be best if a trained person such as a doctor can help you decide.
There is a wide variety of antidepressant medications that can be helpful. Antidepressants help because they increase the supply of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to restore the chemical balance. This of course, is in the case when people don’t know why they are depressed.
Antidepressants fall into a number of different categories. The tricyclic antidepressants and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) make up two main classes. Lithium is primarily used for a particular kind of depression associated with manic-depressive disorder. This is a disorder when a person has mood swings. One day he/she is extremely happy, and without warning, on another day, this person shows symptoms of depression.
It is a good idea, if your doctor has the time, to give you a brief description of the various medications. You can also go on the internet to get more explicit information.
Psychotherapy can be very helpful, especially if you go to someone who is very warm and understanding. It is extremely important, to go to someone whom you can “talk out” your problems.
There are different types of therapy such as supportive, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal. You and your doctor can discuss which is the best type of treatment for you.
