Depression and its Management-An Overview

Abstract

Depression, a common and disabling condition, is often misunderstood by patients, family members. Major depression is a mood disorder characterized by a sense of inadequacy, decreased activity, pessimisms and sadness where these symptoms severely disrupt and adversely affect the person’s life, sometimes to such an extent that suicide is attempted or results.  Depressive disorders often start at a young age; they reduce people’s functioning and often are recurring. For these reasons, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide in terms of total years lost due to disability. Criteria for major depressive disorders are listed in the dsm-v, but even less severe depression may merit intervention-especially if chronic. Depression may not be caused by the simple deficiency of serotonin in brain, but rather, it is a complex interplay of various neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and histamine in certain brain areas. A variety of pharmacologic, psychosocial and alternative treatments like herbal medications are available for treating depression.
Keywords: Depression, bipolar disorder, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, psychotherapy