Who suffers from Depression? Depression can effect anyone but there is a significantly higher rate of depression among women than men. 17 million Americans develop depression each year. 8.6% of adults over 18 have a mental health problem for at least 2 weeks a year.

Who suffers from depression? 2% of Children get depressed 6-8% of Teenagers 1999 survey- reported that1 of every 10 American high school students reported making a suicide attempt the year before. Teenage boys are more likely than girls to kill themselves. Look for a change in behavior or performance in school

What is Depression? Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts It impacts the way a person functions socially, at work, and in relationships. It is more than feeling blue, down in the dumps or sad about a particular issue or situation. It is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment

Major Depressive Disorder Depression is the “common cold” of psychological disorders. In a year, 5.8% of men and 9.5% of women report depression worldwide (WHO, 2002). Blue mood Major Depressive Disorder Gasping for air after a hard run Chronic shortness of breath

Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder occurs when signs of depression last two weeks or more and are not caused by drugs or medical conditions. Signs include: Lethargy and fatigue Feelings of worthlessness Loss of interest in family & friends Loss of interest in activities

Dysthymic Disorder Dysthymic disorder lies between a blue mood and major depressive disorder. It is a disorder characterized by daily depression lasting two years or more. Major Depressive Disorder Blue Mood Dysthymic

Causes of Depression Depression can be caused by one or more of the following: Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain Triggered by stress, medication or other medical problems Certain personality factors or genetic traits

Symptoms of Depression FIVE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS: Feelings of sadness, depressed mood and/or irritability Loss of interest or pleasure in activities Changes in weight or appetite Changes in sleep pattern-not enough or too much

Symptoms of Depression Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness Inability to concentrate, remember things or make decisions Constant fatigue or loss of energy Restlessness or decreased activity Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

Treatment for Depression: Approximately 80% of people who receive treatment for Depression improve. There are three types of treatment: Psychotherapy Medication Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Psychotherapy: What is it? Psychotherapy is a form of “talking therapy” that works by helping a person gain an understanding or insight into their problems and work on solving them. Behavioral psychotherapy is a type of therapy that looks at patterns of behavior that may contribute to depression.

Medication for Depression: Antidepressant Medication helps by affecting the brain chemistry. Often take 3-5 weeks to become fully effective, but improvement is often experienced within the first week. Work well and are safe They are Non-habit forming!

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) ECT is safer than medications for many Faster acting than most medications Can be done on an Out Patient basis Can be used in combination with medication Is used in life threatening situations to achieve fast relief Can be a one time course or can be used as maintenance therapy for those who remain medication resistant

ECT: How is it done? ECT is a painless procedure A person is put to sleep with general anesthesia Muscle relaxers are used to prevent any injury from the procedure Oxygen is given by mask during ECT The whole treatment takes 5 minutes You are awake, up walking and eating breakfast with one hour. Home within two!

Other special populations: Elderly- Our Senior Citizens! Increased feelings of isolation & support Medically Ill- Depression is often either a symptom or as a result of a serious or chronic medical problem treatment improves quality of life! Those persons with Addictions- If the depression is treated, the addiction can be treated also.