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Clinical Depression: Symptoms and Treatment

Clinical depression is more than a bout of sadness. Yet, many people afflicted with the disorder discount symptoms and forgo treatment. In fact, two-thirds of the people who have clinical depression don't seek treatment at all, according to the University of Alabama in Birmingham Health System. Clinical depression isn't a condition that should be hidden and ignored. Several treatments exist that will relieve symptoms.

  1. Emotional Symptoms

    • Persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness plague those with clinical depression. Often they will feel hopeless and irritable, suffering from frequent bouts of crying, according to the National Institutes of Health. In addition, one may experience frequent suicidal thoughts and become preoccupied with thoughts of death, notes the Mayo Clinic.

    Behavioral Symptoms

    • People with clinical depression lose interest in activities and hobbies they once thought were enjoyable, and may withdraw from social activities as well. They may develop poor decision-making skills. Impaired concentration is also a hallmark of clinical depression.

    Physical Symptoms

    • When people are clinically depressed, fatigue is a common occurrence. They tire easily, even from the smallest tasks. Insomnia or excessive sleeping contributes to this symptom. Eating habits also tend to change. Some people may lose weight while others may gain a few pounds. Clinical depression can express itself through physical pain. Unexplained headaches and stomach problems can be traced back to clinical depression.

    Medication Treatment

    • Symptoms of depression can be treated under a physician's care with antidepressants. Antidepressants work by normalizing the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters influence mood regulation. The most popular type of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). Tricyclic antidepressants are also an effective solution for clinical depression if SSRIs or SNRIs do not improve symptoms.

    Psychotherapy

    • Counseling also helps people deal with clinical depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common option. CBT involves challenging negative thinking patterns and replacing them with positive ones. This allows a person to change thinking habits that may contribute to the development and persistence of depression. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is another counseling option. This therapy helps people work on personal relationships that may be influencing their clinical depression. Medication and psychotherapy combined may be the best option for people suffering from clinical depression.

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