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Primary and Secondary Depression

Millions of people suffer with depression at some point in their lives. Depression is a chemical imbalance within the brain and affects mood and personality. With medication and therapeutic intervention, people who suffer with depression can lead successful lives. There are primary and secondary forms of depression, with numerous causes.

  1. Primary Depression

    • Depression is the result of genetic predisposition, psychological imbalance, medicine, or substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs. If there is a family history of depression, your risk for depression is much greater. Certain prescription medications for epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart conditions, and issues related to cholesterol contribute to depression. Moreover, people with pessimistic personalities are at risk for depression.

    Secondary Depression

    • Traumatic events are just one of the causes of secondary depression.

      Secondary depression is depression related to one or more life situations, such as a divorce, death of a loved one, illness or a traumatic event.

    Categories

    • Depression causes you to feel a sense of loneliness.

      There are five categories of depression. Postpartum depression is the type seen in new mothers. Symptoms of atypical depression, which is difficult to treat, include weight fluctuation, increase in sleeping habits and anxious feelings. Catatonic depression is severe, impairing motor functions. Melancholic depression is excessive guilt that leads to extreme weight loss and a decrease in pleasure in activities. Seasonal Affective Disorder is depression that occurs in the fall and winter due to diminished daylight hours, and resolves in the spring and summer months.

    Symptoms

    • According to the American Psychiatric Associate's manual, the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders--Fourth Edition), a diagnosis of depression is made when "You have had an episode of depression lasting at least two weeks with at least five of the following symptoms: (1) You are depressed, sad, blue, tearful. (2) You have lost interest or pleasure in things you previously liked to do. (3) Your appetite is much less or much greater than usual and you have lost or gained weight. (4) You have a lot of trouble sleeping or sleep too much. (5) You are so agitated, restless, or slowed down that others have begun to notice. (6) You are tired and have no energy. (7) You feel worthless or excessively guilty about things you have done or not done. (8) You have trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or making decisions. (9) You feel you would be better off dead or have thoughts about killing yourself."

    Treatment

    • Medication is one way of treating depression.

      In general, most people suffering with depression are treated with medication management, which consists of antidepressants and counseling. For severe cases of depression, hospitalization and psychotherapy is required.

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