Unipolar Major Depressive Disorder

While it is normal to have an occasional case of "the blues" or to go through a period of sadness in reaction to a traumatic event, it is not normal for you to experience a lengthy, all-encompassing depressive state that permeates every part of your world, no matter what may be going on around you. Unipolar depression, also known as major depression, is a devastating mental disorder characterized by paralyzing sadness. According to Depression.com, 16 percent of Americans will experience depression during their lifetime. Fortunately, there is abundant help available.

Cause

• According to PsychCentral.com, the exact cause of unipolar depression is unknown. However, it is widely believed that it is triggered by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, called the "bio-psycho-social model of causation." Biologically speaking, there appears to be a strong genetic component to depression, as it tends to run in families. Brain abnormalities and chemical imbalance are also suspect. In addition, if you have psychological issues such as low self-esteem or negative thought patterns, or if you have been exposed to stressful environmental events such as family illness or death, sexual or physical abuse or work-related stress, you may be at higher risk for depression.

Symptoms

• If you are clinically depressed, you are overwhelmed by a deep, inescapable feeling of sadness and doom. According to Helpguide.org, many people with depression have described it as "living in a black hole." You may lose all interest in living your life; the people, work and activities that once gave you pleasure will hold no meaning for you. This abiding sadness will not only affect you mentally and emotionally, but physically as well. You may feel continually exhausted, unable to complete the simplest task or even to get out of bed. Other symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, a lack of concentration, feelings of guilt, weight fluctuation, sleep disturbance and thoughts of death or suicide.

Diagnosis

• There is no definitive test for depression. Typically, the first thing your doctor will do is give you a complete physical to rule out physiological causes for your condition. She may also order toxicology tests to rule out drug-induced depression. When that is completed, you will be referred to a mental health practitioner. According to Depression-guide.com, your mental health practitioner will diagnose you based on psychological tests, such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), supported by criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV).

Treatment

• According to PsychCentral.com, because depression is believed to be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental elements, it is vital that all three areas of concern be addressed during treatment. Typically, your mental health practitioner will place you on an antidepressant such as Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft. You will also begin psychotherapy in order to address the emotional and environmental issues that may be contributing to your condition. If the stresses in your life are family-related, family therapy may be in order.

Prognosis

• The success of treatment for depression varies with each individual. According to PsychCentral.com, 50 percent of people diagnosed with depression will experience a recurrence at some point during their lives, and 20 percent will become chronically depressed. However, with careful management, most people with depression can live normal, healthy lives. If you have been diagnosed with depression, it is vital that you take your medication as directed and continue to seek counseling to address your emotional issues or if you feel any recurrence of symptoms.