Depression

There are over 17 million American adults which experience a period of clinical depression each year. Depression is the most common psychological problems which affects nearly everyone at one point or another. Depression can disrupt with normal activities and can cause problems with work and family.

Almost 2/3 of depressed people never get proper treatment. This is because many of symptoms of depression mimic physical illness such as sleep and appetite disturbances. This is extremely unfortunate because with proper treatment nearly 80% of those diagnosed with depression can make significant improvements to there mood and life.

Depression can be separated into 5 different categories as follows:

• Major Depression
  • The most serious category of depression in terms of the number of symptoms and severity of symptoms associated.
  • 2 Types of Major Depression
    • Single Episode Depression
      • Can occur once, as a result of a significant psychological trauma, respond to treatment, and never occur again within your lifetime.
    • Recurrent Depression
      • Episodes of depression followed by periods of several years without depression, followed by another episode, usually in response to another trauma.
• Dysthymic Disorder
  • A low to moderate level of depression that persists for at least two years, and often longer.
  • While the symptoms are not as severe as a major depression, they are more enduring and resistant to treatment.
  • Some people with Dysthymia develop a major depression at some time during the course of their depression.
• Unspecified Depression
  • Used to help researchers who are studying other specific types of depression, and do not want their data confounded with marginal diagnoses.
  • Includes people with a serious depression, but not quite severe enough to have a diagnosis of a major depression.
  • Also includes people with chronic, moderate depression, which has not been present long enough for a diagnosis of a Dysthymic disorder.
• Adjustment Disorder, with Depression
  • This depression occurs in response to a major life stressor or crisis.
• Bipolar Depression
  • Includes both high and low mood swings, as well as a variety of other significant symptoms not present in other depressions.

Prozac or Fluoxetine can be used to treat depression. Learn more about Prozac and Fluoxetine through our website.