Playlist: Deeply Depressed
There is growing evidence that chronic depression is primarily a physical disease and should be treated like one. This program sheds much-needed light on vulnerability to depression, the subtle symptoms of the disease, and treatments involving psychotherapy and antidepressants such as SSRIs. Brain biochemistry and the serotonin transporter promoter gene are discussed as well, and stories of everyday people grappling with the illness express what it feels like to be clinically depressed—and, through treatment, the sensation of finding joy and balance seeping back into life. (46 minutes)
People who can pull themselves out of a depressed mood are not actually clinically depressed. Matthew Johnstone, an established advertising executive published a book about his struggle with depression, likening it to a big black dog.
When a person is clinically depressed the biochemistry of the brain changes affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. A family history of depression increases the likelihood of developing depression.
The serotonin transporter gene has been linked to depression. People carrying a certain version of this gene are more likely to develop depression when faced with difficult life circumstances.
Whether or not treatment for depression is needed depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Antidepressant medication may play a key role in coping with the symptoms of depression.
Antidepressant medication works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain using selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI). Determining the right medication is not easy and some may make people feel worse rather than better.
Treatment for depression involves recognizing the symptoms, which may be masked by other conditions, such as alcohol dependence. Many depressed people unconsciously turn to alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate.
Denial, preconceived notions, and aversion to therapy or medications may interfere with an individuals ability to recognize symptoms of depression and/or willingness to seek treatment.
Studies show that psychotherapy sometimes works as well as medication in treating depression. Malfunctioning brain circuits may be best treated by a combination of antidepressant medication and therapy.
Regular exercise, creative activities, therapy and on-going antidepressant medication all play a key role in recovery from depression. Studies show that in order to be effective, antidepressants must be taken long enough for brain circuits to stabilize.
One of the most consistent predictors of relapses into depression is whether or not a person fully recovered from depression the first time. Persistence may be required to find the right type or combination of effective treatments.