Depressive disorders

Depressive disorders: understanding symptoms, causes and treatment options

Depressive disorders are an immense burden in everyday life. Individual well-being and interpersonal relationships suffer in equal measure. But what are the causes and symptoms of this widespread mental illness?

Symptoms of depression disorders

Depressive disorders manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms that can have a major impact on daily life. The most common symptoms include:

Main symptoms

Persistent numbness of feelings and lack of joy
Loss of interest in previous activities
Lack of drive and persistent fatigue
Sleep disorders, either insomnia or increased sleeping – the “morning slump” and difficulty falling asleep despite being physically exhausted are well known

Other symptoms

Decreased self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
Concentration problems and decision-making difficulties
Changes in appetite and weight fluctuations
Thoughts of death or suicide
Recognising these symptoms is the first step in the effective treatment of depression. It is important to seek professional help if these symptoms persist over a longer period of time.

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Dealing with depression in everyday life
It is not easy to get yourself together to help yourself when you are depressed. Don’t torture yourself, but seek help if necessary.

Self-help strategies and coping methods

Regular exercise and physical activity can lift your mood.
A healthy diet and sufficient sleep are crucial for well-being.
Set realistic goals and step-by-step approaches to avoid overwhelm.

Support from family and friends

Open communication about your feelings and needs.
Accepting offers of help and sharing the burden with loved ones.
Building a support network that offers emotional support.

Treatment options for depression disorders

The treatment of depression disorders includes various approaches that should be tailored to the individual needs of those affected.

Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy

Identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Development of coping strategies and problem-solving techniques.
Support in the development of healthy communication skills.

Medication-based treatment methods

Antidepressants can be used to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain.
Mood stabilisers for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Complementary therapies and support groups

Complementary approaches such as art therapy, music therapy or mindfulness exercises.
Exchanges in self-help groups offer emotional support and understanding.

Diagnosis of depression disorders

The diagnosis of depression disorders requires a careful assessment of the symptoms and a holistic approach.

How are depressive disorders diagnosed?
Medical history: The doctor conducts a detailed interview about the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
Clinical assessment: A physical examination and laboratory tests may be performed to rule out other illnesses.
Psychological assessment: Self-assessment tests and questionnaires help to determine the severity of the depression.
Important questions when making a diagnosis:
Duration of symptoms and their impact on everyday life.
Presence of risk factors such as a family history of depression or trauma.
Accompanying symptoms such as anxiety or sleep disorders.

Causes of depression disorders

The causes of depression disorders are varied and can be influenced by a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors.

Genetic factors and familial predisposition:
A family history of depression can increase the risk of depression disorders.
Genetic predisposition can influence susceptibility to depression.
Environmental factors and traumatic events:
Stressful life events such as loss of a loved one, financial problems or relationship conflicts.
Early childhood traumatisation can increase the risk of depression disorders.
Chemical imbalances in the brain:
Disruptions in the balance of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine can contribute to the development of depression.
Drug treatments aim to correct these chemical imbalances.
Link between depression and other illnesses:
Depressive disorders can co-exist with other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder.
The treatment of concomitant illnesses is crucial for the recovery of depression disorders.