In our everyday lives, feelings of sadness that come and go are normal. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on the other hand, is a continuous feeling of sadness that stays with you all day, almost everyday, for a period of at least 2 weeks.
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
SYMPTOMS OF MDD
Symptoms of depression include:
- Depressed mood
- Irritability
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Decreased/increased appetite
- Loss of pleasure in activities
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts and suicide acts
MDD can vary from person to person and presents itself differently in women, men and adolescents.
Women often become anxious, and men become angry.
Adolescents may become withdrawn and resort to self-harm and suicide.
CAUSES OF MDD
MDD is believed to be due to a neurobiological imbalance in the brain caused by a combination of genetic influences and environmental factors. These cause a “malfunctioning of the emotional system” leading to the manifestation of depressive symptoms usually in times of stress.
Depression may often coexist with;
- Substance Abuse
- Marital Difficulties
- Chronic Pain
- Medicolegal Problems
- ADHD
- Chronic insomnia
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
TREATMENT OF MDD
As part of a wholistic approach, we do medical investigations in order to exclude other physical illnesses.
Everyone’s experience and treatment for depression is different, so, treatment is individualised and includes a combination of:
- Medication
- Psychotherapy
- Day treatment programmes
- In-hospital programmes
- Lifestyle modifications
- Exercise
- Social and spiritual support
Our treatment improves mood, strengthens connections with loved ones, and restores satisfaction in interests, occupation and hobbies.