SW2310 - A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF MENTAL HEALTH & MENTAL ILLNESS (3B)

Lesson 2: Models of Mental Illnesses (Concepts of causes)

Sub topics:

 Schizophrenia
 Depression
 Mental Retardation
 Dementia

DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.

Depression can be attributed to persistent / continuous exposure to stress. It is an ongoing

problem, not a passing one. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least
two weeks. There is no single cause for this type of depression, and it can persist for months or
years.

A. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Common symptoms of depression can include:

 Debilitating, Persistent sadness

 Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

 Loss of sexual desire

 Changes in appetite

 Unintentional weight loss or gain

 Sleeping disorders
  Agitation, restlessness, and irritability

 Delay to process information which may result in slowed movement and speech

 Fatigue or loss of energy

 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

 Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide

Depression is more common in women than in men. Also, some types of depression are unique
to females, such as:

 postpartum depression

 premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess, display anger,
and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder.

Other symptoms of depression in males may include:

 avoiding families and social situations

 working without a break

 having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities

 displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships

Youth and Younger children also experience depression. Symptoms of depression in youth may
include:

 difficulty concentrating on schoolwork

 insomnia
  sleeping too much

 a decrease or increase in appetite

 avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy

 withdrawing from friends and family

 feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless

 restlessness, such as an inability to sit still

In children, symptoms can make schoolwork and social activities challenging. They may
experience symptoms such as:

 crying

 low energy

 clinginess

 deviant behavior

 vocal outbursts

Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This can make it harder
for them to explain their feelings of sadness

B. POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are many possible causes of depression, and sometimes, various factors combine to
trigger symptoms.

Factors that are likely to play a role include:

 genetic features

 changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels

  environmental factors

 psychological and social factors

 other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder

C. TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PATIENTS OF DEPRESSION

Depression is treatable, and managing symptoms usually involves three components:

1. Support: This can range from discussing practical solutions and possible causes
to educating family members.

2. Medication: A doctor may prescribe medication, especially Antidepressants in

the treatment of depression.

3. Psychotherapy: Also known as talking therapy, some options include one-to-one

counseling and (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Psychological, or talking, therapies for depression include CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy,

and problem-solving treatment, among others. For some forms of depression, psychotherapy is
usually the first-line treatment, while some people respond better to a combination of
psychotherapy and medications. CBT and Interpersonal psychotherapy are the two main types
of psychotherapy for depression. A person may have CBT in individual sessions with a therapist
or in groups.

Interpersonal therapy aims to help people identify:

 emotional problems that affect relationships and communication

 how these issues also affect their mood

 how all of this may be changed

 4. Exercise

Aerobic exercise raises endorphin levels and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine,
which is linked with mood. This may help relieve mild depression.

5. Brain stimulation therapies

Brain stimulation therapies are another treatment option. For example, repetitive transcranial
magnetic stimulation sends magnetic pulses to the brain, and this may help treat major
depression.

If depression does not respond to drug treatment, the person may benefit from
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This may be effective if psychosis occurs with depression.

D. TYPES OF DEPRESSION

There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.

1. Major depression

A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest
in activities that they used to enjoy. Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy.

2. Persistent depressive disorder

Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least
two years. A person with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder
symptoms.

3. Bipolar disorder
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and research shows that people with this
disorder may have symptoms around half of the time. This can make bipolar disorder hard to
distinguish from depression.

4. Psychotic depression

Some people experience depression as a result of psychosis. Depression that’s triggered by

psychosis can involve delusions, such as false beliefs and a detachment from reality. It can also
involve hallucinations: sensing things that do not exist.

5. Postpartum depression

After giving birth, many women experience what some people call the “baby blues.” When
hormone levels readjust after childbirth, changes in mood can result. Postpartum depression,
or postnatal depression, is more severe than the baby blues.

6. Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern

Previously called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this type of depression is related to the
reduction in daylight during the fall and winter. It lifts during the rest of the year and in
response to light therapy.

People who live in countries with long or severe winters seem to be affected more by this
condition.

E. FORMS OF DIAGNOSIS

Depression is diagnosed by qualified health professionals based on symptoms that the patient
presents with. A qualified health professional can rule out various causes, ensure an accurate
diagnosis, and provide safe and effective treatment.
They will ask questions about symptoms, such as how long they have been present. A doctor
may also conduct an examination to check for physical causes and order a blood test to rule out
other health conditions.

Tests

There are questionnaires used to assess the severity of their depression.

 The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, for example, has 21 questions. The scores
indicate the severity of depression among people who already have a diagnosis.

 The Beck Depression Inventory is another questionnaire that helps mental health
professionals measure a person’s symptoms.

F. DEPRESSIONTRIGGERS

Triggers are emotional, psychological, or physical events or circumstances that can cause
depression symptoms to appear or return.

These are some of the most common triggers:

 Stressful life events, such as loss, family conflicts, and changes in relationships.

 Incomplete recovery after having stopped treatment too soon

 Medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

G. RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION

Some people have a higher risk of depression than others.

Risk factors include:

 experiencing certain life events, such as bereavement, work issues, changes in
relationships, financial problems, and medical concerns

 experiencing acute stress

 having a lack of successful coping strategies

 having a close relative with depression

 using some prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids, some beta-blockers, and

interferon

 using recreational drugs, such as alcohol or amphetamines

 having sustained a head injury

 having had a previous episode of major depression

 having a chronic condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease

 living with persistent pain