Depression comes in many forms and levels of severity. But “clinical depression” is the term most people are familiar with, and is used to describe the more serious form of depression. Clinical depression’s official designation is “major depression disorder,” which identifies it as a particular type of mental disorder.

“Clinical depression,” however, is the term most used by people. The severity of the symptoms of major depression disorder are such that people with this disease can do little more than deal with the disease fulltime. Symptoms can include emotional problems like sadness, inability to concentrate, feeling negative all the time, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can include loss of sex drive, weight gain, and lethargy. At it’s worst, victims can be suicidal.

Some forms of depression that we otherwise think of as separate forms of depression on their own, are actually types of Major Depression Disorder. These include SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and Postpartum Depression. For these types of depression to qualify as MDD, the patient must have a minimum of 5 of the classic symptoms of depression and have been in a low mood for over 2 weeks. When these symptoms are present, a person needs to be treated as soon as possible, because it is clear he or she is not just experiencing a case of ‘the blues.’

Treatments for MDD have changed over the years, but one controversial treatment is still used 70 years after its introduction: ECT or ElectroConvulsive Therapy.

There’s always new treatments being explored for treating MDD, with supporters claiming effectiveness and others denouncing their effectiveness. One treatment that has ‘made the grade’ is Light Therapy for sufferers of SAD (a.k.a. “seasonal depression”). For a long time, light therapy was considered to be a far-fetched idea.

There are other natural remedies for depression, however, that have not been as effective. St. John’s Wort, for instance, is one herbal treatment that works for some people (mild depression only) but not for others. Acupuncture falls in this category as well.

But no matter what treatment is selected, getting SOME treatment going (so as to eliminate what works and what doesn’t) is critical. People affected by Major Depressive Disorder need help, whether the treatment is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medicine, alternative therapy, or a combination of all three.

Any possible physical causes for the depression should be examined first. Often the cause is a hard-to-diagnose disease, bad diet, or simply genetic – inherited predisposition to depression.

Then emotional problems should be looked into, and this includes past trauma, bereavement, any suppressed mental struggles and so forth.

Because depression can (and often) has many causes instead of just one, it’s best to find a therapist who can be a good ‘detective’ as well as medical professional. After all, everything from alcohol to lack of sunlight to sexual abuse can be causes. These skills are necessary to discover the right causes for MDD and recommend the correct treatments.

Chuck’s amazing survival of a suicide attempt when he was just sixteen years young inspired him to write a book to help others. To discover more about Major Depression Disorder, go to his site at http://www.dealwithdepression.org

categories: major depressive disorder,clinical depression,symptoms of depression,manic depression,depression