Depression is not a single disorder. Instead it Is a broad spectrum of disorders which have subtle yet distinct differences between them. Each type of the disorder may have to be treated differently. Additionally, the types of disorders would depend on the triggers and causes. Rare, severe types of the condition such as catatonic depression are usually genetic and are treated using rare clinical methods such as electroconvulsive therapy. There are other depression disorders which are triggered at a certain period such as postpartum depression which occurs after the mother has given birth to a child. The most common type however is known as major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder is simply referred to as depression sometimes as it is the basic, “default” type of the condition and it’s the most commonly occurring variant of the malady. The condition is usually exhibited in period of time known as a major depressive episode. A major depressive disorder single episode can occur at any period of time and it is characterized by a group of precise symptoms. The state is only recognized as an episode if it satisfies certain criteria. The major depressive episode criteria are based on a series of symptoms.
One of the main major depressive episode symptoms is a dramatic change in mood. The mood of a person who is suffering from a major depressive episode takes a sudden dramatic shift towards being melancholy, sad and negative. This mood state can consume them resulting in it being persistent and present at virtually all times of each day as long as the major depressive episode lasts.
Another one of the main symptoms seen in a major depressive episode is apathy. Apathy is characterized by a general loss of interest in everything. The fact that activities that usually entertain the person are no longer stimulating is a clear sign that a person may be depressed. Other symptoms include fatigue, loss of concentration and suicidal thoughts. A major depressive episode treatment will depend on a number of factors. The intensity of the aforementioned symptoms will govern the type of treatment. If the case is severe, intrusive methods such as electroconvulsive therapy may be required. Alternative treatments are also available but it should be administered with a professional in the field of alternative medicine.
The length of an episode can vary but simply waiting it out is not a good strategy. Treatment should be looked at as soon as the symptoms have been recognized.