Research Assessment #9

Date: January 25, 2018

Subject: Depression

MLA Citation:

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Depression and Pain.” ​Harvard Health​, 21 Mar. 2017,

www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/depression-and-pain​.

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Six Common Depression Types.” ​Harvard Health​, Jan. 2017,

www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-common-depression-types.

Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses inflicted on three million

people ages three and older. Depression is a dysfunction that is well known in pop culture today,

however, there are many misconceptions. Harvard Health Publishing articles explain what the

disorder is, the types of depression, and treatments for depression. Once reading the two Harvard

written articles, I have a greater understanding regarding this complex disorder.

I find the knowledge of Depression so important in today's society because of how so

many people are familiar with its effects, and yet how deadly it can be. Most people claim to

have it, or come to a low point in their life, that affects the way they perceive their surroundings.

In order to stop the rate of Depression, it is vital that mental health doctors educate themselves

on the types of depressive states. Communities overall thrive from the intelligence of doctors

who could potentially, with the right techniques, make this rate decrease drastically.

What it is: according to Harvard Health, Depression is an emotional condition. It is a

complex disorder that affects one’s thoughts, mood, and behavior which can lead to isolation,

immobility, and drug dependence. Although depression is curable, it causes those suffering to
lose the joy in life. To them, there is no motivation for goals or hope. Even the most simple of

daily tasks is a struggle. It is a persistent feeling of sadness or loss, that can lead to a decline in

self-care and life threatening decisions. Types of depression with treatment: the three most

commonly seen cases consists of major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar

disorder. Major (Classic) depression is composed from the loss of social interest, loss of energy,

change in appetite, and/or the feeling of worthlessness. This is a very severe and intense level of

misery; the persistent thought of suicide, or action of self-harm, can be a result of this illness.

Major depression is can be cured with psychotherapy, a balanced diet, exercise, and

antidepressants. If those fail to work, electroconvulsive therapy may be used. Persistent

depressive disorder is a mild, but long term, form of depression. It is characterized by a low

mood that affects one’s behavior and thoughts for, at minimum, two years. Those suffering are

capable of functioning properly in a daily routine, however, everything is perceived as joyless

most of the time. Self-care, psychotherapy, and regularly taking medication can alter this state of

mind. Finally bipolar disorder, known as manic depressive disease, is a period of mania- weeks

or months of extreme happiness, almost to an unrealistic standpoint- followed by weeks or

months of a deep depression. Medication given to bipolar patients is different than the

medication given to depressed patients; ultimately, the bipolar medication is more useful toward

stabilizing the sick person's mood. Contrary to the common belief, gloomy moods do not spread

as though they are contagious- but happy moods do. Relating to all three treatments, one of the

most valuable cures is surrounding yourself with positivity. Constantly being filled in spirit with

motivation and gleeful attitudes from those around the patient is almost essential toward their

recovery.
 Utilizing this deeper analysis of what depression can be, I will apply it to my general

knowledge. When needed I will have the intelligence to help one suffering while also continuing

to support my peers. These two articles were very helpful! After researching depression, the

saying ‘Surround yourself with positivity’ has never been more clear!
Depression and pain
Hurting bodies and suffering minds often require the
same treatment.
Updated: March 21, 2017

Published: June, 2009

Pain, especially chronic pain, is an emotional condition as well as a physical sensation.

It is a complex experience that affects thought, mood, and behavior and can lead to

isolation, immobility, and drug dependence.

In those ways, it resembles depression, and the relationship is intimate. Pain is

depressing, and depression causes and intensifies pain. People with chronic pain have

three times the average risk of developing psychiatric symptoms — usually mood or

anxiety disorders — and depressed patients have three times the average risk of

developing chronic pain.

Brain pathways
The convergence of depression and pain is reflected in the circuitry of the nervous

system. In the experience of pain, communication between body and brain goes both

ways. Normally, the brain diverts signals of physical discomfort so that we can

concentrate on the external world. When this shut off mechanism is impaired, physical

sensations, including pain, are more likely to become the center of attention. Brain

pathways that handle the reception of pain signals, including the seat of emotions in the
limbic region, use some of the same neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of

mood, especially serotonin and norepinephrine. When regulation fails, pain is intensified

along with sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. And chronic pain, like chronic

depression, can alter the functioning of the nervous system and perpetuate itself.

Fibromyalgia may illustrate these biological links between pain and depression. Its

symptoms include widespread muscle pain and tenderness at certain pressure points,

with no evidence of tissue damage. Brain scans of people with fibromyalgia show highly

active pain centers, and the disorder is more closely associated with depression than

most other medical conditions. Fibromyalgia could be caused by a brain malfunction

that heightens sensitivity to both physical discomfort and mood changes.

Six common depression types

Published: January, 2017

Depression is not only hard to endure, it is also a risk factor for heart disease and

dementia. "Depressive symptoms can occur in adults for many reasons. If you are

experiencing mood or cognitive changes that last for more than a few weeks, it's a good

idea to bring this up with your doctor or consult a mental health specialist to help sort

out possible causes," says Dr. Nancy Donovan, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard

Medical School. The four most common types of depression are major depression,

persistent depressive disorder

(formerly known as dysthymia), bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

Major depression.​ The classic depression type, major depression is a state where a

dark mood is all-consuming and one loses interest in activities, even ones that are

usually pleasurable. Symptoms of this type of depression include trouble sleeping,

changes in appetite or weight, loss of energy, and feeling worthless. Thoughts of death

or suicide may occur. It is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. For some

people with severe depression that isn't alleviated with psychotherapy or antidepressant

medications, electroconvulsive therapy may be effective.

Persistent depressive disorder.​ Formerly called "dysthymia," this type of depression

refers to low mood that has lasted for at least two years but may not reach the intensity

of major depression. Many people with this type of depression type are able to function

day to day, but feel low or joyless much of the time. Some depressive symptoms, such

as appetite and sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, or hopelessness, are

usually part of the picture.

Bipolar disorder.​ People with bipolar disorder—once known as manic-depressive

disease—have episodes of depression. But they also go through periods of unusually

high energy or activity. Manic symptoms look like the opposite of depression symptoms:

grandiose ideas, unrealistically high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, thoughts

and activity at higher speed, and ramped-up pursuit of pleasure including sex sprees,

overspending, and risk taking. Being manic can feel great, but it doesn't last long, can

lead to self-destructive behavior, and is usually followed by a period of depression.

Medications for bipolar disorder are different from those given for other depression

types, but can be very effective at stabilizing a person's mood.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).​ This type of depression emerges as days get

shorter in the fall and winter. The mood change may result from alterations in the body's

natural daily rhythms, in the eyes' sensitivity to light, or in how chemical messengers like

serotonin and melatonin function. The leading treatment is light therapy, which involves

daily sessions sitting close to an especially intense light source. The usual treatments

for depression, such as psychotherapy and medication, may also be effective.

Depression types unique to women

Although women are at higher risk for general depression, they are also at risk for two

different depression types that are influenced by reproductive hormones—perinatal

depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

1. Perinatal depression.​ This type of depression includes major and minor

depressive episodes that occur during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after

delivery (also known as postpartum depression). PMDD affects one in seven

women who give birth and can have devastating effects on the women, their

infants, and their families. Treatment includes counseling and medication.

2. PMDD.​ This type of depression is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, or

PMS. Symptoms of PMDD usually begin shortly after ovulation and end once

menstruation starts. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as

fluoxetine (Sarafem). and sertraline (Zoloft), may reduce symptoms.