TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Depressive disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other illnesses such as heart disease. Three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

Another type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive, overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state.

Resources and assistance
Beyond Blue
An Australian orginisation raising awareness of depression in the community. Their site provides helpful resources including checklists, practioner directory, contacts, fact sheets and further reading.

healthinsite.gov.au - Depression
Australian Government site providing information, resources and articles on Depression.

Depression News

The news about antidepressant medications over the past several years has been mixed. The bad news from large multicenter studies such as STAR*D is that current antidepressant medications are effective, but not as effective as one might hope. Thus, there is a significant need for new treatment mechanisms for depression. On that front, there has been mixed news as well.

A new study published in the August 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry finds that hippocampal neurogenesis (neuron birth in the hippocampus part of the brain) might be used by the monoaminergic antidepressants (related to the secretion of monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine

A recent study found that suicidal thoughts among US college students is more common than might be expected, after more than half of 26,000 students surveyed at 70 colleges and universities reported having at least one episode of suicidal thinking at some point in their lives. 15 per cent of students also reported having seriously considered attempting suicide and more than 5 per cent said they had tried to commit suicide at least once.

Actavis Group, the international generic pharmaceuticals company, announced that it has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration to market Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 300mg. Distribution of the product will commence immediately. Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), available in 300mg strength, are the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin XL® for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

courtesy medicalnewstoday.com