Everyone feels down occasionally. Sometimes life can lead to "the blues" or perhaps hormones are having their wicked way. For most people, it's not a problem; they get over it and get on with life. But if these symptoms last for longer, for over a fortnight perhaps, then it could be that that person is suffering from clinical or major depression.
Clinical depression is on the increase all over the world, with current figures showing one in ten women and one in 35 men are affected by the condition. The cost to America in medical costs and missed work days is $70 billion; in Britain, it is estimated to be £12 billion a year. According to recent statistics released by the World Health Organization, it will be the second-most debilitating disease by 2010 (the first being cardiovascular disease).
The effect of clinical depression is major. However, despite its huge impact, only 30% of those suffering from the condition seek out appropriate treatment and care.
What is Clinical Depression?
Clinical depression is a mental disorder that invades every part of a person's being. That person feels no joy in anything, even if it was something that used to make them happy. The American Psychiatry Associations Diagnostic and Statistics Manual (DSM) states that five of the following symptoms must be present for more than two weeks in order to make a diagnosis of clinical depression:
- A sad or depressed mood expressed as physical aches and pains or tearfulness and irritability
- A loss of interest in activities once enjoyed and withdrawal from social contact.
- Weight loss or gain
- Too much or too little sleep.
- Inappropriate motor activity - can be either too agitated or too slow.
- Fatigue.
- Lack of self-worth
- Trouble concentrating.
- Thoughts of death - threatening to or attempting suicide.
Clinical Depression and Panic Disorder
In a large number of depression cases, panic disorder is also present. This is known as comorbidity. It is often the case that one condition is diagnosed and treated while the second is ignored. In this case, the treatment of the first condition is often ineffective. Sometimes, depression may cause the panic disorder or vice versa. It is the latter case which is believed to be more likely.
When comorbidity occurs, the treatment process generally takes longer as the condition is more complicated.
Treatment for Panic Disorder and Depression
Only a small number of those suffering from panic disorder and depression seek treatment, which is somewhat surprising to some since these are both very treatable conditions. There are two main options – drugs and psychological therapies. While some studies indicate that a combination of the two is the best course, other studies have shown that those following a psychological therapy do not further benefit from the inclusion of drugs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is widely regarded as a very effective form of therapy for panic disorder and depression. The more traditional Psychodynamic Psychotherapy has also come to the fore recently as being equally effective.
Sources:
Marom, Sofi, and Haggai Hermesh. "Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Cbt) in Anxiety Disorders." The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences 40.2 (2003).
Nutt, David, Adrian Feeney, and Spilios Argyropolous. Anxiety Disorders Comorbid with Depression: Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia. London: Martin Dunitz, 2002.
Stein, Dan J, and Eric Hollander. Anxiety Disorders Comorbid with Depression: Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatiac Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. London: Martin Dunitz, 2002.
Zal, H. Michael. Panic Disorder: The Great Pretender. New York: Insight Books, 1990.
Marlene de Wilde - Marlene has a BA in journalism and psychology. She teaches English as a Second Language in Crete.
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