Last updated 24 April, 2000

Basic information on clinical depression
 
 

Clinical depression is the most common illness among the group of illnesses known as affective disorders or mood disorders. Sometimes called "unipolar disorder," clinical depression is a medical condition characterized by symptoms such as lack of energy, low self-esteem, and prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Unlike depressive episodes that are obviously caused by traumatic episodes in a person's life, clinical depression doesn't necessarily have an environmental trigger; it often occurs and recurs independently of any events that would logically produce such symptoms. For instance, Judy (a totally hypothetical person) may have just won half a million dollars in a sweepstakes, gotten a promotion at the job she adores, fallen in love with the partner of her dreams, and still feel horribly depressed. The equally hypothetical Sam, on the other hand, may have just lost his job, filed for bankruptcy, received an eviction notice, and not be suffering from any symptoms of clinical depression. Why?
 

Depression is an illness

Themost basic answer is that clinical depression is not a normal response to the pitfalls of life; it's an illness. While its most obvious manifestation sare typically emotional, its causes are found in the very physical realm of the brain.

Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, that carry electrical impulses within the brain. Sometimes these chemicals are too abundant or too scarce, causing the electrical impulses to travel less efficiently than they should. Since the impulses play a vital role in thinking and emotion, a person whose impulses are traveling inefficiently will find his or her thoughts and feelings adversely affected. This is a greatly oversimplified explanation, but it's essentially true: chemical imbalances in the brain cause psychological disorders (i.e., mental illnesses) such as clinical depression.


Help is available . . .

 As recently as the mid-twentieth century, the prognosis for people diagnosed with clinical depression was often bleak. This situation has changed profoundly. Literally dozens of medications are on the market today to combat depression, and they are, by and large, extremely effective. The quality of talk therapy has improved tremendously during this time, as well. Studies indicate that talk therapy combined with medications is more effective than either approach by itself, so it is helpful to consult a qualified mental health professional who is familiar with both approaches when deciding what course of treatment to pursue. It is also advisable to consult a physician (who may be a psychiatrist), since some people experiencing the symptoms of clinical depression may have other undiagnosed disorders.

 It is important to get help, though. Left untreated, clinical depression makes for a mediocre quality of life at best, and in its more severe forms it can kill. Some people avoid seeking help because of the stigma that still surrounds mental disorders, while others would gladly get treatment if they could afford it.
 

. . . if you can get it

 Despite legislative efforts to ensure equal treatment opportunity for people with mental disorders, many insurance companies in the U.S. still employ blatantly discriminatory policies that deny sick people the help they need. In many regions, treatment options are available to people with inadequate insurance or no insurance, so it is wise to fully investigate the possibilities before concluding that treatment cannot be afforded.

 Remember, clinical depression responds well to treatment: nearly everyone can be helped and many can be cured. As far as stigma goes, thanks to the tireless efforts of mental health advocates, the public is much more informed than it used to be; attitudes have changed for the better. It is crucial to keep in mind that no one chooses to become clinically depressed: there is no shame, and there should be no blame, in such a diagnosis.
 
 

 

 
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DISCLAIMER: This content on this page is provided as background information only and is not intended as a substitute for actual diagnosis or treatment. The owner of this site, who is not a mental health professional, does not guarantee the accuracy of the information herein. If you think you may be experiencing clinical depression, please contact a mental health professional promptly.