Depression
Depression is a serious mental disorder characterised by a persistent sense of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities.
It is not just a transient bad mood, but a condition that can significantly affect life and functionality.
Symptoms
- Emotionally: Persistent sadness, feelings of emptiness or hopelessness, irritability, and feelings of guilt.
- Physical: Fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep and unexplained pain.
- Mental: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and thoughts of suicide or death.
- Behavioral: Aversion to social activities, reduced performance at work or school.
Treatment Options
- Medication: Antidepressant medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT).
- Combination therapy: A combination of medication and psychotherapy.
- Complementary treatments: Physical exercise, special diet, relaxation techniques.
- Hospitalisation: In severe cases hospitalisation may be required.
Prognosis
The prognosis of depression depends on many factors, including the severity of the condition, response to treatment and the presence of a support network.
- Relapse: Depression is a chronic relapsing disorder. About 50% of people who have experienced one episode will experience a second.
- Recovery: Many patients make a full recovery with the right treatment. However, some may need long-term or lifelong treatment.
- Functionality: With proper treatment, most patients can return to normal functionality and quality of life.
Positive Predictive Factors
- Access to treatment: Patients who receive timely and appropriate treatment have a better prognosis.
- Compliance with treatment: Regular monitoring and adherence to medication and treatment recommendations improve outcomes.
- Support network: The presence of supportive friends and family can facilitate recovery.
- Absence of serious comorbidities: The prognosis is better when there are no other mental or physical conditions.
Negative Predictive Factors
- Seriousness: More severe forms of depression may be more resistant to treatment.
- Chronic depression: Depression that lasts more than two years (dysthymia) usually has a worse prognosis.
- History of relapses: Patients with multiple episodes of depression in the past have a higher risk of relapse.
- Comorbidity: Presence of other mental or neurological disorders, such as anxiety disorders, dementia and substance use, and physical conditions, can worsen the prognosis.
Continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment according to the patient’s needs are essential for achieving the best possible prognosis.
