Major depression is the most severe category of depression, sometimes also referred to as major depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder, is a mental disorder that is characterized by a continuing and insisting low mood, self-esteem, and loss of interest in usual activities where people find enjoyment. It is also serious medical illness affecting 15 million American adults.
Most common time of onset is during the ages between 30 and 40 years, and may later peak at around the age of 50 to 60 years. Women are more often struck by maor depression, about twice the frequency as that of men, although men are generally at a higher risk of suicide.
Major depression’s diagnosis is based on the reports of a patient regarding his or her experiences. Major depression does not have any laboratory tests, and physicians will only most likely advice patients to undergo physical conditions tests to find causes of symptoms. Most frequent treatment method for major depression is with the regulation of antidepressant medication. There may also be instances where psychotherapy or counseling is required.
The three most common ways of treating major depression are medication, psychotherapy and electro-convulsive therapy. There is a wide range of different types of antidepressant medication that is available today for individuals that have been diagnosed with major depression. The most commonly used is Tricyclic antidepressants.
MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors are also a common type of antidepressant, usually prescribed for those who exhibit “atypical” depression with symptoms of oversleeping, panic attacks, and anxiety. For more information about Getting Over Depression visit the website, http://majordepression.com
