November 30, 2014
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that deprives an individual of the ability to lead a life that is filled with happiness, joy and contentment. The effects of depression can be destructive on the mental abilities, physical health and emotional stability of those that suffer with this disorder. Individuals may choose to not seek help due to embarrassment or a lack of admitting there is a problem. Others may choose to seek help to end the cycle of unanswered questions and enrich and improve their quality of life while producing a sense of normalcy. A widespread form of depression is Major depression.” Some 15 million people in the United States suffer from major depression, and at any one time, 6 to 10 percent …show more content…
Researchers have found that changes in the functioning of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain play a role in the development of depression (Feldman, 2013). Behavioral theories of depression claim that stress creates a reduction in positive reinforcers. The reductions of these positive reinforcers begin the withdrawal process. The attention produced by depressive behavior continues to reinforce the depression (Feldman, 2013). Cognitive factors contribute to mood disorders. Psychologists suggest that depression is a direct reaction to learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is the anticipation that life’s events are uncontrollable and the individual has no way of escape. As a result, people surrender to events which produce depression. Also, theorists suggest that depression derives from learned helplessness and the expectation that negative events are unavoidable (Feldman, 2013). The Cognitive theory of depression indicates that depressed individuals feel he or she is to blame when situations go awry. Focusing on the negativity promotes the inability to actively change their environment. Negative thoughts lead to feelings of depression (Feldman, …show more content…
This approach to therapy, allow therapists to use various techniques which incorporate numerous views, to treat a disorder. Utilizing various approaches, therapists choose the evidence-based treatment that is effective in treating the individual’s special needs (Feldman, 2013).
Biomedical therapy (drug therapy) is a method in treating depression. Antidepressant drugs are used to improve an individual’s mood and feeling of wellbeing. Antidepressant drugs alter the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidepressants produce long-term recovery from depression. In some cases, depression does not return after patients stop taking the drugs. The side effects of antidepressants include drowsiness and faintness, and an increase of the risk of suicide (Feldman, 2013).
The sadness and darkness of depression can break an individual’s spirit and the hearts of the ones he or she loves. The scars of depression can be abolished when an individual seeks help through various treatments methods. The first positive step towards living a life free of depression is asking for