What is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)?

Situations such as leaving a job, getting a low grade on an exam, the end of a romantic relationship, or losing a loved one can cause us to feel sad, hurt, pessimistic, unhappy, or hopeless. These feelings are core human emotions and pass after a short period, depending on the positive or negative events we experience. Experiencing these emotions is widely characterized by most people as depression. However, depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a mood disorder and can be defined as a person feeling sad/depressed or experiencing a loss of interest for a period of two weeks or longer in a way that impairs their daily functionality.

Major Depressive Disorder is a psychological condition that affects our emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. While depression can be seen at any age or time and is a highly common disorder (17%), it occurs twice as frequently in women compared to men. Its symptoms can be listed as follows:

• A depressed and sorrowful mood
• Hopelessness regarding the future
• Loss of interest and pleasure in activities within the normal routine
• Noticeable weight gain or weight loss due to changes in appetite
• Disruption in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)
• Decreased energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Decreased concentration and difficulty in decision-making processes
• Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide

For an individual to receive a diagnosis of depression, their symptoms must persist for two weeks or longer. Additionally, it is expected that the person has not previously experienced an excessively and unrealistically high/positive mood state, which is referred to as a manic episode. Furthermore, care must be taken not to confuse it with medical conditions that share similar symptoms with depression, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies.

Causes of Depression

Depression can have many causes from both biological and psychological perspectives. Factors such as having a family member with depression, certain structural differences in the brain, and sleep disorders form a biological baseline for depression. Alongside these, factors like intense stress, traumatic past experiences, and adverse living conditions are psychological elements in the onset of depression. Even the seasons themselves can act as a trigger for depression in individuals.

Types of Depression

In addition to Major Depression, there are several different types of depression:

• Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seasonal Depression)
• Postpartum Depression
• Psychotic Depression
• Atypical Depression

Treatment of Depression

Psychotherapy and the use of antidepressant medications are generally recommended in the treatment of depression. These treatment methods can be preferred either independently or together, depending on the individual's condition. While psychotherapy alone may be preferred in mild cases of depression, the use of antidepressant medications under a doctor's supervision is also recommended in more severe cases.

In psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most frequently utilized approach for depression treatment. With CBT, the focus is placed on the here and now, aiming to replace dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with functional ones. Additionally, the factors contributing to the emergence of depression are identified, and the individual is equipped with the skills necessary to cope with these factors.