Causes of Depression in Pakistan

The feeling of sadness, unhappiness, miserable, anger, frustration and lack of interest is commonly known as Depression. It is a mood disorder that leads to emotional and physical problems for its patients. It can affect humans in several ways from minor illness to major depression but most common disorders can be classified into two distinct categories as Major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

Major depressive disorder (major depression)

The patient with major depressive disorder suffers from a combination of various symptoms that undermine his ability to sleep, study, work, eat, and enjoy activities that are considered to be pleasurable. This is a very serious mental disorder that can even prevent the patient from functioning normally.

Dysthymic disorder

Dysthymic disorder is a mild chronic depression because its effects are not as much serious and harmful as that of major depression. The patient with dysthymic depression suffers for a long time, perhaps as long as a couple of years, and often longer.

Causes of Depression

The exact cause of depression is still not identified. Experts believe that it is caused by certain chemical changes in the brain. It is mainly caused by the blend of various factors, such as the person’s genes, his biochemical environment, his personal experience and psychological factors. The areas of the brain that are associated with thinking, sleep, mood, appetite and other behavioral acts do not  function normally. Depressed people usually behaved with a more negative attitude.

Symptoms

There is no uniformity in the symptoms of depression. They can vary from person to person depending upon the nature and feeling of the person. There are many signs and symptoms of depression but most common are feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, no interest in enjoyable activities, anger, aggression, often losing or gaining weight, self-hate, too much hunger and sleep. But if these are severe then there are more chances of hallucinations and delusions.

Treatment

Depression can be treated by medicines or by psychotherapy. Mild or minor depression can be treated with one kind of treatment but if condition is severe then both techniques are applied. Use of medicines helps to stabilize and normalize the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) in our brain that play a crucial role in regulating the mood. On the other hand psychotherapy deals with feelings and emotions and helps to fight and control negative thoughts.

Individuals suffering with depression need special care and stern treatment of these individuals might lead to worsening their medical condition. On the other hand if treated with love and affection these individuals can once again become active and contributing members of the society.