Pathology Blog 2 - Depression

Pathology blog 2
Simon Marks

Depression

Description – Depression also known as clinical depression is a mental disorder that causes a person to feel an all-encompassing low mood which can be accompanied by low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. These conditions can interfere with the suffers everyday life as is more than just feeling down or blue for a few days it is a persistent feeling that they can not shake (Medline Plus, ). Most studies of depression have shown it is almost twice as common in females than males (F M, Mondimore).

Types:

Major depression- Also called clinical depression is when the ability to enjoy everyday activities is lost, the effects can be experienced from mild to severe and generally lasts about six months and can be recurring (Help guide 2009)

Atypical Depression – can be put down to specific symptom patterns, which show a temporary rise in mood from good experiences they feel. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection. (Help guide 2009)

Dysthymia (recurrent, mild depression) – Is a chronic condition (normally lasts over two years) in which they may feel a mild depression more days than not. It is can stop the person from reaching their full potential in their day to day life and is often linked with pouts of major depression. (Help guide 2009)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - is more common in the northern climates and in younger people it is experienced through fall, winter, and in long periods of over-cast whether (Help guide 2009), it is thought to be related to the amount of exposure to sunlight a person my get. (Familydoctor, 2008)

Manic depression – is defined by swinging of mood extremes with lowered moods resembling those of major depression and highs of impulsive behaviour, hyperactivity, rapid speech and little sleep. Each episode lasting for several weeks (Familydoctor, 2008)

Etiology – There are many causes for depression biological, genetic, psychological, or social factors can all be triggers for the condition. (Wiki, 2009)

It has been thought that depression can be passed down the generations as records show that you have a high chance of getting the symptoms if it runs in your family. (Medical news today, 2009)

“MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has shown that the brain of a person with depression looks different, compared to the brain of a person who has never had depression. The areas of the brain that deal with thinking, sleep, mood, appetite and behavior do not appear to function normally. There are also indications that neurotransmitters appear to be out of balance.” (Medical news today, 2009)


General environmental and lifestyle causes and risk factors for depression
• Loneliness
• Lack of social support
• Recent stressful life experiences
• Family history of depression
• Marital or relationship problems
• Financial strain
• Early childhood trauma or abuse
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Unemployment or underemployment
• Health problems or chronic pain
(Help guide.org, 2008)


Incidence - approx 1 in 14 or 6.91% or 18.8 million people in USA annually get diagnosed with depression (NIMH) National Institute of Mental Health (Wrong diagnosis.com, 2009)

Prevalence - According to National institute of mental health (NIMH), approximately 6.5% of women suffer from major depressive disorder at a given point of time in America, and comparatively 3.3% of male population suffers major depressive disorder at any given point of time. As per studies performed by National institute of Mental health overall approximately 5.3% adults and 4% adolescents suffer from serious depression annually. (Harold Cortez, 2008)

Signs and symptoms

General signs and symptoms

• A constant feeling of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness
• A general feeling of pessimism sets in (the glass is always half empty)
• The person feels hopeless
• Individuals can feel restless
• The sufferer may experience irritability
• Patients may lose interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
• He/she may lose interest in sex
• Levels of energy feel lower, fatigue sets in
• Many people with a depressive illness find it hard to concentrate, remember details, and make decisions
• Sleep patterns are disturbed - the person may sleep too little or too much
• Eating habits may change - he/she may either eat too much or have no appetite
• Suicidal thoughts may occur - some may act on those thoughts
• The sufferer may complain more of aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems. These problems do not get better with treatment.
(Medical news today, 2009)
Seasonal depression (winter)
• A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods
• Weight gain
• A drop in energy level
• Fatigue
• A tendency to oversleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability and anxiety
• Increased sensitivity to social rejection
• Avoidance of social situations and a loss of interest in the activities you used to enjoy
Seasonal depression (summer)
• A loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Irritability and anxiety
• Agitation
• Increased sex drive
(Family doctor, 2008)
Indications and contraindications for massage therapy

- Check to see if the client is on antidepressants as the symptoms are similar to inhibition of parasympathetic system they are orthostatatic hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, sedation and drowsiness as therapists we need to watch for hypotension and dizziness when the client gets off the table. Also the sedative effects may mean that the clients feed back maybe inadequate.
- Studies done by the Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami have concluded that you can reduce your anxiety and feelings of depression with regular massage therapy. (G Galley, 2009). So just regular general relaxation massage.
- Massage can help to move oxygen around the body and stimulate lymph glands to eliminate toxins and stress hormones.
- The Relaxing of muscles and touch help can help the release of endorphins. (B K Puri & H Boyd, 2005).


Reference list

Dr. Premkumar, K. (1959). Pathology A to Z: A handbook for massage therapists (2nd Ed.). Canada: VanPub Books

Familydoctor, (2008). Seasonal affective disorder. Retrieved 26/06/2009. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/depression/267.html

Genna Galley, (2009). Suite 101.com – Does massage really reduce depression. Retrieved 26/06/2009. http://relaxation-stress-reduction.suite101.com/article.cfm/does_massage_really_reduce_depression#ixzz0JV6vhtSN&C

Harold Cortez, (2008). Ezine articles.com - Incidence and Depression Prevalence Retrieved 26/06/2009
http://ezinearticles.com/?Incidence-and-Depression-Prevalence&id=1243325

Help guide.org, (2008). Understanding depression. Retrieved 25/06/2009 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm

Medical news today, (2009). What is depression? What causes depression? Retrieved 26/06/2009 http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8933.php

Medline Plus, (2009). Depression. Retrieved 25/06/2009 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html

Mondimore, F M. (1995). Depression: The Mood Disease, (Revised Edition). The John Hopkins Press LTD. London.

Professor B K Puri & H Boyd. (2005). The Natural Way to Beat Depression. Hodder and Stoughton, London NWI.

Wikipedia, (2009). Major depressive disorder. Retrieved 26/06/2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder
Wrongdiagnosis.com, (2009). Prevalence and Incidence of Depressive disorders. Retrieved 26/06/2009
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/d/depressive_disorders/prevalence.htm