Depression Info Sheet
Symptoms of a Depressive Episode | ||||
depressed mood | loss of interest or pleasure | significant weight change | diminished concentration | |
sleep difficulties | fatigue nearly every day | feelings of worthlessness | recurring thoughts of death | |
Symptoms must cause significant distress. | Symptoms must last for at least two weeks. | |||
Demographics | Risks for Depression |
·Women are 2x more likely to develop depression. | · Family history of depression or similar disorders. |
· About 1 in 10 people will experience depression during their lifetime. | · Poverty, unemployment, social isolation, and other stressful life events. |
· Most people experience their first depressive episode between ages 20 and 30. | · Regular drug and alcohol use. |
Psychotherapy(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) |
CBT works by changing self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been found to be equally, if not more effective than medicine in many cases. CBT is the most researched form of psychotherapy for depression. |
Medication(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) |
SSRIs increase the level of serotonin (a chemical related to depression) in the brain. Studies suggest that SSRIs are most effective when used to treat severe depression. SSRIs don’t work overnight—it might take up to 6 weeks before they reach their full effect. |
A combination of both psychotherapy and medication has been found to be the most effective form of treatment. | |
Other Facts | |
· Over ½ of those diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety, such as self-defeating thoughts. | · Physical exercise has been found to have a significant antidepressant effect. |
· 60% of those who die by suicide suffer from depression or a related mood disorder. | · Depressive episodes also occur during bipolar disorder alongside manic episodes. |
*this worksheet was taken from therapistaid.com.
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