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Depression

Depression: Understanding, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment at the Best Neurologist Clinic in JBR, Dubai

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, lack of interest, and changes in sleep, appetite, and behavior. It affects millions of people worldwide, but the good news is that depression is highly treatable. Seeking help from a specialist doctor or neurologist in Dubai can make all the difference.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes intense sadness and a loss of interest in things once enjoyed. Unlike normal sadness, it persists for at least two weeks and disrupts many aspects of life, including sleep, appetite, and ability to think clearly.

Major depressive disorder is the most severe form of depression. It can significantly affect a person’s ability to function daily. Without treatment, depression can worsen, but with proper care, recovery is possible.

Types of Depression

There are several types of depression, each with unique characteristics. Some common ones include:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent sadness and fatigue for at least two weeks.
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Mild or moderate depression lasting for at least two years.
  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Intense irritability and anger in children.
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Severe mood swings related to the menstrual cycle.
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that occurs mainly in the winter months.
  • Postpartum Depression: Depression after childbirth.

Each type has its own set of symptoms and requires different treatment approaches.

Who is Affected by Depression?

Depression can affect anyone, but it is more common in women and people assigned female at birth. Additionally, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing depression, including:

  • Chronic medical conditions like heart disease or cancer.
  • Family history of depression.
  • Life stressors such as trauma, loss, or isolation.

Importantly, depression doesn’t discriminate. Anyone, regardless of age or background, can experience it.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary in severity and can include:

  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability.
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
  • Fatigue or lack of energy.
  • Appetite changes (eating too much or too little).
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping).
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
  • Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches.
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible.

What Causes Depression?

Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Here are some key contributors:

  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
  • Genetics: If you have a family history of depression, you’re more likely to experience it.
  • Chronic conditions: Diseases like diabetes and cancer are linked to depression.
  • Stressful life events: Trauma, loss, or significant life changes can trigger depression.

Understanding the root causes can help in choosing the best treatment.

Diagnosis of Depression

Diagnosing depression requires a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history. Your healthcare provider may also run tests to rule out other conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies.

At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating depression. Our neurologists and mental health experts are committed to providing the best care possible.

Treatment for Depression

Fortunately, depression is highly treatable, and several options are available to improve your well-being. Treatment plans often include:

  • Psychotherapy: Talk therapy helps you understand and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used.
  • Medication: Antidepressants can help balance chemicals in the brain. It may take time to find the right medication for you.
  • Complementary therapies: Treatments like acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback can support mental health alongside traditional methods.
  • Brain stimulation: For severe cases, therapies like ECT and TMS can be highly effective.

Managing Depression at Home

In addition to professional treatment, there are several ways you can support your recovery:

  • Exercise regularly to boost mood and energy levels.
  • Sleep well by maintaining a healthy sleep routine.
  • Eat a balanced diet to nourish both body and mind.
  • Limit alcohol consumption, as it can exacerbate depression.
  • Socialize with friends and family to avoid isolation.

Incorporating these habits can help manage and reduce depression symptoms.

Prevention and Outlook

While you cannot always prevent depression, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk. Regular sleep, exercise, and self-care are essential.

With proper treatment, most people with depression can lead fulfilling lives. However, it is important to note that depression can return, so ongoing care and vigilance are necessary.

Get Help at Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t wait to seek help. At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic in JBR, Dubai Marina, we offer top-tier care with the best neurologists and mental health specialists in Dubai. Our doctors provide personalized treatment plans to help you recover and lead a healthy life.

Our clinic is proud of our patient-centered approach, and we are happy to share that our patients consistently leave us 5-star Google reviews for the exceptional care they receive.

For more information or to book an appointment, follow us on Instagram and get updates on services and health tips. Contact us today and take the first step toward feeling better.

What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things and activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause difficulty with thinking, memory, eating and sleeping.
It’s normal to feel sad about or grieve over difficult life situations, such as losing your job or a divorce. But depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves other symptoms than sadness alone. There are several types of depressive disorders. Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder, is often just called “depression.” It’s the most severe type of depression.
Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer. In severe cases, it can lead to self-harm or death by suicide. The good news is that treatments can be very effective in improving symptoms.
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What are the types of depression?
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classifies depressive disorders as the following:
  • Clinical depression (major depressive disorder): A diagnosis of major depressive disorder means you’ve felt sad, low or worthless most days for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities or change in appetite. This is the most severe form of depression and one of the most common forms.
  • Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder. Healthcare providers used to call PDD dysthymia.
  • Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD causes chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts in children. Symptoms usually begin by the age of 10.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): With PMDD, you have premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after your period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with your life.
  • Depressive disorder due to another medical condition: Many medical conditions can create changes in your body that cause depression. Examples include hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. If you’re able to treat the underlying condition, the depression usually improves as well.
There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:
  • Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression): This is a form of major depressive disorder that typically arises during the fall and winter and goes away during the spring and summer.
  • Prenatal depression and postpartum depression: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby. The DSM refers to these as “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.”
  • Atypical depression: Symptoms of this condition, also known as major depressive disorder with atypical features, vary slightly from “typical” depression. The main difference is a temporary mood improvement in response to positive events (mood reactivity). Other key symptoms include increased appetite and rejection sensitivity.
People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression in addition to manic or hypomanic episodes.
Who does depression affect?
Depression can affect anyone — including children and adults. Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have depression than men and people assigned male at birth. Having certain risk factors makes it more likely that you may develop depression. For example, the following conditions are associated with higher rates of depression:
  • Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Stroke.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Seizure disorders.
  • Cancer.
  • Macular degeneration.
  • Chronic pain.
How common is depression?

Depression is common. Researchers estimate that nearly 7% of adults in the United States have depression every year. More than 16% of U.S. adults — around 1 in 6 people — will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.
However, researchers believe that these estimates are lower than reality, as many people don’t seek medical help for symptoms of depression and don’t receive a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression can vary slightly depending on the type and can range from mild to severe. In general, symptoms include:
  • Feeling very sad, hopeless or worried. Children and adolescents with depression may be irritable rather than sad.
  • Not enjoying things that used to bring joy.
  • Being easily irritated or frustrated.
  • Eating too much or too little, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
  • Having low energy or fatigue.
  • Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions or remembering things.
  • Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache or sexual dysfunction.
  • Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
What causes depression?
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of depression. They think that several factors contribute to its development, including:
  • Brain chemistry: An imbalance of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, contributes to the development of depression.
  • Genetics: If you have a first-degree relative (biological parent or sibling) with depression, you’re about three times as likely to develop the condition as the general population. However, you can have depression without a family history of it.
  • Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression.
  • Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression.
  • Medication: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect. Substance use, including alcohol, can also cause depression or make it worse.
Diagnosis and Tests

How is depression diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose depression based on a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history and mental health history. They may diagnose you with a specific type of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder or postpartum depression, based on the context of your symptoms. To receive a diagnosis of depression, you must have five depression symptoms every day, nearly all day, for at least two weeks. Your provider may order medical tests, such as blood tests, to see if any underlying medical conditions are causing your depressive symptoms.

Management and Treatment
How is depression treated?

Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Approximately 80% to 90% of people with depression who seek treatment eventually respond well to treatment. Treatment options include:

  • Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (talk therapy) involves talking with a mental health professional. Your therapist helps you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. There are many types of psychotherapy — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common. Sometimes, brief therapy is all you need. Other people continue therapy for several months or years.
  • Medication: Prescription medicine called antidepressants can help change the brain chemistry that causes depression. There are several different types of antidepressants, and it may take time to figure out the one that’s best for you. Some antidepressants have side effects, which often improve with time. If they don’t, talk to your healthcare provider. A different medication may work better for you.
  • Complementary medicine: This involves treatments you may receive along with traditional Western medicine. People with mild depression or ongoing symptoms can improve their well-being with therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback.
  • Brain stimulation therapy: Brain stimulation therapy can help people who have severe depression or depression with psychosis. Types of brain stimulation therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
There are also things you can do at home to help improve depression symptoms, including:
  • Getting regular exercise.
  • Getting quality sleep (not too little or too much).
  • Eating a healthy diet.
  • Avoiding alcohol, which is a depressant.
  • Spending time with people you care about.
Prevention
Can I prevent depression?

You can’t always prevent depression, but you can help reduce your risk by:

  • Maintaining a healthy sleep routine.
  • Managing stress with healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Practicing regular self-care activities such as exercise, meditation and yoga.
What is the prognosis of depression?
The prognosis (outlook) of depression varies depending on certain factors, including:
  • Its severity and type.
  • If it’s temporary or long-lasting.
  • If it’s treated or untreated.
  • If you have co-occurring conditions, such as other mood disorders, medical conditions or substance use disorder.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression live healthy, fulfilling lives. Depression can return after you get treatment, though, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as symptoms begin again. Without treatment, depression can:
  • Become worse.
  • Increase your chance of other health conditions, like dementia.
  • Lead to the worsening of existing health conditions, like diabetes or chronic pain.
  • Lead to self-harm or death.
If you’ve had depression before, you may be more likely to experience it again. If you have depression symptoms contact us at Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic in JBR, Dubai Marina Meet out best neurologist in Dubai and make complete checkup.