Do You Have Major Depression?
Major depression is the most severe category of depression. If you have major depression, more of the traditional symptoms of depression are present and with you every day. These symptoms are usually more intense or severe. Major depression can be triggered fro a single traumatic event that occurs in your life, or it could develop slowly over a lifetime due to numerous personal disappointments. Many people can develop major depression without any obvious life triggering event occuring. Others have had lesser symptoms of depression for many years, and a life crisis results in them transitioning to a major depression.
Usually major depression occurs once as a result of a significant psychological trauma, and people respond well to treatment - with it never occuring again after the treatment is completed. Some individuals may have recurring depression where the major depression comes and goes during their lifetime. Sometimes the depression can go years between episodes. This type of depression that goes in cycles is called recurrent depression, and the treatment is usually over a longer time period.
There is still debate regarding whether or nt people develop depression that is biologically caused (endogenous depression). They attribute this to genetic casuses or malfunction in the brain chemistry. All depressions involve some changes in the brain chemistry, even when the cause is clearly a psychological trauma. After treatment and recovery from a major depression, your brain chemistry returns to normal - and usually this can be done without medication. So far, there is no medical proof that this form of depression exists. Sometimes physicians use this term to describe people who do not respond well to treatments (traditional). The majority of people who require antidepressants for their depression respond to treatment better when cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is provided in addition to medication. Medication is often required for major depression and has been shown to help resolve the impact of depression.
Typically, it does not make sense to only prescribe a medication for a patient, without offering phychotherapy services as well. In research studies there have been added benefits demonstrated when the two are combined. It is important to note that only physicians are qualified to prescribe a medication for major depression (or all medications) - a psychologist will need to refer to you a physician - or you can discuss with your primary care physician.
Cited References:
Psychology Info
Google Health - Depression
Other Information:
FacetoFace Health - Mental Health Support Groups