Major Depression

Major Depressive Disorder is the most common of all health problems in the United States and has a high rate of recovery. A person with depression can experience intense hopelessness, decreased energy, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts and lack of fulfillment in otherwise enjoyable activities. Controlling depressive mood can successfully be accomplished with moderate psychiatric intervention.

The brain produces chemicals necessary for coping with our thoughts and emotions. When there is a disruption in brain functioning, people often develop mental illness.

Genetics, family history, personality factors, environmental stress, and biochemical disturbances all may play a role in the onset of depression. Medical research indicates that depression may be linked to imbalances of the brain’s chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters.*

Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis of major depression, at least five of the following symptoms, including depressed mood or diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities, must be present nearly every day for two weeks or longer without an alternative physical cause:

If you notice depressive symptoms, speak with a trained professional as soon as possible.

or information about TPC Adult Behavioral Health Services and how we can help, click on the link below:

TPC Adult Behavioral Health Services
Or call our Crisis Line at 359-6699 (in the Amarillo area)
or toll-free at 1-800-692-4039

*Synopsis of Psychiatry. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1991:364–366, and Mayo Clinic Proc. 65(1990): 1227–1236.
Disclaimer

Information on this page posted with permission of Texas Department of State Health Services http://www.dshs.state.tx.us