Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. In fact, approximately 8% of the US population (6% of men and 10% of women) experiences a depressive episode each year. Depression is more than just feeling down or feeling as though you are in a slump. Those suffering from depression experience dysphoric feelings intensely and for long periods of time. Left untreated, depression may cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
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Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression.
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Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
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Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
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Irritability
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Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
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Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
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Decreased energy or fatigue
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Moving or talking more slowly
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Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
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Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
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Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
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Appetite and/or weight changes
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Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
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Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treat
Types of Depression
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Major Depressive Disorder. A combination of the symptoms listed above that are present more days than not for at least 2 weeks in duration. Symptoms significantly interfere with one's ability to work, socialize, enjoy hobbies, sleep, eat, and concentrate.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia). Less severe symptoms compared with Major Depressive Disorder, but more persistent symptoms that occur continuously for two or more years.
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Postpartum Depression. A full depressive episode occurring shortly after delivery. Symptoms may make it difficult for new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies. Postpartum depression affects approximately 10% to 15% of women after giving birth.
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Season Affective Disorder. Onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms generally lift during spring and summer.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. In fact, approximately 8% of the US population (6% of men and 10% of women) experiences a depressive episode each year. Depression is more than just feeling down or feeling as though you are in a slump. Those suffering from depression experience dysphoric feelings intensely and for long periods of time. Left untreated, depression may cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
Treatment
Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two. Dr. Harte uses a variety of evidence-based psychotherapy and behavior change techniques, to help clients learn effective psychological tools and skills to improve the quality of their lives.
Most interventions involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an empirically supported treatment that focuses on modifying problematic thoughts and behaviors that contribute to and/or maintain depression. Studies show that CBT is as effective as antidepressant medication for treating mild to moderate depression symptoms. CBT is short term, goal directed, and solution focused.
For severe depression, medications in combination with psychotherapy is typically the recommended approach. If medication is deemed necessary, Dr. Harte refers patients to providers that are experienced with psychopharmacological treatments for depression.
Learn More
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Depression Brochure - a free educational brochure from the National Institutes of Mental Health that offers basic information on signs and symptoms, as well as treatment options.
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Postpartum Depression Brochure - a free educational brochure from the National Institutes of Mental Health on postpartum depression that explains its causes, symptoms, treatments, and how to get help.
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Depression Statistics among Adults - This webpage from the National Institutes of Mental Health provides information on trends in prevalence of and use of treatments/services among adults with depression.
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Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think. Greenberger, D & Pedesky, CA
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The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-Step Program. Knaus, BJ
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Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Burns, DD
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Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. McKay, M, Davis, M, Fanning, P
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Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety. Gillihan, SJ
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