Depression

Symptoms:

• Aetiology: Biological factors in the form of neurotransmitter disturbances especially serotonin, hormonal disturbances, neuroanatomical disturbances.
• Various medical disorders predispose to depression as well most commonly- hypothyroidism, diabetes, and various vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Neuroanatomical: Decreased activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and increased activity in amygdala.
• Genetic: there is found to a role of cAMP response element protein on chromosome 2, and serotonin transporter gene.
• Psychological theories: according to these negative thoughts have a central role in development of depression. It is the second most prevalent mental health disorder according to WHO with a lifetime prevalence of 12%. It affects females twice compared to males. Depression is the most common cause of suicide.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis minimum of 5 symptoms should persists for at least 2 weeks.

Treatment

• Pharmacotherapy in the form of Tricyclic antidepressants, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive behaviourtherapy , interpersonal therapy.
• ECT in cases of suicide risk
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Vagal stimulation
• Deep brain stimulation