Chronic depression...

Chronic Depression: The Illness The medical term being Dysthemia, chronic depression is considered a less severe form of acute depression where the depressive symptoms go away for a short time only to return again and the symptoms linger for a lengthy period of time. The psychological ailment though does not hamper usual motor functions; however, a consistent unhappy feeling take away the victims motive to work after a certain period of time.

Chronic Depression Symptom: The symptoms of chronic depression are fleeting by nature and begin gradually exhibiting vague feelings of sadness that grow intense over time. Sleeping disorders mark the onset, followed by changes in eating habits, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, low energy levels, restlessness and an overall loss of interest in normal activities and concentration. Chronic depression symptoms have also been reported to trigger suicidal tendencies.

Chronic Depression and back pain: A two-way process, chronic depression causes back pain to emerge and vice-versa, making chronic depression and back pain two of the most common health problems of the recent times. It has been noticed that chronic back pain make people four times more prone to chronic depressions and the rate of chronic depressions increase in a linear fashion with the intensity of the pain, resulting in greater disability that each of the factors could have given rise to individually. Several psychological theories have been set up that explain the development of depression in chronic back pain patients, the most worthwhile one being a restriction from normal activities that make the patient think him/herself to be lesser than others in the circuit. Going down the physical and emotional spiral, to be precise.

Chronic Depression Treatment: A right diagnosis being the key to a proper chronic depression treatment, it also depends upon the patient to emphasize on self-care to make the usual combination of drug and psychotherapy to bring in the maximum benefits. Drugs chiefly trigger the secretion of endorphins in large volumes and correct any existing chemical imbalances in the brain, while therapy helps resolving personal issues connected with the depression. Certain antidepressants also prove beneficial; the groups selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs and Tricyclic antidepressant or TCA need to be mentioned specifically here. Further information on the medications are available at http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/d/depression.htm; however, these drugs are meant for a limited period to avoid undesired side effects. Psychotherapies, on the other hand help develop a positive attitude and a new way of looking into life and associated problems, which are the root causes behind a chronic depression.