When you think of depression, you probably think of the term, “clinical depression.” It is more than just a low mood; it’s actually a pretty serious disease. Major depression disorder is the official medical term for clinical depression. (It’s also known as “major depressive disorder.)

“Clinical depression,” however, is the term most used by people. The severity of the symptoms of major depression disorder are such that people with this disease can do little more than deal with the disease fulltime. Symptoms can include emotional problems like sadness, inability to concentrate, feeling negative all the time, and feelings of hopelessness. Physical symptoms can include loss of sex drive, weight gain, and lethargy. At it’s worst, victims can be suicidal.

Some types of depression such as postpartum depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are actually forms of major depression disorder. (By the way, sometimes it is referred to as “Major Depressive Disorder.”) People considered to have MDD – regardless of the type of ‘sub-category’ depression type – must be a depressed mood for over two weeks and have at least five other classic depression symptoms. So if a patient is experiencing these symptoms, treatment becomes necessary. This is not just a case of “the blues.”

There are many recommended treatments for MDD, but the most common are medication, psychotherapy, and even ECT (Electro-Convulsive-Therapy, a.k.a. “electroconvulsive therapy”).

Certain other treatments being used today for treatment of MDD are controversial. Some therapies – such as “light therapy” for SAD – have earned their place among the ‘official,’ established treatments for depression.

There are other natural remedies for depression, however, that have not been as effective. St. John’s Wort, for instance, is one herbal treatment that works for some people (mild depression only) but not for others. Acupuncture falls in this category as well.

But some sort of treatment should be selected ASAP, because you don’t want to wait for the patient to commit suicide. What works and what doesn’t can be figured out as you go. If someone you know or love is depressed, the important thing is to get them treatment, whether that treatment is alternative or established depression treatments.

It would be best to find a qualified medical person who would look for any physical reasons for the depression first. (Things such as diet, disease, and heredity).

Emotional triggers should be looked at next. Things like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, bereavement that is being suppressed, or other hidden emotional gremlins should be brought out.

So the therapist needs to be a good detective of sorts, along with being a trained therapist. Because lots of things can contribute to MDD, including a history of drug and alcohol abuse, prior sexual abuse, lack of enough sunlight, just to name a few. These are important skills to have in order to accurately identify the cause of the depression and be able to put together the best treatment program.

Chuck’s amazing survival of a suicide attempt when he was just 16 years young inspired him to write a book to help others. To discover more about Major Depression Disorder, go to his site at http://www.dealwithdepression.org

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