The Biopsychological Roots of Depression, Essay Example

A mixture of social, psychological and biological factors causes Major Depressive Disorder and treatment responses should address all three. A personalized approach to therapy that addresses the complexity of the disorder will look at personal, societal, biological, genetic and environmental issues that contribute to the patient’s problems. (Grohol, 2006)

In the biological realm, the brain utilizes neurons that carry electrical impulses called synapses. These synapses control the brain’s electrical activity and its ability to function. In normal cognition, an impulse crosses from one neuron across the synapse to another via enzymes called neurotransmitters. There are six different groups of neurotransmitters that must operate effectively as each different type corresponds to a specific type of brain cell. In the biological causes of depression, patients have low levels of serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter also called FHT or 5 hydroxytryptamine that works in conjunction with noradrenaline. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are thought to cause or exacerbate blue moods, lack of energy, depressed attitude, sleep problems and low sex drive. While depression is thought to be a psychological disorder, there are very real biological abnormalities that contribute to distinct physiological changes in the way the brain operates. (Huddersfield, 2012)

Episodes of this disorder often follow a severe psychosocial stressor. Stressors play a major role in the initial onset of depression. Treatment options for this type of (hopefully) short-term depression will include psychotherapy and medication, a serotonin uptake inhibitor such as Elavil or Zoloft. Other considerations may include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil or Luvox. (HealthyPlace.com, 2000) If the patient shows no signs of improvement or poor improvement after six weeks, the drug should be changed. Once a good medication has been found and shows significant patient improvement, it should be continued for four months beyond the period when the patient feels better. A common problem with recurrences involves patients leaving their medication too soon. (HealthyPlace.com, 2000)

Therapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy to family and group therapy, depending on individual needs and available resources. (Grohol, 2006)

To begin cognitive behavioral therapy, a discussion must take place over the thoughts and behaviors that exacerbate the patient’s depressed state. This type of therapy seeks to concentrate on the thinking and actions that cause the depression rather than trying to analyze why the patient feels depressed. This means that cognitive-behavior therapy is short term and works best for patients dealing with distress and temporary depression. (Haykal & Akiskal, 1999)

Dysthymia or a mild, low-grade but persistent form of anxiety disorder is a type of depression. Research shows that approximately 62% of patients with dysthymic disorder will benefit from antidepressant medication. (Long, 1997) Medication might include tricyclic antidepressants, MAOI antidepressants (classical and reversible), and SSRI antidepressants, like fluoxetine, which seems to provide the best results. (Haykal & Akiskal, 1999)

Although personal psychotherapy is the most common psychosocial treatment option, many patients with dysthymic disorder will benefit from group therapy and from active investigation and restructuring of maladaptive social functioning. Fortunately, non-severe depression patients usually spontaneously recover from their symptoms. (Long, 1997)

I would like to learn more about this disorder because it is so prevalent and widespread. People continuously experience bad news from deaths in the family to loss of jobs or break-up of relationships and depression plays a major role in human activity. Understanding when simply “getting the blues’ becomes a serious problem involving both physiological and psychological factors is paramount toward recognizing a major depressive disorder and treating it early.

References

Grohol, John, M., PsyD, (2006) “Depression Treatment,” Psyche Central, March 8, 2006, accessed online on March 13, 2012 at: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx22t.htm

Haykal, R.F., and Akiskal, H.S., (1999) “The long-term outcome of dysthymia in private practice: clinical features, temperament, and the art of management,” Journal of Clinical Psychology, August, Volume 60, Issue 8, Pp 508-18.

HealthyPlace.com, (2000) “Pharmacologic Treatment of Acute Major Depression and Dysthymia,” National Guidelines Clearinghouse, October 26, 2000, accessed online on March 13, 2012 at: http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/treatment/antidepressants/treatment_guidelines.asp

Huddersfield, Alan Priest, (2012) “Depression,” accessed online on March 14, 2012 at: http://www.alanpriest.f2s.com/Depression%20Mild%20p2.htm

Long, Phillip W., MD, (1997) “Dysthymic Disorder: Treatment,” Online Diagnosis, August 19, 1997, accessed online on march 14, 2012 at: http://www.mentalhealth.com/rx/p23-md04.html