An Introduction to Anxiety: Two Types of Depression Plus Their Causes and Treatments

“Depression is a prolonged emotional state characterized chiefly by the feeling that life is not worth living.”  This is how most experts define the term depression or anxiety.  Truth is that it is more than that.  Understanding what depression and anxiety mean knowing its different types.  Of course, you should also determine its causes.

Anxiety

Majority of people, especially women, experience feelings of sadness, discouragement or self-accusation.  If you will not be depressed by a series of misfortunes, or a siege of ill health, or the death of a lifelong friend, you would be considered abnormal.  The onset of middle age or of menopause, or the growing up of your children, or the sense of rejection or failure that might accompany a divorce – these are but a few of the circumstances that might throw you into anxiety even if you are a healthy person.

Types of Depression and Their Symptoms

In an increasing number of cases, depression persists and becomes more severe.  This is true even when there are no immediate causes that can be held responsible.  There are a lot of individuals that are affected by anxiety attacks and illnesses.  But, did you ever know that there are different types of depression?  If not, then take a look.

1. Neurotic Depression.  This is a milder form of anxiety which entails a wide variety of symptoms.  It may or may not interfere with daily functioning.  In some cases, the depressive state may take the form of physical fatigue or sleeplessness.  In others, it may be masked by alcoholism or drug addiction.  In children, depression may express itself in chronic underachievement or boredom.  Study showed that an overly active child may be compensating for a depressive illness.
2. Psychotic Depression.  This is far more serious and more complex than the first type of depression.  It may also be so immobilizing that hospitalization is necessary when the illness is most severe.

Two Kinds of Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression cannot be merely described by its severity.  In fact, there are still two more types to consider under this type.  Look at the following:

1. Unipolar Depression.  This may be expressed through extreme agitation, constant expressions of anxiety, recurrent crying spells, and the fear of being left alone.  With some people in the grip of this disorder, behavior is almost the opposite.  They will be severely withdrawn or they may sleep for long stretches and refuse to speak to anyone when awake.
2. Bipolar Depression.  This is also known as manic-depressive state, in which the illness seesaws from moods of high elation and delusions of grandeur unrelated to reality.  It also involves several emotions like feelings of persecution and a distorted sense of bodily appearance.

In both types of psychotic depression, the danger of suicide is always present and must not be taken lightly.

Causes of Depression

Although almost anyone can go through a depressive episode, some people appear to be more susceptible than others to this type of disorder.  Studies showed that women are more affected by depression than men.  People who are not married appear to be less prone to depression rather than those who are married. 

Depression does not happen in one day.  It comes from a series of events or occurrences relating to the following:

1. Heredity and environment both play an important role in depression.
2. Genetic factor may also be involved.
3. Stressful event or personal trauma.

Treatment for Depression

If you are quite afraid about how you may undergo depression at its worst, you should not be.  There are some treatments to actually help you with your condition.  Consider any of the following and talk to your physician or psychiatrist about it.

1. Antidepressants. Drugs that are classified as antidepressants, especially those of the tricyclic family, have produced good results in lessening the severity of the illness.
2. Psychotherapy.  This is the major treatment given to individuals who have neurotic depression.
3. Electroconvulsive Therapy.  This is considered as one of the most efficient treatment given to persons with mental illness.

The sooner the beginning of a depressive illness is recognized for what it is, the lesser the chances that you will suffer the condition.  You always have to pay attention to the changes that happen in your life.  It will help if you look at things positively.  You may be in a depressed state for the meantime but you should not dwell on it.  This is the real key to treating depression.  Otherwise, if you nurture such feelings in your heart, the end result will be ANXIETY.