Progression of Depression

Mental disorders are defined as “any of various conditions characterized by impairment of an individual 's normal cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning, and caused by social, psychological, biochemical, genetic, or other factors, such as infection or head trauma”. Many mental disorders can progress into other disorders. The progression of depression, into bipolar disorder, into schizophrenia is what this paper is going to deal with. There is no known cure for any of these disorders, just ways to cope. Clinical depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is among one of the leading mental disorders. Like many disorders it is not fully understood. Depression can arise in any age group, from kids to teens, young adults, middle age adults, and even elderly people. There is also something called situational depression, but this paper will not touch on that. “The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person 's life” (A.D.A.M.). Symptoms of depression include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or pessimistic. They can also include irregular sleeping and eating habits. These are only a brief over view of the beginning of depression. The list of symptoms goes on. Depression is a serious illness and has effects on the patient and their loved ones. Depression can be treated in several different ways, normally with a combination of medications and counseling. It is found to be more beneficial combining the two treatments. “Some studies have shown that antidepressant drug therapy combined with psychotherapy has better results than either therapy alone” (A.D.A.M.).
From my experience, a combination of medication, combined with individual therapy as well as group therapy, works very well. Therapy, at least from what I understand, is the first thing they try with patients of depression, to understand if it is just the subject

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