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Mood Disorders

SIMD

Substance Induced Mood Disorder

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All You Need to Know About Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Substance induced mood disorder is a type of depression that is caused due to consumption of drugs, alcohol, or medications. Medication / substance induced depressive disorder is the medical name for alcohol or drug-induced depression.

Overview of SIMD:

The fact about substance induced depression is that most people consume drugs to feel better, however, those same drugs make them feel even worse due to the associated side effects.

When psychologists or doctors give a diagnosis of substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, they perform a complete analysis to make sure that the depression was not there before the consumption of alcohol, medications, or drugs which might be responsible for low mood. This is because there are different types of depressive disorders and if the symptoms of depression were present before the substance use, it is not the substance/medication-induced type of depression/mood disorder.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Symptoms
Symptoms
Causes
Causes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment
Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Symptoms of Substance Induced Mood Disorder

The symptoms of the mood disorder should be severe enough to cause deteriorating effects in the day-to-day functioning of the individual. Withdrawal times for various substances from the body are usually different, and so the depressive symptoms may remain persistent for some time after the individual has stopped the consumption of the substance/medication. Common symptoms are:

  • Persistently feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
  • Persistently feeling irritated or agitated
  • Too much weight gain or loss within a short period of time
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Low levels of energy or fatigue
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Concentration problems
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Increased thoughts of death and dying suicidal tendency

The symptoms mentioned above must have occurred during or after a specific substance/medication was taken or during withdrawal.

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How Soon After Taking the Drug Can Depression Be Induced?

In some cases, symptoms appear almost straight away. There is even a category named “with onset during intoxication,” which means that the depressive episode actually begins when the individual is highly contaminated with the drug. It can also occur during withdrawal, during which symptoms of depression are commonly observed. Nevertheless, with depression which is simply a symptom of withdrawal, the person’s mood will usually get better within a few days of ceasing to take the drug, while with the substance-induced depression, it can begin during withdrawal, and continue or get worse as the person moves through the detox/treatment process.

Which Drugs Cause Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder?

A wide variety of addictive substances can cause substance-induced depression. The following disorders are recognized with the consumption of drugs given below:

  • Unknown substance-induced depressive disorder
  • Phencyclidine-induced depressive disorder
  • Alcohol-induced depressive disorder
  • Other hallucinogen-induced depressive disorder
  • Opioid-induced depressive disorder
  • Inhalant-induced depressive disorder
  • Sedative-induced depressive disorder
  • Anxiolytic-induced depressive disorder
  • Hypnotic-induced depressive disorder
  • Amphetamine-induced depressive disorder
  • Cocaine-induced depressive disorder
  • Other stimulant-induced depressive disorder
  • Other substance-induced depressive disorder
Many medications are known to cause substance-induced depression. The following disorders are usually seen to be occurring due to the excessive consumption of the given medicines

• Immunological agent-induced depressive disorder
• L-dopa-induced depressive disorder
• Steroid-induced depressive disorder
• Antibiotic-induced depressive disorder
• Dermatological agent-induced depressive disorder
• Central nervous system drug-induced depressive disorder
• Chemotherapeutic drug-induced depressive disorder

Specific medications that have been caught up in medication-induced depression through investigation studies, retrospective observational studies, or case studies, which are prone to difficulty in determining the actual cause, include the following:

  • Smoking cessation agents (varenicline), and immunological agents (interferon)
  • Cardiovascular agents (such as clonidine, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine)
  • Antiviral agents (such as efavirenz)
  • Retinoic acid derivatives (such as isotretinoin)
  • Antipsychotics
  • Hormonal agents (corticosteroids, oral contraceptives)
  • Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anti-migraine agents (triptans)
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, tamoxifen)

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Causes of SIMD:

Substance / medication-induced depressive disorder is caused directly due to a specific substance/medication that is being consumed or during withdrawal from it. There are a number of substances and medications that could cause this, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Inhalants
  • Phencyclidine
  • Hallucinogens
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids

Diagnosis of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)-5, several criteria need to be met to have a diagnosis of substance-induced mood disorder. Mental health professionals need to do a complete and thorough assessment to differentiate the symptoms from those of independent depressive episodes or an episode of depression caused by any other medical issue. It is critical to conduct a complete physical evaluation, as well as laboratory blood tests, to rule out other causes for the depressive symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria

  • Persistent, prominent, and noteworthy mood disturbance that first occurred after reducing the consumption or withdrawal from a substance capable of causing depressive symptoms and continues after the initial withdrawal period.
  • Absence of evidence that the depressive episode is independent of the substance use or began before taking the medication.

Mental health professionals might ask for a complete psychiatric history of immediate family members. Having a close family history of depressive episodes increases the chance of the individual to suffer from depression, independent of the medication usage or withdrawal.

Treatment of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

Treating substance induced mood disorders requires a mixed approach. For many people with substance-induced mood disorders, combining psychotherapy and drug therapy has been more effective than just one or the other.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
  • A calm environment
  • A benzodiazepine or antipsychotic

These are all first choices of treatment, however, in most substance-induced psychoses, ceasing the consumption of substance and giving a benzodiazepine or antipsychotic drug is effective and for psychosis due to dopamine-stimulating drugs such as amphetamine and an antipsychotic drug is most effective. Like all other mood disorders, communication and support are critical for effective treatment and recovery.

Over 50% of opioids containing medications are being prescribed to individuals having pre-existing depression and other mood disorders. All patients receiving opioid therapy should be made aware of the risks of those medicines and should be carefully monitored during and after treatment.

bipolar2

Bipolar 2 Disorder?

What is Bipolar 2 Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bipolar 2 Disorder is a subtype of mood disorder and a form of psychological illness. Bipolar 2 Disorder implicates a major depressive episode lasting for at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode. B2D is somehow similar to bipolar 1 disorder, with the moods shifting between highs and lows over time.
On the other hand, in B2D, the “high” moods never reach full-blown mania. The less intense high moods in B2D are called hypomania or hypomanic episodes.

Overview of B2D:

A person suffering from B2D has gone through at least one hypomanic episode in his life. The majority of the people having bipolar 2 disorder suffer more frequently from episodes of depression. This is from where the term “manic depression” comes.
In between the shifts of depression and hypomania, most of the people having B2D generally live normal lives.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

symptoms
Symptoms
Factors
Factors
Types
Types
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment
Bipolar 2 Disorder

Symptoms of Bipolar 2 Disorder

During a hypomanic episode, elevated mood can itself manifest as either feeling elevated or as irritability.
Symptoms occurring during the hypomanic episodes involve:

  • Shifting suddenly from one idea to another
  • Having over self-confidence
  • Rapid, uninterruptible and rigorous speech
  • higher energy levels, with hyperactivity and loss of sleep (insomnia)

A no. of people having B2D experience more time with depressive as compared to hypomanic symptoms. Depression can occur quickly after hypomania diminishes, or maybe later. Some people keep on sifting between hypomania and depression rapidly, while others have longer periods of normal mood in between these episodes.
Depressive episodes in B2D are like those of regular clinical depression, characterized by a depressed mood, low energy levels and activity, loss of pleasure, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal tendency. Depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder can last for weeks, months, or maybe for years.

Risk factors of Bipolar 2 Disorder

Nearly anyone can get the diagnosis of bipolar 2 disorder. About 2.5% of the population of the United States suffers from some type of bipolar disorder which accounts for almost 6 million people.
The majority of the individuals are in their teens or 20’s when the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder first appear. Almost everyone having B2D gets it before the age of 50. People having a close family member who has bipolar are at higher risk of developing the disorder.

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Can Bipolar 2 Disorder Be Prevented?

The causes of bipolar disorder are not well known. It is not known for sure whether B2D can be prevented entirely or not.

It is likely to minimize the risk of having future episodes of hypomania or depression once the bipolar disorder has been diagnosed.

Regular psychotherapy sessions with a psychologist or health care professional along with the medication can help to stabilize the shifting of moods, a noteworthy reduction in hospitalizations, and feeling better overall. Psychotherapy can help people to better understand the warning signs of an emerging relapse before it can occur, and can also ensure that recommended medicines are being taken properly.

Difference between bipolar 2 disorder and other types of Bipolar Disorder?

People with bipolar 1 disorder usually tend to experience full mania i.e. an intense, irregularly elevated mood with unpredictable behavior. Manic symptoms cause serious disturbances in life, causing major, legal and personal issues.
Whereas, in B2D, the symptoms of elevated mood do not reach full-blown mania. Hypomania in bipolar 2 is a less intense form of mood elevation.

However, the depressive episodes of B2D usually last longer and might even be more severe than those of bipolar 1 disorder. And so, B2D is not simply a milder type of bipolar disorder.

B1 vs B2

Diagnosis of B2D:

According to the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of B2D, there should be a minimum of one hypomania episode, which has been sustained for a maximum part of the day and a minimum of 96 hours. At least three symptoms from those given below should exist:

  • Abnormally optimistic, nervous, or wired behavior
  • Hyperactivity, energy, or agitation
  • Less need to sleep
  • Infrequent talkativeness
  • Over sense of well-being and overconfidence
  • Thinking is disturbed
  • Unfocussed state of mind
  • Upsurge in activity toward goals.
  • An increase in useless physical activity i.e. pacing, restlessness, tapping fingers or feet, shaking legs, abruptly initiating and stopping conversations, rapidly talking, and moving items from place to place for no reason.
  • Poor decision-making

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Treatment of Bipolar 2 Disorder

Several strategies are used to treat B2D some are listed below:
Medications
Several medications are used to treat B2D. The types and doses of medications prescribed are based on your particular symptoms.

  • Anti-psychotics
  • Mood stabilizers
  • Anti-depressants
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Antidepressant-antipsychotic

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be provided in individual, family, or group settings. Several types of psychological therapies may be helpful. These include:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
  • Family-focused therapy
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
  • Psychoeducation
  • During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Support groups
seasonal disorder

Seasonal Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that tends to have its influence on people living in countries that are away from the centre of the Earth. It commonly occurs during the months of winter and usually resolves by the months of spring. Additional names of Seasonal Affective Disorder, are winter depression and seasonal depression.

As the changes in the sunlight according to the shifts of seasons change the day-to-day patterns that control an individual’s sense of time, some people consider it as a shift in their internal biological clock and this disturbance in the circadian rhythm can considerably disturb the mood.

Overview

Seasonal Affective Disorder is four times more prevalent in women as compared to men and it is more likely to occur between 18 and 30 years of age. The people living farther away from the equator in the northern latitudes are most prone to develop SAD. It starts and ends almost at the same time every year.

People with SAD have trouble in the regulation of the hormone serotonin which is believed to be responsible for regulating moods and promoting positive and happier emotional states.

SAD can take place with other psychological disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, and eating disorders, making it difficult to be diagnosed.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Symptoms
Symptoms
Causes
Causes
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
diagnosis
diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment
Seasonal Disorder

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Signs and symptoms of Seasonal affective disorder may include:

  • Feeling miserable and depressed almost during most of the day, nearly every day
  • Loss of interest in almost all the activities you once used to enjoy
  • Having low energy
  • Having difficulties with sleeping cycles
  • Excessive weight loss, poor diet, and other eating disorders
  • Feeling lethargic or restless
  • Having trouble in concentration
  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or unnecessary guilt
  • Having recurrent thoughts of death or having a suicidal tendency

Symptoms linked with winter onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder include

  • Hypersomnia (Oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite, particularly a desire for foods having a higher content of carbohydrates
  • Sudden weight gain, exhaustion, low energy, or tiredness

Symptoms linked with the summer onset of (SAD) include

  • Insomnia (Trouble in falling asleep)
  • Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
  • Distress or nervousness

Seasonal Changes in Bipolar Disorder

In some individuals having bipolar disorder, spring and summer can give rise to the symptoms of mania or hypomania i.e. the less severe type of mania, and the seasons of winter and fall can be a period of depression.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Risk factors of (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more commonly seen in younger people and Females. You can be at a higher risk of developing the condition if you:

  • Have any other type of mood disorders, such as Cyclothymic disorder or Bipolar disorder.
  • Have relatives having other psychological disorders, such as depression or schizotypal disorder.
  • Are living in regions of higher latitudes e.g. remote north of the equator such as Alaska.
  • Live in regions usually overcast with clouds.

Conditions occurring with (SAD)

People having seasonal affective disorder might also go through other mental disorders, such as:

  • Eating disorders i.e. Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa
  • Anxiety disorders i.e. phobias, adjustment disorder, etc.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder

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Causes of (SAD)

Changes in Biological clock: When somebody has a smaller amount of exposure to sunlight, their biological clock swings. This internal clock controls sleep, mood, and hormones, etc. When it changes, people may have trouble regulation their moods.

Imbalance of brain chemicals:  Neurotransmitters also called brain chemicals include serotonin hormone, which adds to the state of happy people having the risk of (SAD)

 usually have less serotonin. As the sunlight regulates serotonin, lesser exposure to the sun in winter can make the situation to get worse.

Deficiency of vitamin D: Vitamin D boosts the level of Serotonin, as sunlight is the major source of vitamin D’s production, less sun in the winter leads to the deficiency of vitamin D which affects the level of serotonin and hence affects mood.

Over-production of Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that affects sleep patterns. The lack of sunlight may lead to an overproduction of melatonin in some people which makes them sluggish and sleepy usually during winter.

Negative thoughts: People with (SAD) often have negative thoughts, stress, and anxiety even before the onset of winter. Researchers are not sure if these negative thoughts and panic are a causative factor of seasonal depression or not.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Complications of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Just like the other types of depression the (SAD) if left untreated can get worse and lead to different problems, which can include:

  • Social isolation or social withdrawal
  • Problems at school or work
  • Drug or substance abuse
  • Other psychological disorders i.e. panic or anxiety issues
  • Suicidal tendency or behavior

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Diagnosis of (SAD)

Physical exam: The doctor may perform a physical exam and assess your health through a detailed exam. As in some individuals, depression is associated with a physical health issue.

Lab tests: the health care provider may ask for a complete blood count (CBC) or test the thyroid to check if it is functioning properly or not.

Psychological assessment: For the evaluation of signs of depression, your doctor will ask about your thoughts, symptoms, feelings, and behavioral patterns.

DSM-5: Your Doctor may use the DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of seasonal depressive disorder mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder by the American psychiatric association.

(SAD)

Prevention of (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder can be prevented by spending time outside the home on daily basis, even when it is cloudy out there. The effects of daylight are still very helpful. If it is too cold outside, you can open your window blinds and sit by a sunny window to get some of the effects of the sun.

Using a 10,000-lux light box during the fall season, even before the sensation of winter effects.

Eating a healthy diet helps, the more the energy, the more the tolerance for depressive symptoms.

Exercising for 30 minutes every day, at least four to five times a week helps release endorphins, i.e. the happy hormones.

Treatment of (SAD)

Anti-depressants: Anti-depressants are believed to be the most effective treatment if the affected individual starts taking them as the winter starts, even before the symptoms of the disorder begin to appear. These should be taken until spring.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are the chosen type of antidepressants for bringing in the happy hormones i.e. serotonin and help in treating Seasonal affective disorder.

Light therapy: Even a little walk in the sunlight can be helpful, try to get yourself exposed to the sun on daily basis and try to sit near windows when you are indoors.

Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is an individual therapy of self-help for Individuals having depressive symptoms. 

The following additional activities can be used during the course of the entire acute (and follow-up) treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder:

  • Regulation of sleep cycle
  • Going daily for walks outside, even on cloudy days
  • Regular Aerobic exercises
  • Regular Sun exposure
  • Enriched lightings inside the homes with consistent lamps and fittings
Cyclothymic Disorder Img

Cyclothymic Disorder:

Cyclothymic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Cyclothymia, or Cyclothymic Disorder, is a type of mood disorder with symptoms like those of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by fluctuating low-level depressive symptoms along with periods of hypomania (mild mania). The main difference between the two disorders is intensity. The mood swings associated with Cyclothymia are not as intense as those with bipolar disorder.

Overview

The condition usually occurs during adolescence. People having Cyclothymic Disorder often function normally, although they may seem “short-tempered” or “complex” to others. People will often not seek treatment because the mood swings do not appear to be severe. People with cyclothymia may sometimes even be hyper-productive.
According to the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – V, cyclothymia is different from bipolar disorder because it lacks the complete criteria of mania, major depression, or a mixed episode. If left untreated, cyclothymia can increase your risk of developing bipolar disorder. Although it is not curable, treatment can help with the symptoms.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

symptoms
symptoms
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
causes
causes
diagnosis
diagnosis
treatment
treatment
Cyclothymic Disorder:

Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder:

People having Cyclothymic Disorder typically experience several weeks of low-level depression followed by an episode of hypomania lasting for several days.

  • aggression
  • irritability
  • insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping disorders)
  • appetite changes
  • weight gain or sudden weight loss
  • fatigue or lethargy
  • low sexual desire and function
  • feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
  • negligence, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness
  • unexplained physical issues

Manic symptoms of cyclothymia might include:

  • exceptionally high self-esteem
  • excessive talking or speaking quickly
  • racing and chaotic thoughts
  • lack of focus
  • periods of restlessness and hyperactivity
  • excessive anxiety
  • being active for days with little or no sleep
  • quarrelsome

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Causes of Cyclothymic Disorder:

It’s not known exactly what causes cyclothymia. As with many mental health disorders, research has shown that it may result from a combination of the following:

  • Genetics, cyclothymia also tends to run in families
  • Differences in the way the brain functions, just like changes in the brain’s neurobiology
  • Environmental issues, such as traumatic experiences or longer periods of stress

Risk factors of Cyclothymic Disorder:

Cyclothymic Disorder is thought to be a rare disorder. Accurate evaluations are hard to make because people might be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed as having other mood disorders, such as depression.

Cyclothymic Disorder typically starts during the young adulthood or teenage years. It affects about the same number of males and females.

Complications of Cyclothymic Disorder:

If you have cyclothymia:

  • Not treating it timely can result in noteworthy emotional issues that affect every area of your life
  • There is a high risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder consequently
  • Substance misuse is a common complication of cyclothymic disorder
  • You may go through an anxiety disorder
  • You might be at an increased risk of suicide or having suicidal thoughts
Cyclothymic Disorder:

Diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder:

For the diagnosis of cyclothymia, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists the following points:

  • One must have had many periods of elevated moods and periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years.
  • Periods of stable moods mostly last for less than two months.
  • The symptoms significantly are distressing for the affected individual at work, at school, or in other important areas of social life.
  • The symptoms do not meet the criteria for bipolar disorder, major depression, or another mental disorder.
  • The symptoms are not a consequence of substance use or a medical condition.

Treatment of Cyclothymic Disorder:

The main treatments for cyclothymia are medication and psychotherapy.

Medications for cyclothymic disorder:

  • Mood stabilizers 
  • Anti-seizure medications/anticonvulsants such as Depakote
  • Atypical antipsychotic medications such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal) might help the patients who are not responding to anti-seizure medications.
  • Anti-anxiety medicines such as benzodiazepine
  • Anti-depressants should only be used in combination with a mood stabilizer as they may cause potentially harmful manic episodes when taken on their own.

Psychotherapy for Cyclothymic Disorder:

Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or psychological counseling is an important part of the treatment of cyclothymia and can be provided in individual, family, or group settings. Several types of therapy might be helpful, such as:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

It is a common treatment for the Cyclothymic Disorder. It focuses on finding unhealthy, negative behaviors and beliefs and replacing them with positive ones. CBT can help in identifying that what triggers your symptoms. You also learn effective strategies to manage stress and cope with upsetting situations.

  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

It focuses on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking, and mealtimes. A daily routine always helps in better mood management. People having mood disorders might get benefit from following a good daily routine for sleep, meals, and exercise.

  • Other therapies

Other therapies have also been studied with some good evidence of success. Ask your doctor if any other options are appropriate for you or not

Lifestyle modifications for Cyclothymic Disorder

There are several coping strategies and lifestyle modifications to balance the moods and to help with the symptoms of the cyclothymic disorder, some of them are given below:

  • Taking your medications on time as directed
  • Paying attention to warning signs
  • Giving up the use of recreational drugs or alcohol
  • Checking first before using any other medications
  • Always keep a record of things that are the triggering factors of cyclothymic disorder
  • Getting regular physical activity and exercise
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Learning about the disorder
  • Joining a support group
  • Staying focused on your goals
  • Finding healthy outlets
  • Learning and practicing relaxation and stress management techniques.

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firstlightpsych-situational-disorder-feature-image

Adjustment Disorder with Depression

Adjustment Disorder with Depression (Situational Depression):

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Adjustment disorder, also known as situational depression, usually occurs as a reaction to sudden, unexpected, stressful events and significant changes in the life of an individual, it occurs after a specific trauma i.e. accident, divorce, death of a loved one, or any other major life change. Though it is not permanent, typically it has inception within three months of the distressing event and the symptoms usually begin to go away within 6 months.

Overview of Adjustment Disorder:

Adjustment disorder is an impulsive reaction to a stressful life event or major life change. It can have an emotional impact on people of any age. Changes in the family structures, divorce, or moving to a new place can all give rise to adjustment disorder with depression. Affected individuals may suffer from feelings of anxiety, depression, or hopelessness. They may isolate themselves, feel like crying all the time, or have difficulty falling asleep. Kids and teenagers, particularly, might show disturbing behavior.

Adjustment disorder occurs within 3 months of the stressful event, and usually lasts for no longer than 6 months after the distressing event, and its symptoms resolve gradually. People can consult their health care professional if they feel the symptoms of adjustment disorder. A doctor might refer them to a psychologist, Following psychotherapy can help people to overcome the adjustment disorder.

A man is caught in Exhibitionistic Disorder

Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder:

Symptoms of adjustment disorder can involve:

  • Sad and depressed mood
  • Feeling uncomfortable
  • Being frequently on the verge of tears
  • Loss of hope
  • Feeling nervous and panicky
  • Careless behavior
  • Social withdrawal
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Difficulty while functioning normally at school or work

Some people may only have emotional symptoms, while other individuals might only have behavioral issues.

Self Help for Adjustment Disorder with Depression:

  • Admit the loss and the fact that things will never be the same again, take time to heal, cry, scream, most importantly do not instantly try to return to normal life very soon after the distressing event.
  • Visit a psychologist for psychotherapy.
  • Get a check-up, both the physical and psychological aspects of the body are very connected and you need to make sure that you take care of all parts of yourself.
  • Being physical and active help, exercise is the key.
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, do your best to retain a good sleep cycle.
  • Do not depend on alcohol or other illicit drugs as support.
  • Rather than isolating yourself, stay connected to people who care about you.

Causes of Adjustment Disorder:

Adjustment disorders are caused by sudden and big changes or distressing events in your life. Genetics play a major role in your probability of getting the disorder, your life experiences, and your personality.

Risk factors of ADD:

Some factors that may make you more prone to develop the adjustment disorder. Stressful life events / major changes in life (both positive and negative) can increase your risk of developing an adjustment disorder. Common examples include:

  • Break up, marital problems, or divorce
  • Relationship issues
  • Sudden changes in circumstances, such as the birth of a baby, shifting to a new place or retirement, etc.
  • Distressing life situations, such as losing a job, death of a loved one, or going through financial issues
  • Problems at school or workplace issues
  • Life-threatening circumstances, such as a physical attack, warfare, or natural disasters

Continuing stressors, such as having a serious disease or medical issue

Diagnosis of ADD:

Diagnosis of adjustment disorders is dependent upon the identification of major stressors in life along with the ongoing symptoms and how they influence your ability to function. Your physician will ask about your medical history, mental health, and social history. Diagnosis is usually made according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

For the diagnosis of adjustment disorders, the DSM-5 lists these criteria:

  • Have behavioral or emotional symptoms within the last three months of a specific distressing event in your life.
  • Experiencing more than normal levels of stress in response to a stressful life event or having stress that causes noteworthy problems in your relationships, at school, or at work.
  • Current symptoms are not the result of any other mental health issue or part of normal stress.

Treatment of Adjustment Disorder with Depression:

Many people with adjustment disorders find treatment to be helpful, and they usually need only short-term therapy. Others, including those with chronic adjustment disorders or continuing stressors may benefit from long-term treatment. Treatments for adjustment disorders consist of psychotherapy, medications or both.

Adjustment Disorder with Depression

Psychotherapy:

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the most helpful treatment for adjustment disorders. It can be given as individual, group, or family therapy. Therapy can:

  • Provide emotional support
  • Help you to get back to your normal life
  • Help you learn why the distressing event affected you so much
  • Help you learn management and coping skills to deal with disturbing events

Medications:

Medicines such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs can be added to the treatment plan to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

In conjunction with therapy, you might also need medication only for a few months, but do not discontinue taking any prescribed medication without consulting with your doctor first. If discontinued suddenly without consultation with the doctor, some medications like antidepressants might cause negative withdrawal symptoms.    

Schizophrenia-feature-image

Schizophrenia

Living with Schizophrenia: A Guide

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Schizophrenia is a type of psychotic disorder that is lifelong, chronic and challenging to manage. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain and makes it difficult for the individual to think well, manage their emotions, function normally, and know what is real versus what is not. It also impacts how they think, behave, and perceive their environment and the world. 

Overview of Schizophrenia:

It may trigger symptoms of delusions, hallucinations, and extremely disturbing behavior and thinking patterns that greatly impair daily functioning. 

The disorder is not very common and affects approximately 0.25% to 0.64% of people in the United States. It greatly impacts the person’s life and those around them. It occurs in both women and men of all ages. Women usually show the symptoms in their late 20s and early 30s.

Such people need life-long treatment and support. Early intervention can help to control symptoms before severe complications develop and it may help to improve the long-term outlook.

A man is caught in Exhibitionistic Disorder

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

It involves a series of problems with thinking, actions, and emotions. Signs and symptoms may differ for individuals, but they often involve hallucinations, delusions, impaired speech, and an inability to function within normal limits. Symptoms may include:

• Delusions.

These are untrue beliefs that are not reality-based. Delusions occur in most people with schizophrenia.

• Hallucinations.

These usually involve seeing or hearing things that do not exist. Auditory hallucinations are the most common. 

• Disorganized thinking and speech.

Effective communication is impaired and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. Speech might include meaningless words that may be difficult to be understood.

• Very disorganized or irregular motor behavior.

This may appear in numerous ways that range from childlike tantrums to agitation, and it is very difficult for them to complete simple tasks. Behavior involves resistance to directions, odd posture, a lack of response, and unnecessary movements.

• Negative symptoms.

It includes a lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may not perform self-care (e.g., hygiene), may lack any emotion, lose interest in any activities, socially withdraw, and cannot experience any pleasure. 

Causes of Schizophrenia

The exact cause is not known. Researchers have discovered a number of things that seem to make someone prone to develop schizophrenia.

  • Genetics (heredity): It can run in families, it may be passed on from parents to their offspring.
  • Brain chemistry: Individuals with schizophrenia have problems with the neurotransmitters or connections of nerve cells that affect thinking and behavior.
  • Brain abnormality: Research says that abnormal brain structure is seen in some people who are facing this type of disorder.
  • Environment:  Exposure to toxins like marijuana, viral infections, and highly stressful circumstances can trigger schizophrenia. It usually occurs while hormonal and physical changes occur in the body.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain factors are seen to increase the risk of developing or triggering schizophrenia, which includes:

  • Family history of schizophrenia
  • Pregnancy and birth complications (i.e. malnutrition or exposure to viruses and toxins that may influence the development of the brain).
  • Taking psychotropic or psychoactive drugs during teen years and young adulthood

Complications of Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia can result in severe complications that influence every area of life. Complications that schizophrenia can cause include:

  • Suicidal tendency and suicide attempts
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Inability to work or attend school
  • Drugs abuse
  • Financial issues and homelessness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Health and medical issues
  • Being oppressed
  • Violent behavior

Prevention of Schizophrenia:

 There is no way to prevent schizophrenia, but following the treatment, regimen might help to prevent worsening or relapse of symptoms. Additionally, researchers expect that learning further about the risk factors of schizophrenia might help in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of Schizophrenia:   

To diagnose schizophrenia, a doctor will use DSM-5 criteria. The person must have at least two of the following symptoms for one month:

  1. Hallucinations
  2. Delusion
  3. Disorganized speech
  4. Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior
  5. Negative symptoms, such as lack of speech, emotional flatness, or lack of motivation.

At least one of these symptoms must be 1, 2, or 3. The individual must also complain about significant impairment in their functioning, interaction with others, inability to carry out self-care tasks, and they must have symptoms that persist for 6 months or more. The symptoms must also not be related to any other health condition, a prescribed medication, or the use of other substances.

How Can It Be Treated?

Treatment of Schizophrenia involves both medications and psychological interventions.

Medications used to treat it:

Antipsychotics are usually used to treat the disorder. Although these medicines do not cure schizophrenia they help relieve the most troubling symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and thinking problems.

Psychological treatment:

  • Coordinated specialty care (CSC):

    This is a team-based approach towards treating schizophrenia when the first symptoms appear. It includes both therapy and medicines with social services, (i.e. educational and employment interventions). The family of individual is also involved.

  • Psychosocial therapy:

    Psychosocial treatment makes patients learn to manage their symptoms, recognize early warning signs of relapse, and relapse prevention plan. Types of psychosocial therapies include:

    1. A rehabilitation centers on social skills and job training in order to support the affected people to function well in the community and live independently.
    2. Cognitive remediation involves learning skills to deal with issues concerning the processing of information. It often includes coaching, drills, and mental exercises to build up mental skills which involve planning, attention, organization, and memory.
    3. Individual psychotherapy helps the affected individual to better understand his illness, and learn problem-solving skills.
    4. Family therapy helps the families to deal with loved ones having schizophrenia, facilitating them to better support their loved ones.
    5. Group therapy/support groups that provide continued mutual support.

Hospitalization:

Many people having schizophrenia are treated outpatient; however, psychotic episodes or states of mind that provoke self-harming or aggressive behaviors may require temporary inpatient treatment. 

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): 

This procedure involves the attachment of electrodes to the person’s scalp while they are under anesthesia. Small electric shocks are delivered to the brain. The results are usually an improvement in thinking in the mood. It is thought that ECT-induced seizures may have a positive impact on the release of the brain’s neurotransmitters. ECT is used as a last resort for individuals with schizophrenia and is only used in the most severe cases that are not responding to any other form of treatment.   

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Brief Psychotic Disorder

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Symptoms

Types

Causes

Treatment

A Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by a rapid, brief manifestation of psychotic activity, such as hallucinations or delusions, in response to a stressful incident. According to the DSM-5, brief psychotic disorder (BPD) is the rapid start of psychotic activity that lasts less than one month, followed by full remission with the possibility of future relapses.  

Overview Brief Psychotic Disorder

Brief Psychotic Disorder (BPD) is one of the disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum and other classes of psychotic disorders. This condition may be characterized by hallucinations or delusions that resolve within one month of their onset. According to studies, a genuine short psychotic episode that is not linked to other mental illnesses happens in 1 to 4 people out of every 100,000 with women being at higher risk. 

This condition generally affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50, and an episode lasts on average 17 days. This varies from those who suffer from a first-time psychotic episode, which strikes around 100,000 teenagers and young adults in the United States each year. The peak onset is between the ages of 15 and 25 and affects females more frequently than males.

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Epidemiology of BPD

There is a lack of reliable data on the frequency of BPD because of its low prevalence and fluctuation which is dependent on the population under investigation. However, the condition is more common in populations known to be under stress, such as immigrants, refugees, earthquake victims, and so on.

A survey demonstrated that the prevalence of BPD was 0.05 percent. It has a higher incidence in underdeveloped nations versus developed ones.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of BPD in underdeveloped countries is 10 times higher than in affluent ones. BPD is also considered to be more prevalent among women and individuals who have a personality disorder.

Sign and symptoms of Brief Psychotic Disorder:

The following are some signs and symptoms of brief psychotic disorder:

  1. Delusions
  2. Hallucinations
  3. Incoherent speaking
  4. Extremely chaotic or catatonic behavior

Symptoms of BPD range from one day to one month, with full restoration to normal functioning after the psychotic episode is over. 

Prevalent types of BPD

Although the exact cause of short psychotic illness is unknown, it is thought to be triggered by a stressful incident or trauma. BPD may also have a genetic, neurological, or environmental component. If BPD exists, a particular trigger must be identified. 

  1. Brief reactive psychosis is a term used to describe a brief psychotic episode triggered by a significant stressor. It is the emergence of psychotic symptoms as a result of a traumatic incident that would be distressing for everybody under the same conditions in society.
  2. The emergence of psychotic symptoms in the absence of a traumatic incident that would be stressful for anyone under the same conditions in society is referred to as BPD without an obvious stressor.
  3. BPD with postpartum onset within four weeks post-childbirth is defined as the beginning of psychiatric problems.

Possible causes of Brief Psychotic Disorder:

Although the precise cause of BPD is unknown, it is considered to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

  • The disease is more frequent in individuals with a family history of psychosis or mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, it is conceivable that there is a genetic relationship.
  • Inadequate coping abilities may cause the illness as a defense or escape from a terrifying or stressful circumstance.
  • In most cases, a severely stressful or traumatic incident triggers the condition.
  • Short reactive psychosis has been discovered to be induced by extremely stressful events, such as imprisonment in confinement.
  • Childbirth might be a trigger for some women.

Treatment options for Brief Psychotic Disorder (BPD):

Current treatment guidelines for BPD focus on pharmaceutical and psychotherapy. 

Pharmacotherapy

Antipsychotics, particularly second-generation antipsychotics, are the first choice for acute psychotic illness. Although BPD often results in full resolution of symptoms within one month of symptom onset, it is recommended that antipsychotic therapy should be continued for one to three months following symptom remission. Oral medications are preferred but there are also first-line intramuscular injections available. 

  • Second-generation or atypical antipsychotics: Second-generation antipsychotics include quetiapine, paliperidone, olanzapine, risperidone, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and clozapine, which are recommended because of their lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.
  • Antipsychotics of the first generation, often known as typical antipsychotics: First-generation medicines include trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and thioridazine. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as acute dystonia, akathisia, cogwheel stiffness, and tardive dyskinesia are some of the most notable side effects to be aware of when using this medication.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may help prevent psychotic symptoms in those who have risk factors for developing psychosis but they have yet to experience a psychotic episode.

For those who have had a brief psychotic episode, offering support and education regarding their loved one’s condition has been shown to be highly beneficial in preventing recurring psychotic symptoms in individuals with the disorder.

Preterm delivery of pregnancies or avoidance of future pregnancies for women who have experienced severe psychotic episodes has been proven to help prevent recurrent episodes of the illness in the form of postpartum psychosis.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder   

Symptoms

Causes

Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is perceived as a form of major depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern. It is a type of depression that influences people living in countries that are away from the center of the Earth. It commonly occurs during the Winter months and usually resolves during the Spring. Additional terms used for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are winter depression or seasonal depression. As the changes in daylight and darkness change and darkness become longer, some people consider it as a shift in their internal biological clock and this disturbance in the circadian rhythm can considerably disrupt mood.

Women are four times more likely than men to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which typically starts between the ages of 18 and 30. People living further away from the equator in the northern latitudes are most prone to develop the disorder. It starts and ends almost at the same time every year. People have trouble regulating hormonal serotonin levels which are believed to be responsible for regulating moods and promoting positive and happier emotional states.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Signs or symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be difficult to diagnose if it occurs along with other mental health issues such as chronic depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, and eating disorders. 

SAD signs may include:

  • Feeling miserable and depressed during most of the day, nearly every day
  • Loss of interest in almost all activities that you enjoy
  • Having low energy
  • Having difficulty sleeping 
  • Excessive weight loss, poor diet, and other eating disorders
  • Feeling restless
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or unnecessary guilt
  • Having thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts

Winter Depression Symptoms linked with winter onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder is sometimes referred to as winter depression and include: 

  • Hypersomnia (Oversleeping)
  • Changes in appetite, particularly a desire for foods having a higher content of carbohydrates
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Exhaustion, low energy, seasonal affective disorder fatigue

Summer Depression Symptoms linked with the summer onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder is referred to as summer depression and include: 

  • Insomnia (Trouble in falling asleep)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Distress or nervousness

Changes in Seasonal Bipolar Disorder (SAD) Symptoms

In some individuals who suffer from Seasonal Bipolar Disorder, the Spring and Summer can lead to seasonal depression symptoms of hypomania or mania, and the season of Winter can lead to prolonged periods and signs of seasonal depression.

Risk Factors of SAD

SAD is more common in younger people and females. You can be at a higher seasonal affective disorder risk factor for developing the condition if you:

  • Have any other type of mood disorder such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Bipolar Disorder.
  • Have relatives with psychological disorders, such as depression.  
  • Are living in regions of higher latitudes (e.g. north of the equator such as Alaska).
  • Live in regions that typically have cloudy days. 

Conditions with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

People who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)may also have other conditions such as: 

  • Eating disorders such as Bulimia Nervosa or Anorexia nervosa
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic disorder

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

  1. Changes in Biological clock: When someone has a smaller amount of exposure to the sunlight their biological clock swings. This internal clock controls sleep, mood, hormones, etc. When it changes, people may have trouble regulating their moods.
  2. Imbalance of chemicals in the brain: Neurotransmitters such as serotonin hormones, which add to the state of happiness, when they are decreased people are at higher risk for seasonal depression.  Sunlight is known to help regulate serotonin so lesser exposure to sunlight in the winter can make the situation worse.
  3. Deficiency of Vitamin D: Vitamin D boosts serotonin levels and the major source of Vitamin D is the sun. Less sun in the winter leads to the deficiency in Vitamin D which affects the level of serotonin and hence affects mood.
  4. Overproduction of Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that affects sleep patterns. The lack of sunlight may lead to an overproduction of melatonin in some people which makes them sluggish and sleepy usually during winter.
  5. Negative thoughts: SAD can cause people to feel down, stressed, and anxious, even before winter starts. Researchers are not sure if these negative thoughts and panic are a causative factor of seasonal depression or not.

Complications of Seasonal affective disorder

Just like the other types of depression, if treating the seasonal affective disorder and treating seasonal depression left untreated, can lead to other problems such as: 

  • Social isolation or social withdrawal
  • Problems at school or work
  • Drug or substance abuse
  • Other psychological disorders (i.e. panic or anxiety issues)
  • Suicidal thoughts 

Seasonal Affective Disorder Diagnosis

  • Physical exam: Your doctor may perform a physical exam to assess your health. With some individuals, seasonal depression signs and symptoms can be associated with a physical health issue. That’s why, for a better seasonal affective disorder diagnosis, this physical exam is done.
  • Lab tests: Your doctor may run a complete blood count (CBC) or test the thyroid to see if it is functioning properly or not for the best seasonal affective disorder diagnosis.
  • Psychological assessment: A psychologist or other mental health professional will assess for seasonal depression symptoms to see if the seasonal affective disorder diagnostic criteria are met for this seasonal affective disorder diagnosis. 

How to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder

After seasonal depression diagnosis, the affective patients must follow these steps.

  • Spend time outside the home on daily basis, even when it is cloudy or raining. The effects of daylight are still very helpful. If it is too cold outside, you can open your window blinds and sit by a sunny window to get some effects of the sun.
  • Using a 10,000-lux light box during the fall season, even before the sensation of winter
  • Eat a balanced diet 
  • Exercising for 30 minutes four to five times a week helps release endorphins which are “happy hormones.”   

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment:

firstlight-seasonal-Disorder-treatment

Anti-depressants:

If your depressed mood is prominent, and you need sad symptoms treatment, you may be prescribed an anti-depressant. When mood improves usually during the Spring, you can be weaned off the medication. 

Light therapy:

Even a short walk in the sunlight can be helpful. Try to expose yourself to sunlight every day the sun is out, and if it is too cold outside, sit near windows with the shades up. 

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy that has been proven effective for seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

Self-help behaviors: 

The following activities may help during the acute phase of the disorder: 

  • Regulate your sleep cycle. 
  • Go for daily walks even on cloudy days
  • Regular exercises
  • Daily exposure to the sun
  • Enhance lighting inside the home 
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Major Depressive Disorder | A Complete Guide

Major Depressive Disorder | A Complete Guide

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious condition that affects mood, sleep, appetite, and thinking. People with MDD may feel guilty, worthless, and unmotivated. They may also have trouble sleeping or eating. MDD is more common in women than men and can make it difficult to live a normal life.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Classification
Classification
Causes
Causes
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Treatment
Treatment
A man is sitting with Major Depressive Disorder

Classification of Single Versus Recurrent:

Classification of MDD is done based on many different criteria but is it mostly categorized on the basis of episodes.

  • Major Depressive Disorder Single Episode
  • Major Depressive Disorder Recurrent Episode

Other classifications include the severity of MDD symptoms into:

Mild   |   Moderate   |   Severe

In typical, mild, moderate, or severe depressive episodes the patient suffers from mood swings, decreased energy, and reduced activities.

SINGLE EPISODE:

The depression has to last two weeks or longer where a person experiences major depressive disorder single episode mild, moderate, or severe. Other criteria are if the person has or is experiencing psychotic features. 

RECURRENT EPISODE

The person must be experiencing repeated episodes of depression without any evidence of hypomania or mania. Each episode has to last at least two weeks in duration. It is also categorized by mild, moderate, and severe. The presence of psychotic features is also assessed. 

Major Depressive Disorder | A Complete Guide

Clinical depression is a depressed mood most of the day. It is commonly seen in the morning along with a loss of interest in normal daily activities. Symptoms can include constant fatigue, feeling worthless, low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, lack of or excessive sleeping, loss of interest in activities, restlessness, poor appetite, weight loss or weight gain by more than five percent, and suicidal thoughts.

Causes of Major Depressive Disorder

GENETICS:

If there is a history of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in close family members, and especially in immediate family members (grandparents, parents), then the risk for a major depressive episode will be three times more likely. 

BIOLOGICAL

Biological causes such as levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, can cause depression or other symptoms if levels are low. 

  •  Obsession and compulsion due to serotonin deficiency
  • Attention and anxiety with low levels of nor-epinephrine
  • Attention, motivation, and pleasure with low levels of dopamine
  • Other biological factors may include tryptophan deficiency, which the body uses to make serotonin (the happy hormone)

ENVIRONMENTAL/ PSYCHOLOGICAL

  • Loss of someone due to death or divorce
  • Sexual or emotional abuse

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Risk Factors of MDD

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is not limited to adults and elderly populations. A substantial proportion of patients experience their first episode of major depression during their developmental years. 

There are four major risk factors associated with major depression: 

  • Gender: major depression is higher in females than males
  • Poor lifestyle
  • Traumatic childhood experience
  • Specific personality traits

Studies in the United States showed an estimation of 17% of the population has experienced or is experiencing major depression. Another study found that nearly 5% of the population reported meeting criteria for major depressive disorder in the last 30 days.

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal therapy

MEDICATION

Antidepressants 

NON-MEDICAL TREATMENT

Physical activity and exercise three times a week for 20 minutes even if it is going for a walk.

Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet which helps improve weight issues, hormonal, and neurological health 

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Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder:  

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia, is a chronic psychological disorder. It’s a long-term form of depression with symptoms similar to but lasting longer than depression. People with PDD experience depressive states for most of the time, lasting at least two years. Dealing with these symptoms can be difficult due to the chronic nature of PDD, but a proper treatment plan can help.

At First Light Psychological Services, we have experts available to help you manage the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with proven and advanced treatments. In Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY, we have successfully treated many patients, helping them return to their normal lives.

A Doctor is Consulting with Patient of Acute Stress Disorder - ASD

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness
  • Feeling of pressure and guilt
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Excessive or decreased appetite
  • Fatigue / Lack of energy
  • Losing interest and feeling of pleasure in life
  • Low self-esteem
  • Poor mood
  • Irritable mood
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Loss of productivity
  • Social anxiety
  • Irritable mood

At First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY our experienced professionals are providing excellent symptom assessment and differential diagnosis to help you identify your symptoms, hence improving the quality of life.

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Causes of PDD

As with major depression, it may involve more than one cause, such as:

Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters of brain do play a role in incidence of depression. Research recommends that changes in effect and function of neurotransmitters is responsible for maintaining mood stability they play an important role in incidence of depression and its treatment.

Traumatic Life events: Like the major depression, major traumatic events in life such as the losing a loved one, financial crisis, and major accident can give rise to persistent depressive disorder.

A Doctor is Consulting with Patient of Acute Stress Disorder - ASD

Environmental factors: Stressful situations such as loss, grief, major life changes, and excessive stressors can trigger Persistent depressive disorder. Biological differences: People who are pacing PDD may have physical changes in their brains although the causes of these changes are not known, but such changes can bring the symptoms of PDD. Inherited traits: Having close family members with a history of depression increases the risk of developing depression for an individual.

A Doctor is Consulting with Patient of Acute Stress Disorder - ASD

Complications of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

Common complications of PDD include:

  • Anxiety or anti-social behavior
  • Relationship difficulties and work problems
  • Poor image and reduced quality of life
  • Personality disorders or other mental health disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Social isolation
  • Substance abuse
  • Poor physical and mental health

As the complications are pretty destressing therefore seeking treatment in the first place is necessary to stop the situation from getting worse, Feel free to book for the treatment of PDD in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY while meet the experts on the floor, ready to help you to get rid of the disorder.

Diagnosis of PDD

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, like emotional changes, loss of interest, hopelessness, palpitations, and suicidal thoughts for over 2 years, you may have this diagnosis. At First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY, we offer treatment programs for PDD. Our team provides precise psychological services tailored to each patient’s symptoms.

Treatment of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

The treatment for PDD is similar to other treatments of depression. Usually a combination of psychotherapy and medications is seen to be the most effective.

Medicinal / Pharmacological treatment:

Commonly used to treat persistent depressive disorder are anti-depressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs.

Anti-anxiety medications can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and persistent depression. Our practitioners at First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY will prescribe the best medicines for PDD to ensure instant results.

Psychotherapy:

It may involve a range of different techniques, but two that are often used are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY we are providing psychotherapy services to the patients of persistent depressive disorder.

Interpersonal therapy:

This therapy is similar to CBT but rather it focuses on identifying problems in relationships and communication and then finding ways to help you cope with them, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY we are providing Interpersonal therapy to treat the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

It guides you about you different perspectives of thinking and behaving. It can help you to change the way you react to the things which make you to feel depressed. Our team of experts are providing the services of cognitive behavioral therapy In Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY to help those having PDD.

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