Free Essay

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

In:

Submitted By estewa
Words 1698
Pages 7
Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

University of Phoenix

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

Introduction It is not uncommon for a person to experience feelings of unhappiness or depression. For a majority of people, such feelings are often short-lived. However, for others, it may be a long-term battle that lasts for a longer period of time; it’s those people who experience unvarying unhappiness or depression, which can be deemed as a depressive disorder. Having depressive disorders has the capacity to trespass into a person’s everyday life. Additionally, it has the ability to cause hurting associations between the person who is experiencing it and the people who are close with the person. Depression is a familiar state for most people; however, it can be a severe illness that can have far-reaching affects.
Definition of Depression Depression is considered to be a psychological state that entails an elongated period of sadness (Lewis, 2003). Depression is depicted as a mixture of symptoms that slow down a person's capacity to function properly. Depression may only take place briefly within a person’s life, but it is typically recurrent. Depression has the capability to make the sufferer’s life agonizing; a sign, which means that adequate treatment, is required. It should be noted, however, that the illnesses within depressive are not all comprised of similar symptoms; the severity, regularity and period of symptoms will be different and are dependent upon the person. The most common symptoms include feeling sad or worried for extended periods of time, feeling desperate, feeling blameworthy, suicidal thoughts, aches and pains, being bad-tempered or touchy, having a loss of interest in action that were once enjoyable, fatigue, and trouble focusing, sleeping, or eating (Lewis, 2003). As such, depression is deemed a mental illness, which entails both sadness and withdrawal.
Diagnosis of Depression Majorities of people who suffer from a depressive illness choose to never try to find treatment. Nonetheless, most people who suffer from the disease have the ability to improve with adequate treatment (Lewis, 2003). There has been a great amount of research pertaining to depression as an illness, which has ultimately resulted in the creation of useful and beneficial medications, therapies, and additional methodologies to assist in the treatment of people who suffer from this unsettling illness. The treatment will be most effective if the signs and symptoms have been identified early on (Sarin, Abela, & Auerbach, 2005). Accordingly, it is crucial that the illness is properly diagnosed and that the required treatment is recognized.

Treatment of Depression

Depression is certainly an illness, which can be treated. As with numerous illnesses, the faster the treatment begins, the more successful the treatment will be and the probability that its return can be stopped. Visiting a doctor is necessary in order to seek out a diagnosis and receive adequate treatment. Typically, a doctor will complete an inclusive diagnostic evaluation, which will additionally look for different causes of the symptoms (O'Connor, 2001). Of the many forms of treatment pertaining to depression, the most regular ones include therapy and medication. Therapy is typically the initial phase when treating depression. Many kinds of depression can be treated by just utilizing proper medication, such as antidepressants and inhibitors (O'Connor, 2001). If a person does not take well to medication, the doctor will usually suggest [cognitive] therapy; when properly implemented, such therapy is thought to be highly effectual when it comes to a person’s perceptions, moods, and behaviors (Oei & Free, 1995).
Conclusion
There are numerous triggers that can cause depression; these triggers may additionally foster a common state of unhappiness, which may be deemed as depression (Sarin, Abela, & Auerbach, 2005). As such, it is critical to recognize and understand the significance of depression and its symptoms, and at the same time, know when it is necessary to pursue professional help. Depression is a relentless illness that has the capacity to be mixed with other comparable illnesses. The faster the illness is diagnosed, the higher the probability that the treatment will be successful. If depression is left untreated, however, sufferers of the illness can still seek treatment, as there are numerous options available.

References

Lewis, C. (2003, January). The Lowdown on Depression. FDA Consumer, 37(1), 28. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
Oei, T., & Free, M. (1995, April). Do Cognitive Behavior Therapies Validate Cognitive Models of Mood Disorders? A Review of the Empirical Evidence. International Journal of Psychology, 30(2), 145. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
O'Connor, R. (2001). Active Treatment of Depression. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 55(4), 507. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Religion and Philosophy Collection database.
Sarin, S., Abela, J., & Auerbach, R. (2005, August). The response styles theory of depression: A test of specificity and causal mediation. Cognition & Emotion, 19(5), 751-761. Retrieved August 16, 2009, doi:10.1080/02699930441000463
Shih, J., & Eberhart, N. (2008, August). Understanding the impact of prior depression on stress generation: Examining the roles of current depressive symptoms and interpersonal behaviours. British Journal of Psychology, 99(3), 413-426. Retrieved August 16, 2009, doi:10.1348/000712607X243341

Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

University of Phoenix

Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression

Introduction It is not uncommon for a person to experience feelings of unhappiness or depression. For a majority of people, such feelings are often short-lived. However, for others, it may be a long-term battle that lasts for a longer period of time; it’s those people who experience unvarying unhappiness or depression, which can be deemed as a depressive disorder. Having depressive disorders has the capacity to trespass into a person’s everyday life. Additionally, it has the ability to cause hurting associations between the person who is experiencing it and the people who are close with the person. Depression is a familiar state for most people; however, it can be a severe illness that can have far-reaching affects.
Definition of Depression Depression is considered to be a psychological state that entails an elongated period of sadness (Lewis, 2003). Depression is depicted as a mixture of symptoms that slow down a person's capacity to function properly. Depression may only take place briefly within a person’s life, but it is typically recurrent. Depression has the capability to make the sufferer’s life agonizing; a sign, which means that adequate treatment, is required. It should be noted, however, that the illnesses within depressive are not all comprised of similar symptoms; the severity, regularity and period of symptoms will be different and are dependent upon the person. The most common symptoms include feeling sad or worried for extended periods of time, feeling desperate, feeling blameworthy, suicidal thoughts, aches and pains, being bad-tempered or touchy, having a loss of interest in action that were once enjoyable, fatigue, and trouble focusing, sleeping, or eating (Lewis, 2003). As such, depression is deemed a mental illness, which entails both sadness and withdrawal.
Diagnosis of Depression Majorities of people who suffer from a depressive illness choose to never try to find treatment. Nonetheless, most people who suffer from the disease have the ability to improve with adequate treatment (Lewis, 2003). There has been a great amount of research pertaining to depression as an illness, which has ultimately resulted in the creation of useful and beneficial medications, therapies, and additional methodologies to assist in the treatment of people who suffer from this unsettling illness. The treatment will be most effective if the signs and symptoms have been identified early on (Sarin, Abela, & Auerbach, 2005). Accordingly, it is crucial that the illness is properly diagnosed and that the required treatment is recognized.

Treatment of Depression

Depression is certainly an illness, which can be treated. As with numerous illnesses, the faster the treatment begins, the more successful the treatment will be and the probability that its return can be stopped. Visiting a doctor is necessary in order to seek out a diagnosis and receive adequate treatment. Typically, a doctor will complete an inclusive diagnostic evaluation, which will additionally look for different causes of the symptoms (O'Connor, 2001). Of the many forms of treatment pertaining to depression, the most regular ones include therapy and medication. Therapy is typically the initial phase when treating depression. Many kinds of depression can be treated by just utilizing proper medication, such as antidepressants and inhibitors (O'Connor, 2001). If a person does not take well to medication, the doctor will usually suggest [cognitive] therapy; when properly implemented, such therapy is thought to be highly effectual when it comes to a person’s perceptions, moods, and behaviors (Oei & Free, 1995).
Conclusion
There are numerous triggers that can cause depression; these triggers may additionally foster a common state of unhappiness, which may be deemed as depression (Sarin, Abela, & Auerbach, 2005). As such, it is critical to recognize and understand the significance of depression and its symptoms, and at the same time, know when it is necessary to pursue professional help. Depression is a relentless illness that has the capacity to be mixed with other comparable illnesses. The faster the illness is diagnosed, the higher the probability that the treatment will be successful. If depression is left untreated, however, sufferers of the illness can still seek treatment, as there are numerous options available.

References

Lewis, C. (2003, January). The Lowdown on Depression. FDA Consumer, 37(1), 28. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
Oei, T., & Free, M. (1995, April). Do Cognitive Behavior Therapies Validate Cognitive Models of Mood Disorders? A Review of the Empirical Evidence. International Journal of Psychology, 30(2), 145. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
O'Connor, R. (2001). Active Treatment of Depression. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 55(4), 507. Retrieved August 16, 2009, from Religion and Philosophy Collection database.
Sarin, S., Abela, J., & Auerbach, R. (2005, August). The response styles theory of depression: A test of specificity and causal mediation. Cognition & Emotion, 19(5), 751-761. Retrieved August 16, 2009, doi:10.1080/02699930441000463
Shih, J., & Eberhart, N. (2008, August). Understanding the impact of prior depression on stress generation: Examining the roles of current depressive symptoms and interpersonal behaviours. British Journal of Psychology, 99(3), 413-426. Retrieved August 16, 2009, doi:10.1348/000712607X243341

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Diagnosis and Treatment

...Diagnosis and Treatment Kelly Haggerty BEH/225 April, 21, 2013 Debra Pearce Diagnosis and Treatment There are many psychological disorders that can significantly impact the way in which a person functions within their daily lives, and of these afflictions, depression is rapidly increasing among many within the general population. It is because of this that it has become increasingly imperative for us to come to a better understanding of what depression is, how it manifests, and how to properly diagnose and treat the disorder. We all learn to use our emotions to guide us through life, and while in a healthy emotional state; they will propel us to excel by motivating and encouraging feelings that bring forth a sense of inner peace. However, those suffering with depression will be conflicted with thoughts that encourage negative feelings toward oneself, surroundings, and their overall purpose in life. It is when these negative thoughts take control of ones emotions that they begin to feel a significant interference within their quality of life and that the presence of a mood disorder is recognized. Depression is caused by various factors and they range from genetic predispositions, chemical imbalances, and ongoing stressful exposures. Most frequently, depression is a combination of these factors, and it is because of this that the proper diagnosing of depression may come from many levels and may present treatments that are intrusive and extensive. Diagnosis: In order...

Words: 1916 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Childhood Depressionn

...Childhood Depression Abstract Empirical evidence shows that that depression disorder in children is a common condition that affects emotional, physical, and social development. Risk factors include parental conflict, a family history of depression, poor peer relationship, negative thinking, and deficit in coping skills. Treatment criteria of children and adults are the same, with the exception that children may display irritability rather than depressed or sad mood, and loss of weight may be seen as a failure gain appropriate weight milestones. Diagnosis and treatment should take into account developmental stage, suicidality, severity of depression, and social and environmental factors. The recommended therapies for mild depression include interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavior therapy and serve as appropriate adjuvant to medical treatments for those with moderate and severe depression. This paper explore depression among children, outlines different types of diagnosis, as well as the parameters for rare situations in which practitioners can try antidepressants when psychotherapeutic options fail and the depression is in severe stage. Introduction About 2.8 percent of children younger than 13 years suffer from depression at any given point in time (Clark, Jansen, & Cloy, 2012). The incidence of depression among children is a major concern because of the damaging and acute consequences associated with the disorder. Research shows that 60 percent of adolescents...

Words: 1522 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Asperger's Case Study

...Disorder. It is no longer recognized as a separate syndrome under DSM V but instead those who exhibit Asperger’s like syndromes receive a diagnosis of ASD. Those with Asperger’s are sometimes thought of as a “high functioning autistic,” this is because they do not struggle with development the same way others with an ASD diagnosis do. ASD symptoms are divided into three categories: deficiencies in social interaction, communication deficiencies, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors and interests. While children with Asperger’s regularly struggle with social interaction and display repetitive behaviors, they don’t exhibit a delay in their language. In fact, a lot of the time a child with Asperger’s may have above average intelligence. Because of poor social interactions, a child with Asperger’s can go on to develop many other syndromes if he/she doesn’t receive proper therapy. But even with therapy, a child with Asperger’s is more likely to experience anxiety and depressive disorders. These two conditions can have a profound effect on a child’s development and functioning, especially when the same child has an Asperger’s...

Words: 1566 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Beh 225 Week 8 Assignment Diagnosis and Treatment

...Week 8 Assignment Diagnosis and Treatment Get Tutorial by Clicking on the link below or Copy Paste Link in Your Browser https://hwguiders.com/downloads/beh-225-week-8-assignment-diagnosis-treatment/ For More Courses and Exams use this form ( http://hwguiders.com/contact-us/ ) Feel Free to Search your Class through Our Product Categories or From Our Search Bar (http://hwguiders.com/ ) Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual disorder that is a common psychological disorder. Sexual dysfunction is can be defined as one’s inability to enjoy sexual encounters, affecting both men and women. Sexual dysfunctions seldom threaten one’s physical health, rather, they tend to affect one’s psychological health; depression and anxiety are common psychological effects of sexual dysfunction. ED, the sexual dysfunction among men, refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is suitable for intercourse (Morris & Maisto). ED can occur at any time during a man’s life. Physical causes of ED can include alcohol or tobacco use, fatigue, brain or spinal cord injuries, liver or kidney failure, and specific types of prostate or bladder surgery. These physical causes can occur at any time during a man’s life; however, ED is more common in men over the age of 65 (AAFP, 2006). Some medical problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, can also lead to ED. CLICK PURCHASE BUTTON TO DOWNLOAD COMPLETE TUTORIAL BEH 225 Week 8 Assignment Diagnosis and Treatment Get Tutorial...

Words: 4332 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Depression

...Research Paper: Victory Over Depression Abstract: In today’s society depression can be seen as taboo and something that is not socially acceptable. However, it is the ongoing reality for many women. The struggle with depression in the life of women is more common than not, whether it is undiagnosed or diagnosis it is prevalent regardless of ones socioeconomically background. The paper will explore depression onset, treatment and explore how individuals can have work towards having complete victory over depression. Class session 9 – “Fox Meadows Assisted Living”, page 177-178, Sweeney-Feld and Oetjen textbook.  The case study questions that you must respond to are found on page 178. The review of each team case should not exceed 12 double spaced pages, not including your APA cover page and a reference page. All type must be Times Roman 12 point pica. Use the APA style for citing all sources The team management paper (e.g., case analysis) accounts for 25 points, or 25 percent of your grade Background: The black box of depression can potentially have an unpredictable impact on the life of an individual. Those who struggle with this diagnosis on a day to day basis at times cannot predict the outcome of the situation if left untreated. That National Alliance of Mental Illness reports nearly 15 million Americans averaging one and ten adults experience some form of depression annually. The statistics amongst women are considerably startling because one...

Words: 2589 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Phobia

...Keller et al (1995) recommend that depression can be categorised under the DSM-IV-TR as a mood disorder. Mood disorder affects a person’s emotional state. These mood disorders include major depressive disorder depression and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder is also known as unipolar depression or simply major depression. It is a severe clinical mood disorder in which feelings, frustration, loss or anger inhibits with a person’s activities of daily living for long period of time (Beck 1967). Unipolar depression demonstrates itself as an episode of depression that can occur unexpectedly and bipolar depression substitutes between two mood extremes mania and depression (Beck 1967). Moreover unipolar involves neurosis manifestation and bipolar involves psychosis features. The aetiology of unipolar is unknown however research suggests a link to chemical changes in the brain and differences in gene make up. It is genetic but can also manifest in those with no family history (Jacob et al 1987). Contributory factors are alcohol and drug abuse, types of cancers and other medical conditions. Life changing issues such as job loss, divorce, death, illness, and social isolation, physical and emotional abuse can trigger unipolar depression. Jacob et al (1987) suggest that people with unipolar depression are more likely to use alcohol or illegal substances additionally these patients are at increased risk of other mental and physical health problems. Unipolar patients are more...

Words: 1989 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Mental Illness: Depression

...Mental Illness: Depression Phill S. Reg University of Phoenix Online HCA 240 July 20, 2014 Mental Illness: Depression Many American suffer from a form of mental illness. When you look at the statistics, it is quite alarming just how many Americans suffer from a mental illness. It is estimated that 26.2 percent of the American population from the ages of 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental illness (NIH, n.d). This is an astounding number to consider. If you do the math, that means that approximately 1 out of 4 Americans has a mental illness. We will discuss the mental illness of depression for this discussion. One of the most common mental illnesses in America is depression. A large number of Americans live with depression undiagnosed and untreated. What is Depression? “Over 9 million American adults suffer from clinical depression each year” (Stanford School of Medicine, 2014). Why does depression affect so many people? Let us first define depression. Most people would probably consider depression as being sad. However, clinical depression goes much deeper than just feeling sad. “Depression is a persistent state that can significantly impair an individual's thoughts, behavior, daily activities, and physical health” (Stanford School of Medicine, 2014). People who are diagnosed with depression will usually receive psychological assistance as well as regular prescriptions of some sort. The History of Depression “Melancholia” was...

Words: 1515 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Psychological Disorder Analysis

...symptoms require further analysis to reach a diagnostic conclusion as her symptoms are apparent in the criteria of a variety of disorders, to include, post traumatic stress disorder, certain panic disorders, and major depression. Maria will be observed, and a complete assessment of her will be concluded. Once the assessment is complete a diagnosis will be made and a complete and effective treatment plan will be administered. What will also be included by the attending therapists is the diagnosis, along with the possible causes, names of treatment, and a copy of the treatment plan. The clinical interview is the beginning point for Maria and how she answers the interview questions applies to the analysis and diagnosis of her issues. The questions asked during Maria’s interview are as follows: 1. Why do you feel the need to seek therapy? 2. What do you expect to gain from your therapy sessions? 3. How was your relationship with your family as a child versus how it is currently? 4. How have you been during intimate relationships? 5. Have you ever experienced a panic attack and if so, what usually triggers it? 6. Give me one memory that makes you happy and why? 7. Is there any history of depression or...

Words: 1450 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Concept Analysis

...Head: DEPRESSION IN THE ADOLESCENT ONCOLOGY PATIENT ​1       Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis Joliette Tiffany Grice University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing               In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of N5327 Section 400 Analysis of Theories in Nursing Ronda Mintz-Binder, DNP, RN June 10th, 2012 Depression in the Adolescent Oncology Patient: A Multidisciplinary Concept Analysis We all go through up and downs in our mood, sadness is a normal reaction to life’s trials and tribulations. Many people use the word depression to explain these feelings, but depression is much more than just a feeling of sadness. According to Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary (2002), depression is an abnormal emotional state characterized by exaggerated feelings of sadness, melancholy, dejection, worthlessness, emptiness, and hopelessness that are inappropriate and out of proportion to reality. Depression may be expressed in a wide spectrum of affective, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or may easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people. The adolescent oncology patient may suffer from all of these symptoms due to the life altering circumstances that a cancer diagnosis brings. However, due to side effects of treatment medications...

Words: 4707 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Psy/340

...Hypothesis-Children should not be diagnosis with bipolar disorder Null-hypothesis-Children should be diagnosis with bipolar disorder There are many children in the United States today that are diagnosis with bipolar disorder, it population have expanded widely in the world today. Children of today are been misdiagnosis with having bipolar disorder and the number are outspreaded, so with the statistics like this , these children shouldn’t diagnosis with bipolar disorder cause of the finding not true. There have been numbered of drug get distributes to people everyday, for treatment of bipolar disorder. The statistic have say that, many people have been kill of receiving their medicine contaminated, from pick up drug stores. There a mental illness that form called fungal meningitis and sometimes manic-depression that found among children less than the age of eighteen and under, that can cause a major depression in children such as anxiety disorder. Bipolar disorder is not as easily, to be found in children and as well adolescent. Most of the condition becomes overlap that considered with the disorder ADHD, conduct disorder, and depression. Over hundred of people have seemed physician for treatment, using a psychotic medicine to treat bipolar disorder. Some physician doesn’t think bipolar disorder show up in children dues to the misdiagnosed, of what they find, that turn out not to be true in children, could you imagine how many children are diagnosis with this disorder, this should...

Words: 726 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Depression in Adolescents

...DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 2. Table of Contents Introduction …………………………………………………………………………….…....3. Background of Depression in Adolescence…….…………………………………………….4. Causes ...............................................................................................................................…...5. Symptoms………………………………………………………………………………….…6. Diagnosis….…………………………………………………………………………………. 7. Treatment……………………………………………………………………………………..7. Epidemiology of Depression in Youth……………………………………………………….9. Contextualised issues pertaining to Depression in Adolescence……………………………10. The impact of Culture on Adolescent Depression…………………………………………...10. Abnormal behaviours associated with Adolescent Depression….…………………………..11. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………...11. References…………………………………………………………………………………...12. DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 3. This research paper will address depression in adolescents. Depression is often labelled as ‘the sickness of our time’ due to its prolific nature. Some of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of depression in adolescents as well as the contextualised issues, cultural implications and other abnormal behaviour associated with the disorder will be discussed. DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 4. Background of Depression in Adolescence Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, a stage of major growth and development in which significant physiological, cognitive, psychological...

Words: 3461 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Mental Health and Illness

...having a dual diagnosis disorder. Many people in recovery struggle with feelings of depression and anxiety before, during and after rehab. Additionally, many people who have a dual diagnosis struggle with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia and other personality disorders. If you find yourself fighting behavioral health issues at any stage of your recovery process, you are not alone. Understanding Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Problems in Recovery For many people with major behavioral health disorders, self-medication leads to addiction. Frequently, the symptoms of mental health disorders are uncomfortable and alarming, particularly for people who have bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other personality disorders. Drinking or using drugs can be a way of coping and calming down symptoms such as voices, hallucinations or delusions. In fact, it is common for people to be diagnosed with mental health problems when they are in recovery for substance abuse. Qualified behavioral health professionals are able to help patients understand their illness and learn healthy coping mechanism that can reduce symptoms. For people with dual diagnosis, recovery can be extremely challenging. As a result, it is extremely important to remain in treatment and build a strong support group and relapse prevention plan. Depression and Anxiety Depression is one of the most common mental health problems for people, not only those in recovery. Feelings of depression can arise...

Words: 590 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mood Disorder

...something every one experience even occasional strong, even unpleasant, emotional reactions. however, when moods tend to go out of control, going thru extreme elation or plunging to deep depression, the diagnosis will end up been one of the mood disorder. Mood disorder is define by extremes of mood, from mania to depression. Two types are major depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders can effect anyone, including children. The cause of mood disorders is not fully understood, but an imbalance in brain known as neurotransmitters is likely the cause. Sometimes mood disorders may be related to a medical condition, substance abuse, life events, or other events in life. However, I have experience with this disorder due to the fact I was diagnosis at 19 with mood disorder, I was also diagnosis with bipolar as well. Major depression consist of hopelessness and despair, which is also known as clinical depression. When dealing with major depression, it may be difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities. Clinical depression can happen only once in your life, while others have it several times in a lifetime. Major depression seems to occur from one generation to the next in some families, but may affect people with no family history of the illness. The symptoms of major depression include: profoundly sad or irritable mood, pronounced changes in sleep, appetite, and energy, difficulty thinking, concentrating, and remembering, physical slowing or agitation, lack...

Words: 689 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Mental Illness: Bipolar Disorder

...symptoms of mania and depression, and felt they could be linked to each other. His findings went unnoticed and unsubstantiated until 1650, when a scientist named Richard Burton wrote a book, The Anatomy of Melancholia, which focused specifically on depression. His findings are still used today by many in the mental health field, and he is credited with being the father of depression as a mental illness. Jules Falret coined term "folie circulaire" (circular insanity) in 1854, and established a link between depression and suicide. His work led to the term bipolar disorder, as he was able to find a distinction between moments of depression and heightened moods. He recognized this to be different from simple depression, and finally in 1875 his recorded findings were termed Manic-Depressive Psychosis, a psychiatric disorder. Another lesser-known fact attributed to Falret is that he found the disease seemed to be found in certain families thus recognizing very early that there was a genetic link. In 1913, Emil Krapelin established the term manic-depressive, with an exhaustive study surrounding the effects of depression and a small portion about the manic state. Within fifteen years, this approach to mental illness was fully accepted and became the prevailing theory of the early 1930’s. Throughout much of the 1960’s many with the disorder were institutionalized and given little help financially because of Congress’ refusal to recognize manic depression as legitimate illness...

Words: 1555 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Discuss Issues Surrounding the Classification and Diagnosis of Depression (24 Marks)

...Discuss issues surrounding the classification and diagnosis of depression (24 marks) A key concern regarding the diagnosis of depression is the reliability of the diagnosis; reliability refers to the consistency of a test or results. In order to increase the reliability of this, the test-retest method can be used to assess consistency. Within this, a patient is tested for depression twice over a period of time in order to establish whether or not the scores on the classification measure stay consistent; this would show a high concordance rate between test results. A strength of using the test retest method is that, if results have a low concordance rate from the two tests, it signposts that the patient is either getting better or worse in terms of their depression as their results have changed. For example, if a patient’s depression score decreases over time, it could signal to the psychiatrist that the treatment is working, and vice versa, if scores increase it can indicate that treatment is not working or the patient’s depression is getting worse, which tells them that they may need to make changes to help the patient. However, the problem with this is that some assessments have been shown to not consistently have good test-retest ability; predominantly this is the DSM-IV. This statement has been supported by research. For instance, Keller et al (1995) assessed 524 people with depression from inpatient, outpatient and community settings at 5 different sites. Within the study...

Words: 1262 - Pages: 6