The Complex Impact of Major Depressive Disorder

Background:

Sarah, a 39-year-oldfemale career counselor, had been a strong, motivated professional who made great progress in her role as a consultantwitha profitable business. She has been going through negative changes in her mood along witha change in her level of activity over the past two months. She hasbeennoticinga decrease in her energy levels and an increasing lackof interest in routine tasks.Sarah finds itverydifficult to go to work on time because her sleeping pattern has been disturbed. She frequently wakes up three hours earlier than usual and finds it very difficult to fall back asleep again. Sheused togo to the gym three times a week usuallyand has always been interested in staying in shape. But over the past few months, Sarah has been experiencingno interest in carrying on with any sort of physicalactivity and oftenclaims that she lacks the energy to work out. The main source of frustration for Sarah is her poor performance at work. Sarah's personal relationships have been affected in addition to her professional life being negatively impacted by her behavioral changes. Shelostfive kilograms of weight last month as a result of her loss of appetite.She has recently started completely skipping work, andevenwhen she does show up, she assigns most of her work to others.

Identification of the presented mental disorder according to ICD-10

A persistent sense of sadness or a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities are the characteristic features of a mental illness known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) [1]. The daily activities of life, such as social interactions, employment, and education, can be hampered by MDD symptoms. Depressed mood, loss of interest in or enjoyment from activities, noticeable weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, exhaustion or lack of energy, feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness, trouble focusing or making choices, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide are some of the symptoms of MDD [1].

Causes of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Although the exact causes of the disorder are unknown, a combined effect of hereditary, physiological, environmental, and psychological elements is thought to be the cause. A history in the family of depression, major alterations in one's life, chronic illness, and dependence on drugs are a few risk factors for major depressive disorder [2,3]. The primary causes of the mental condition are as follows and are elaborated below:

Psychological factors: Negative thought patterns, low self-esteem, a history of trauma or abuse, and other psychological factors can contribute to the onset of this mental disorder. Patients with this condition may have trouble dealing with their anxiety and may possess a negative perspective towards life [2].

Biological factors: The onset of symptoms may be impacted by biological variables, especially genetics. Individuals with a family medical history of depression may be more likely to suffer from it. Changes in neurotransmitter levels (hormones norepinephrine and serotonin), can impact the patient's mood and play a vital role in the progression and development of disorder [3].

Substance abuse: Addiction to alcohol and drugs can be a contributing factor in the development of depressive disorders. The overuse of psychotic medications can further alter the levels of neurotransmitters, impacting the mood and behavior of the patient. Moreover, this may weaken the immune system, leaving patients more susceptible to infections and other diseases. Aside from these negative effects, addiction to drugs can also result in financial difficulties or job loss [4].

Environmental factors: Prolonged stress, major lifestyle changes, and social isolation are environmental factors that lead to the development of the condition. Stressful events in life, like losing a loved one or losing your job, can increase your chance of developing MDD. Furthermore, there is a direct link betweendepression,loneliness,and social isolation. People who are isolated or feel alone may not have the strong social support system necessary to deal with life's challenges, which raises the likelihood that they will be diagnosed with this depressive disorder [5].

Medical conditions: Several illnesses, including ovarian cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain, might play a role in the onset of MDD. In addition to mental symptoms, those suffering from MDD may also have some physical symptoms including stomach issues, headache, and chronic pain. Additionally, females might have irregularities in their menstrual cycle or heavier bleeding [6].

In addition, a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological variables may also contribute to MDD. It's critical to get expert assistance in order to identify the fundamental root cause of MDD and create a suitable treatment strategy. Medication, psychotherapy, or a mix of the two may be used as a form of treatment.

Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can be treated in a few ways, such as with psychotherapy, medication, and other therapies. In accordance with the literature available, the treatments that are easily accessible for MDD patients are identified:

Medication: Drugs that affect the mood, for example antidepressants, helps to control the amounts of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Antidepressants work in treating MDD by raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels. 'Tricyclic antidepressants' (TCAs), 'Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors' (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the antidepressant drug types that are available to treat MDD [7].

Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, it is a kind of treatment in which a patient discusses the complications with psychologist or psychiatric in order to identify the cause of their issues and explore potential solutions. Psychotherapy can be administered to an individual, couples, and family, or to groups. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated to be useful in treating MDD in the field of psychotherapy [8].

Hospitalization or a residential therapy program: This intervention may be required in cases of severe mental disease (MDD). When someone can't take responsibility for their own well-being can hurt and is a danger to themselves or other people, they are referred for these programs [9].

Alternative therapies: The meditative practices, acupuncture, and herbal dietary supplements are some examples of alternative therapies that may help with certain mental illnesses, like depression. Nevertheless, before attempting any alternative therapies, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. Exercise and yoga are examples of physical treatment options that can be beneficial in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Also, creative therapies like music, art, writing therapy, or movement therapy may help with the treatment of the disorder [10].

Social considerations related with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Significant social factors related to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may have an impact on the private and professional lives of an individual. In Sarah's situation, her incapacity to perform well in the workplace has caused her to completely stop going to work, and when she does, she assigns most of her responsibilities to others. Her personal life is also impacted by MDD, which has resulted in a lack of social interaction and strained bonds with friends and family [11].

The stigma attached to mental health issues could be a significant social factor. Because depression is stigmatized by societyas a sign of weakness or a character flaw, people refrain from getting thetreatment. The availability of emotional assistance is another social factor. Accessing services related to mental health can be challenging or impossible in some places, which usually keeps patients from getting the care they need. For MDD patients who struggle to leave their houses or who may have limited access to transportation face these difficulties [12].

Major societal effects of MDD may affect Sarah's personal and professional lives. It's critical to identify the symptoms and seek medical attention in order to manage the disease's symptoms and enhance her quality of life [13]. To ensure that the patientcan get the treatment she deserves, it is also critical to mitigate the associated social implications.

Conclusion:

The Sarah case is an excellent example of the significant effects MDD can have on people's lives at home and at work. Her experiences serve as a reminder of the complicated nature of this psychological condition and its significance. The nature of this mental illness is explained by the interaction of various factors, which emphasizes the significance of personalized therapies.

Treatments for mental illnesses place a strong emphasis on the importance of using a comprehensive approach to manage and alleviate the symptoms of the illness. The social components of MDD, including its social implications and the scarcity of mental health resources, highlight the necessity of creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for patients that promotes accessible treatment for individuals coping with the illness.

The significant reminder provided by Sarah's story is the importance of identifying possible causes and management therapies for the disease and warrants further investigation. It is possible to address the various aspects of the disorder and create an encouraging environment to assist people like Sarah.

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