Find Doctors Find Hospitals
× Find Doctors Find Hospitals Treatments sign in +91-90 7005 7005
Home » Treatment » Depression

Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that creates an enduring period of sadness and loss of interest. Depression isn't a momentary period of grief where you can merely 'snap out' of it. It requires long-term treatment.

Depression is a major depressive disorder which affects how you feel, think and behave and causes obstacles to your normal day-to-day activities. It also leads to lost time and lower productivity. It can also have repercussions on your relationships and some chronic health conditions.

Depression is a severe medical condition that requires to be taken seriously. It could only get worse without proper treatment. When you seek treatment, the symptoms will improve. Schedule a visit to your doctor to feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Depression Symptoms

The symptoms and signs include feeling several of the following for at least two weeks:

  • Feeling sad, anxious, or empty
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
  • Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
  • Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
  • The trouble with concentration, memory, or making decisions
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Appetite changes
  • Gaining or losing weight
  • Feeling restless or irritable
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Any person might not have all of these. Doctors diagnose it as a 'major depression' if you have at least 5 of these symptoms for at least two weeks. Some people can also manifest other physical symptoms, such as pain, stomach aches, digestive problems, headaches, or other illnesses that get worse.

The symptoms in kids and teens include:

  • Insomnia, fatigue, headache, stomach ache, dizziness
  • Apathy, social withdrawal, unintended weight loss
  • Drug/alcohol abuse, trouble concentrating or a drop in school performance
  • Isolation from family and friends

Causes of Depression

Depression can occur due to many reasons. It can range from biological to circumstantial.

The Common causes of Depression include:

  • Family history: If you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder, then you are at considerable risk for developing Depression
  • Early childhood trauma: There are some childhood events which affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.
  • Hormones: Any changes in the body's balance of hormones can cause or trigger Depression.
  • Brain structure: If the frontal lobe of your brain is less active, then there's a higher risk for Depression.
  • Medical conditions: Certain stressful conditions also result in Depression such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Drug use: A misuse of drug or alcohol will put you at higher risk.

Other risk factors for depression include:

  • low self-esteem or being self-critical
  • personal history of mental illness
  • certain medications
  • stressful events, such as bereavement, death, economic problems, or a divorce

Test for Depression

There is not a single test that can diagnose Depression.

  • Physical Test: Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your health. Sometimes Depression is linked to an underlying physical health problem.
  • Blood Test: The Doctor can also recommend you some blood tests. Sometimes, it has been observed that thyroid problems or a vitamin D deficiency can trigger symptoms of Depression.
  • Psychiatric evaluation: Your mental health professional will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a psychological evaluation. They will usually ask you questions about your moods, sleep pattern, appetite, activity level, and thoughts.

Don't ignore the symptoms of Depression because, over the period, it can result in the potential for complications:

If left untreated, complications can include:

  • weight gain or loss
  • physical pain
  • substance use problems
  • panic attacks
  • relationship problems
  • social isolation
  • thoughts of suicide
  • self-harm

Treatment for Depression

The Doctor will suggest treatment depending on the type of Depression you have.

Mild Depression

Following treatments may be recommended:

  • Wait and Watch: Your Doctor may suggest a short waiting time to see if you get better by yourself. You will have to visit your Doctor again after two months.
  • Exercise: Exercise can cure Depression, and group exercise can help in this regard.
  • Self-help: Talk with your friends, family and relative to lessen your Depression.

 

Mild to moderate Depression

If you have mild to moderate Depression, then the Doctor may suggest different types of talking therapies for Depression, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling.

 

Moderate to severe Depression

For moderate to severe depression, the following treatments are recommended:

  • Antidepressants: If you have moderate to severe Depression, then the Doctor may prescribe antidepressants that treat the symptoms of Depression.
  • Combination therapy: If the symptoms of depression are severe, the Doctor may recommend that you take a course of antidepressants plus talking therapy.
  • Mental health teams: If you have prolonged severe Depression, then you may be referred to a mental health team made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists. The team will help you in different treatments such as intensive specialist talking treatments as well as prescribed medicine.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT aims to help you understand your thoughts and behaviour, and how they affect you. It makes you aware of your thoughts and teaches you how to overcome negative thoughts and change them.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): Interpersonal therapy (IPT) concentrate on your relationships with others and problems you may be having in your relationships. Any problem in your personal life, such as difficulties with communication or coping with grief can be supported by IPT.
  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy: A psychoanalytic therapist will let you talk to your thoughts aloud. This will help you become conscious of patterns or hidden meanings in what you do or say that may be contributing to your problems.
  • Counselling: Counselling helps you cope up with the problems that you are facing in general life. Counsellors’ help you find solutions to your problems but do not tell you what to do.

Prevention

There's no sure way or one way to prevent a depression. However, these following strategies may help.

  • Take control of your stress by increasing your resilience and boosting your self-esteem.
  • Talk to your family and friends, especially in times of crisis.
  • At the earliest sign of a problem, don't hesitate to get treatment.

Our Doctors
View All Doctors  

1596522125_Dr-Achal-Bhagat-(1).jpg

Dr. Achal Baghat

Consultant - Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals

Dr. Achal Baghat practices as a Consultant -Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi ..
1596522125_Dr-Achal-Bhagat-(1).jpg

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

Sarita Vihar, Delhi Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110076

1000

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Achal Baghat

Consultant - Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology,

Sarita Vihar, Delhi Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110076

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1594378446_male-132-216.jpg

Dr. Ajit Dandekar

Consultant - Psychiatry
Nanavati Hospital

He has an experience of 15 years in these fields.

Dr. Ajit Dandekar practices as a Consultant - Psychiatry at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital ..
1594378446_male-132-216.jpg

Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056

1000

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Ajit Dandekar

Consultant - Psychiatry,

He has an experience of 15 years in these fields.

S.V. Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1595568532_ASHOK-(1).jpg

Dr. Alok Sarin

Senior Consultant - Psychiatry
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research

He has 33 Years of experience

Dr. Alok Sarin is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, New Delhi. He is the coordinator of a series of public programs on Mental Health ..
1595568532_ASHOK-(1).jpg

Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, Delhi

3500 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

B-16, Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi, 110016

3500

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Alok Sarin

Senior Consultant - Psychiatry,

He has 33 Years of experience

B-16, Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi, 110016

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1595077104_dr_amit_desai.jpg

Dr. Amit Desai

Consultant - Psychiatrist
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre

He has 40 Years of experience

Dr. Amit Desai also a member of a team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to assess the suitability of patients suffering from refractory..
1595077104_dr_amit_desai.jpg

Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

15 - Dr. Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road, Mumbai - 400 026.

1000

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Amit Desai

Consultant - Psychiatrist,

He has 40 Years of experience

15 - Dr. Deshmukh Marg, Pedder Road, Mumbai - 400 026.

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1591607978_Dr.-Amitabh-Saha,-Consultant---Psychiatry-(Mental-Health-and-Behavioural-Sciences)-(1).jpg

Dr. Amitabh Saha

Senior Consultant - Psychiatry
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

Dr. Amitabh Saha practices as a Senior Consultant - Psychiatry at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali ..
1591607978_Dr.-Amitabh-Saha,-Consultant---Psychiatry-(Mental-Health-and-Behavioural-Sciences)-(1).jpg

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012

1000

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Amitabh Saha

Senior Consultant - Psychiatry,

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1591679153_Dr.-Anjali-Nagpal.jpg

Dr. Anjali Nagpal

Consultant - Psychiatry
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

Dr. Anjali Nagpal practices as a  Consultant - Psychiatry at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali ..
1591679153_Dr.-Anjali-Nagpal.jpg

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Pincode 201012 Ghaziabad, NCR India

1000

Mon, Tue & Thurs: 

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Anjali Nagpal

Consultant - Psychiatry,

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Pincode 201012 Ghaziabad, NCR India

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

Patient Info

  • Get Flat 20% Off on Online Payments*

1591621286_Anubhav-Dua.jpg

Dr. Anubhav Dua

Consultant - Psychiatrist
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali

Dr. Anubhav Dua practices as a Consultant -PSYCHIATRIST at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali ..
1591621286_Anubhav-Dua.jpg

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad

1000 Consultation fee

NEXT AVAILABLE AT

1:00 PM, Today

1:00 PM, Today

Overall rating

0 0 reviews

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012

1000

Waiting Time : 4-5 Min

images     Not Available    

images Book An Appointment

Select a time slot
images

Dr. Anubhav Dua

Consultant - Psychiatrist,

W-3 Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012

Pick Time (4 Slots available)

Morning Afternoon Evening

Patient Info