Was ist Depression? Schwere Depression und leichte Depression

What is depression? 

Depression, also called depressive disorder, is more than a bad day or a deep after a stressful event. It is a serious mental illness that influences the mood, thinking, feeling and acting. 

Depression is a common mental disorder that affects around 5% of adults worldwide. The disturbance is evident through continuing sadness and lack of interest in activities that used to be happy. It is believed that depression is caused by a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors and can cause problems at school and at work. 

The medical term for depression is "recurrent depressive disorder" or "depressive episode". In the ICD-10 (the international classification of mental illnesses) it is led under the code F32 (episode) and F33 (recurrent depressive disorder).

Symptoms of depression

The main symptoms are often:

  • Drivelessness

  • Loss of interest (formerly important activities are no longer fun)

  • Persistent sadness or depressed mood

There are also other symptoms, such as:

  • Fatigue

  • Sleep disorders or insomnia

  • Thoughts of guilt, worthlessness or thoughts of suicide

  • Concentration disorders

  • Physical complaints without a medical finding

  • Social withdrawal

  • Brooding and negative thinking

  • Feeling of inner inhibition

  • Reduced self -esteem

Important: Not all those affected show all the signs. The frequency, fluctuations and the course are individual.

A complex illness

Depression is a complex illness that is still not properly understood by the largest psychologists, neurologists and psychiatrists of the world. 350 million people suffer from a serious depressive disorder and 60 million from a bipolar disorder. Apart from those who have not been diagnosed. These numbers underline how important it is to understand the different types of depression, from severe depression to persistent depressive disorders and to find the correct treatment. 

Depression comes, and after continuing fight it often goes again. But depression returns for half of the people! (Curry et al., 2011; Klein & Kotov, 2016). And in about 20 %, the disease is chronic (Klein, 2010). 

Compared to earlier generations, depression occurs earlier and more often, with the highest rates in older teenagers and young adults.

Therapy often accelerates recovery, but some people recover without professional help from depression. Some do this without future depression and with "optimal well -being" (Rottenberg et al., 2019). A permanent recovery is more likely if: The first episode takes place later in life, the person experiences minimal physical and psychological stress and the most important thing: there is sufficient social support.

Risk factors and causes

The risk factors include certain personality traits such as low self -esteem and biological differences. Treatment of depression includes psychological treatment and medication, and prevention programs have shown that they can reduce depression. 

One of the most frequently examined theories about the causes of depression is the serotonin hypothesis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that occurs in the brain and is involved in the regulation of mood, fear and sleep. Low serotonin levels are often associated with depression. However, it is important to note that depression is a complex disease that can be attributed to several factors. Serotonin is only part of the puzzle and there are other factors such as genetic, environmentally and psychosocial factors that can play a role. A Article In nature molecular psychiatry brings new evidence. "In a systematic review of studies on serotonin levels in people with depression, there was no indication that depressive people had a lower serotonin level or abnormal serotonin activity compared to non -depressed people." More about it, in our Article. 

In Germany, around 5.3 million people suffer from depression every year, and around 17 percent of German adults will suffer from a persistent depressive disorder in the course of their lives. A study showed that 13.5% of 16- to 25-year-olds have a medium to severe symptoms of depression in Switzerland compared to 8.6% of the total population.

Heavy or easy depression?

There are different types of depression, such as B. severe depression, persistent depressive disorder, slight depression or bipolar disorder.

Temporary fluctuations are temporary emotional fluctuations that can occasionally contain depressive moods, while depression is a half -permanent state of hopelessness and tiredness, which does not deteriorate after at least two weeks. Heavy depression is characterized by greater psychiatric stress and poorer psychosocial function than slight depression. 

A slight depression, on the other hand, is also referred to as subclinical depression and is a mood disorder that does not meet all criteria for major depression, but has at least two depressive symptoms for a longer period of time. In contrast to severe depression, the symptoms of slight depression are less pronounced and can often be better hidden by those affected. Nevertheless, they too can severely affect daily life.

Symptoms of slight depression include a depressed mood, loss of interest, sleep disorders, exhaustion and increased irritability. People with a slight depression can often still take part in everyday life and do their work, but they find it difficult to feel joy in activities and they are often quickly exhausted.

Diagnosis and clarification

A diagnosis is made by a doctor: inside or psychotherapist: inside - not from the Internet. If you think you or someone in your environment shows signs of depression: Find support.

The clarification includes:

  • A detailed conversation (anamnesis)

  • Questionnaires (e.g. PHQ-9)

  • Exclusion of other diseases (e.g. underactive thyroid)

Early diagnosis increases the chance of successful treatment.

Treatment options

The good news: depression is treatable. Depending on the severity, different methods are eligible.

1. Psychotherapy

The most effective method for medium -sized and severe depression is psychotherapy. Particularly helpful:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (change in negative thinking and behavior patterns)

  • Deep psychologically based therapy

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Mindfulness -based therapies

2. Antidepressants

In severe cases or in chronic courses, antidepressants can help stabilize the balance of the messenger substances in the brain. Important: Effect often only begins after 2–4 weeks. Discontinuation only with medical accompaniment.

3. further approaches

  • Movement therapy (e.g. jogging, yoga)

  • Mindfulness training, meditation

  • Light therapy (with seasonal depression)

  • Group therapy and exchange with other patients

  • Ketamine and psychedelica

Ketamine and psychedelics: new ways in depression treatment

In modern depression research, ketamin -based therapies and psychedelic substances such as psilocybin are becoming increasingly important. New, promising approaches are particularly evident in therapy -resistant depression.

Ketamine, a anesthetide, works via the glutamate system (especially via the NMDA receptor) and, according to studies, can trigger antidepressant effects within hours, in contrast to classic antidepressants that often need weeks. Studies show that a one -time intravenous administration of ketamine can cause a rapid reduction of depressive symptoms, especially for suicidality (Berman et al., 2000; Zarate et al., 2006). In the meantime, ketamine nasal sprays (e.g. esketamine) have also been approved, which are administered under medical supervision.

Also Psilocybin, the psychoactive active ingredient in so -called "Magic Mushrooms" is examined in clinical studies. The substance seems to put the brain into a neuroplastic state in which stuck thinking patterns are relaxed. It is particularly noteworthy that the antidepressant effect can be noticeable after only one or two accompanied meetings and last for weeks to months (Carhart-Harris et al., 2016; Davis et al., 2021).

Both approaches emphasize the importance of therapeutic accompaniment: psychedelics only develop their full potential in a safe, controlled setting, with targeted psychological integration of experience.

Despite the positive data, caution is advised: Not all patients: inside benefit equally, and these substances are contraindicated, especially in the case of existing psychotic diseases. In addition, many of these approaches (as of 2024) are still in study status and not broadly available. Nevertheless, they mark a revolution in understanding of affective disorders and could change psychiatric practice in the long term.

Depression and quality of life

Untreated, depression can massively restrict the quality of life. Relationships break, work suffers, self -doubt grow. Some experience life as senseless - suicidal thoughts can occur. That is why help is so important.

But with the right treatment, patience and support, a fulfilling life is possible again. Many people report that after depression they go through life more consciously, clearer and with more meaning.

What you can do yourself

Even if professional help is important, you can become active yourself:

  • Speak openly to a familiar person

  • Guide a mood diary

  • Movement helps (for 10 minutes for a walk)

  • Set small, realistic goals

  • Reduce stimulus overflowing (cell phone, news)

  • Practice mindfulness - breathe consciously, feel, pause

  • Read helpful articles or a supporting book

Important: You are not alone

The population has become more sensitive. More and more celebrities speak openly about their depression - that's good. It takes the stigma. And yet there is a lot to do. Many are still waiting too long, out of shame, ignorance or fear.

But depression is not a weakness. It is an illness and she deserves understanding, compassion and treatment.

My workbook: your personal companion

If you deal with the topic of depression, be it as a person concerned: R, relatives: R or interested: R, I would like to recommend my workbook. It is not a therapy replacement, but a lovingly designed companion:

  • With reflection exercises

  • Space for thoughts & feelings

  • Mindfulness practice & small routines

  • Support on your way to more mood, self -care and clarity

You can use it as a supplement to psychotherapy. 

It is important to take depression seriously and to seek help. If you think you suffer from depression, you should contact a specialist in order to obtain precise diagnosis and treatment. 

Overall, it is important to be aware that depression is a common and serious disease that affects many people. However, it is also possible to treat depression and recover from them. By taking symptoms seriously, seeking help and receiving individual treatment, you can reduce the severity of depression and find joy in life again.

Sources

  • Berman, R. M., Cappiello, A., Anand, A., et al. (2000). Antidepressant Effects of Ketamine in Depressed Patients. Biological Psychiatry, 47(4), 351–354.

  • Zarate, C.A., Singh, J. B., Carlson, P. J., et al. (2006). A randomized trial of an N-methyl-D-Aspartate Antagonist in Treatment Resistant Major Depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63(8), 856–864.

  • Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., et al. (2016). Psilocybin with Psychological Support for Treatment Resistant Depression: On Open label Feasability Study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619–627.

  • Davis, A.K., Barrett, F. S., May, D.G., et al. (2021). Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder. Jama Psychiatry, 78(5), 481–489.

Category: Prof, loss, drive, low in mood, stand, sign, interest

Written by Mara Schär

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