Brookhaven Courier

Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Chris Vivero

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Major depressive disorder is often confused with other psychiatric disorders. Someone with major depressive disorder may experience an abnormal depressed mood and an abnormal loss of all interest and pleasure everyday for at least two weeks.

Sam Govea, Brookhaven College adjunct psychology professor said: "There is no real reason why, it's a culmination of many things that cause you to be depressed. Major depression seems to be this sinking hole that a person can't get out of."

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states other symptoms that go along with major depressive disorder are changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, disrupted sleep patterns and suicidal thoughts or actions.

The Web site mentalhealth.com states other symptoms include fatigue or loss of energy, poor concentration and morbid thoughts of death. The Web site states major depressive disorder may present itself in many different ways. In many patients the loss of appetite is coupled with extreme weight loss, but the opposite occurs in a small number of patients.

"Many times people who are depressed need a fix internally, like medication before they even think about fixing their life through therapy," Govea said. "Medication and therapy for major depressive disorder go together. Both are needed to get the full benefit and get a person's life back on the right track."

In his developmental psychology class, Govea discusses risk factors of major depressive disorder, such as parental history of depression, family abuse or neglect and biological factors.

Govea said there are a few myths surrounding depression. He said myths such as talking about depression only makes it worse; telling an adult that someone you know is depressed is a betrayal of trust. If they wanted help they would get it and it is normal for teenagers to be moody are just that - myths.

"Treatment for depression is meant to get you to a place where you can listen to someone give you good advice and coping skills," Govea said.

For those who may be suffering from major depression or have friends who are suffering, the Brookhaven counseling center can provide help.

Brookhaven nurse Mildred Kelley said, "For someone who has been diagnosed they should follow the directions of their doctor and counselor."

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