There are genetic, biological and environmental factors associated with development of depression in general. In women in biological factors menstruation, pregnancy and menopause are involved due to hormonal changes in these stages. In environmental factors family, career, coping with menstruation, problems related in relationships, self history of depression, lack of social support, work overload, unequal power and status, physical and sexual abuse, miscarriage, unwanted pregnancy, infertility and discontinuation of anti depressant drugs are involved.
The hormones and the related biological factors are related to mood and influence the development of depression in female body. Unique biology, culture and life situation increase the risk of depression in women.
The puberty related issues like issues related to emerging sexuality and identity, conflicts in the parents, increasing social expectations together with hormonal changes during the stage of puberty increase the risk of depression in females. All this happens at an earlier age than in males.
The symptoms of depression in females are feeling of sadness or down, feeling of hopelessness, loss of interest in daily routine activities, sleep problems, crying spells without obvious reason, difficulty in taking decisions, problems in paying attention and focusing at the given job, irritability, unintentional weight loss or gain, feeling of fatigue or weak, restlessness, easily becoming angry or irritated, feeling of uselessness, loss of interest in sex, unexplained physical problems like headache or back pain, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior.
The symptoms of depression differ from one individual to another and age to age.
The standard treatments for depression include medications, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy. The treatments under development are brain stimulation and complementary and alternative treatments.
In medications number of drugs are available. They are anti depressants, stimulants, mood stabilizing medications, anti anxiety medications or antipsychotic medications. They may be given singly or in combination depending on the requirement. There may be some side effects of medications especially anti depressants but they are so mild that the patient need not discontinue the treatment. In cases of unpleasant side effects the drug should be discontinued only after consultation with the doctor. Sudden discontinuation of the treatment can cause withdrawal symptoms. The drug should be withdrawn with step by step lowering the dose.
Psychotherapy are the talk sessions in which the several causes of depression, changes required in unhealthy behaviors, relationships, experiences, better ways to cope and solve the problem and setting realistic goals for life are discussed. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective known psychotherapy.
The electrical currents are passed through the brain in electro convulsive therapy which helps in relieving the depression symptoms.
Depending on the type and severity of depression a primary health care provider, psychologist, psychiatrist or social workers can the treat the condition.
The treatment options can be decided by the patient or the relatives of the patient (in severe cases) and the concern doctor. the treatment of choice depends on the symptoms, severity of conditions, cost factor, the side effects of the treatment, insurance coverage and personal preferences.
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