Depression, along with heart diseases, is one of the diseases that most affects the quality of life and functionality in the world. First of all, it should be emphasized that depression is a medical disease, like blood pressure, diabetes and other biological diseases. In this disease, the person becomes unable to enjoy the things he/she used to enjoy; There is depression, unhappiness and reluctance, which we call depressive mood. At the same time, the person feels tired and weak; Sleep disorders, decreased or increased appetite, attention and memory problems, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism and thoughts of worthlessness are observed. However, the unhappiness or sadness felt from time to time should not be confused with depression. Therefore, it is important to make a correct diagnosis.
There are different types of depression. Among these, we can list Major depression, Dysthymia, postpartum depression, atypical depression and psychotic depression. The prevalence of major depression in society is around 3-5%. Depression is twice as common in women as in men.
Depression is a biological disease and requires treatment because it reduces the quality of life and reduces functionality. In people who do not seek treatment, the disease can last 6-24 months. However, with treatment, this period can be reduced to a few weeks or months. With today's treatment conditions, 80-90% success is achieved. Additionally, the risk of recurrence of depression decreases in people who receive treatment.
In the treatment of depression, it is mainly recommended that medication and psychotherapy be planned together. However, increasing social support and planning activities contribute to the recovery of depression. In mild depression, psychotherapy alone may be sufficient, but in moderate and severe depression, drug treatment must be started. Treatment planning can be arranged according to the person's preferences and conditions. For example, people who do not have suitable conditions for psychotherapy or who do not accept it can continue with only drug treatment, or people who refuse the use of drugs can continue with psychotherapy only. However, it should not be forgotten that medication, psychotherapy and social support increase the success of treatment. The possibility of recurrence of depression can be reduced by developing coping mechanisms with psychotherapy.
He/she is aware that the current situation is depression. In cases where treatment is not provided - which is called masked depression - or treatment is refused, the disease may become severe and resistance to treatment may develop.
Suicidal thoughts and suicide plans can be seen in depression. The suicide rate is reported to be 15%. People who have serious suicidal thoughts, make suicide plans, and have a history of suicide attempts in themselves or in their family should definitely seek treatment or be guided by their relatives. Generally, depression can be treated on an outpatient basis, but severe depression with intense suicidal thoughts requires hospitalization.
When people who apply to our hospital are diagnosed with depression as a result of examination, biochemistry and psychometric tests can be performed when necessary to understand the causes of depression. We use both medication and psychotherapies in treatment planning. If necessary, inpatient treatment can be planned in our inpatient service. During the hospitalization, we carry out daily remedial activities and psychotherapy meetings along with close observation and follow-up.
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