Depression is more than just being sad – Psychiatrist

Oct 19, 2019 News

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Many psychiatrists can testify that mental illnesses do not have a face. Many people suffer from mental illnesses without actually knowing.

One common mental illness that the majority of the population suffer from is depression.
Dr. Stephon Henry, Psychiatrist attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), defined depression as a common mood disorder where an individual suffers from symptoms, including persistent sadness or low mood, and loss of pleasure in doing things that they would normally have fun doing.
He highlighted that such episode of intensive dejection lasts for at least two weeks. He noted that depression may also be referred as a major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
“Additional important things can occur such as poor or excessive sleeping, loss of appetite or excessive appetite, feeling guilty or worthless, feeling tired all the time, poor concentration, feeling restless, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts or acts.”
Dr. Henry noted that there are often physical symptoms associated with depression including chronic pain and digestive issues. He stressed that depression can also cause difficulty in breathing and palpitation of the heart.
He added, “You will have a hard time in your daily functioning. Your family relationships, your social life, school; all these will or can be affected.”
Dr. Henry explained that depression can affect any individual of all ages, race and socioeconomic class at any given time. He stated that most people with depression can have a completely normal appearance.
“Big changes in life such as death of a loved one, a change of home, starting a new job [among others] can be important factors that can lead to the manifestation of symptoms of depression.
“Studies show it is more frequent in women than men,” the psychiatrist explained.
TREATMENT
In an interview with Kaieteur News, the psychiatrist cautioned that if major depression is not treated early and effectively, then it can set off a chain of social, emotional and health consequences that add to patients’ overall stress.
As a consequence, he explained that untreated depression can lead to other situations such as alcohol or drug abuse, anxiety, social isolation and relationship conflicts, work or school difficulties, or suicide.
Dr. Henry said that several goals must be considered when treating mood disorders which include major depressive disorders.
He stated, “The patients’ safety must be guaranteed. A complete diagnostic evaluation of the patient must be realised. Creating a treatment plan to cover the immediate or acute stage as well as the patients’ wellbeing for the future is also necessary.”
Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy or a combination of both can be used to treat mood disorders associated with depression.
He explained that psychotherapy, which is done by the psychologist includes different techniques such as cognitive therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and behaviour therapy as well as psychoanalytically oriented therapy.
These are utilised in the treatment of depression.
He additionally explained, “Pharmacotherapy or treatment with various types of antidepressants is also used.
Examples of this would be the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, which are used very frequently in Guyana.
Other drugs frequently used include amitriptyline, imipramine. Recently, drugs such as sertraline became available in the Georgetown Public Hospital and are now being used.”
He said that a mixture of both strategies are used to better effect in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. The mixture addresses both the reduction of symptoms and the psychosocial needs of the patient.
Dr. Henry added that other forms of treatment include electroconvulsive therapy, phototherapy, vagal nerve stimulation and sleep deprivation but currently these are not practised in Guyana.
“Treatment is very effective and patients generally have a good response to treatment but it must be important to note that this would depend on patients’ compliance to whatever strategy they are being treated with as well as their support structure.”
Dr. Henry said that it is a normal part of life to experience sadness and feel depressed or stressed at times.
“But when it comes to overwhelming and persistent sadness and other symptoms begin appearing; then seek help. Especially if there are suicidal thoughts present, go to your nearest health practitioner and seek advice or even treatment.”
He added that general medical officers at health centres and outlying hospitals are being trained by the Mental Health Unit to recognise any mental illness, including depression.
The psychiatrist who is also a resident to the Ministry of Health said that he thinks more awareness is encouraged as it will better combat depressive disorders.
He stated, “There are a few NGOs now that are focusing on mental health and also suicide. However, if more emphasis is given to mood disorders such as depression then this can also lead to a reduction in the rate of suicide as well.”
Dr. Henry added that as a result of people not being aware that it can be treated, many people are not being treated or are not seeking treatment. He highlighted that just as people seek medical attention of the common flu, they can also seek medical help for depression, in other words, depression is just as real as the common flu.

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