DepressionA Pecha Kucha presentation by:

Madeleine Bosnyak, Laura Duncan, Leah Rodvang, Angelina Smith & Sean Surkan

What is Depression?Mental Disorder:

Low moodLow self-confidence Loss of interest or pleasure

Affects the entire mind and body

DepressionOne of the most common mental disorders

Very treatable Can have fatal consequences

1 in 4 Canadians will suffer from a depression serious enough to require professional treatment over their lifetime

Signs and Symptoms Inability to enjoy an activity that was previously enjoyed Person can feel worthless, helpless, hopeless, guilty, regret and self-

hatred Sometimes psychosis

delusions or hallucinations Poor concentration and memory Less involvement in social activities Reduced sex drive Insomnia (80%) or Hypersomnia (15%) Thoughts of death or suicide Physical Symptoms can include:

Fatigue Headaches Digestive problems Decreased appetite (weight loss) or Increased appetite (weight gain)

Signs and Symptoms In children:

Sadness, hopelessness, irritability Clingy, demanding, dependent, or insecure Lost interest in activities previously enjoyed Changed sleeping and eating habits Trouble paying attention and thinking Decline in academic performance Can coexist with ADHD Talk of death Onset could be due to grieving the loss of someone close to them or can even

occur when the child has experienced no loss

In the elderly Forgetfulness Slowing of movements Often coexist with physical disorders such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases,

Parkinson’s disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Causes

Several factors may contribute:Biological factorsPsychological factorsSocial factors

There is no clear cause of depression

HOWEVER

CausesDepression is more likely to occur in cases of:Substance abuseLong term illnessSleeping problemsStressful events

Treatment and Management of Depressive Disorders

Nearly 2/3 of cases are not properly treated because of:

• The symptoms are not recognized as depression. • Depressed people are seen as weak or lazy. • Social stigma causes people to avoid needed treatment. • The symptoms are so disabling that the people affected cannot reach out for help.  • Many symptoms are misdiagnosed as physical problems • Individual symptoms are treated, rather than the underlying cause.

http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/

Treatment of Depression Counselling and behavioural therapy

Requires a competent, well-trained therapist. Focuses on conscious modification of thought processes that lead to

depressive episodes Can be highly effective No damaging side effects

Medication Various modes of modification to involved biochemical processes. Often highly effective Drug side-effects can be problematic

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Very seldom used, save for entirely unresponsive cases Poorly understood mode of action, but often effective. Causes physical

changes in brain tissue In rodent studies, triggers physical changes (typically death) in brain

neuronshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroconvulsive_therapy

Depression and University Students

• 25% of students seeking medical attention are suffering from depression

• Students diagnosed with depression are 2 times as likely to drop out of University

• In Canada, suicide accounts for 24% of deaths among 15-24 year olds

On-campus Support• the Peer Support Center;

2-707 SUB 780-492-HELP

Community Services• Overcoming Depression: (780) 420-6081

• Canadian Mental Health Association 10045 - 111 Street Edmonton, AB Canada

780-414-6300

Where to Find Support

http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/fact_sheets.asp?cID=3965http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/mental/depression.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/mi-mm/depression-eng.phphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder

References