Chronic Depression

Depression is a strong feeling of sadness. Many people experience depression in response to a loss or sad event. In these cases, an episode of depression usually lasts for six to nine months. However, when depression lasts longer, and the depressive symptoms go away for a short time only to return again, it is termed chronic depression. While everyone experiences sadness at one time or another, these feelings are generally temporary. Chronic depression is long-lasting, interferes with daily activities, and causes a loss of interest in things that were normally pleasurable to the patient.

The symptoms of chronic depression may come and go, with periods of depression alternating with periods of no symptoms at all. Chronic depression usually begins gradually, with vague feelings of sadness that gradually build in intensity. The individual may begin to have difficulty sleeping, or want to sleep more than usual. He or she may experience changes in eating habits, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, low energy levels, restlessness, loss of interest in normal activities, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt for no reason, difficulty maintaining relationships, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, the individual may have thoughts of death, or may attempt suicide. People with chronic depression have at least two of these symptoms for a period of two years or more. People with chronic depression are generally gloomy and extremely critical of themselves and others. They are usually seen as extremely negative people, who seem to expect failure and take no pleasure in anything.

Chronic depression is commonly treated with a combination of drug and psychotherapy. Drugs are used to treat the symptoms of sadness and to correct any chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to depression. Therapy helps to resolve any personal issues that may have caused the depression. There are many different types of antidepressants and it is helpful to have a basic understanding of each type. One group of antidepressants is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Drugs classified as SSRIs include fluoxetine and sertraline. These drugs are very effective in treating chronic depression because they increase serotonin levels, which contributes to a feeling of well-being. Any side effects, such as headache, anxiety, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty concentrating, nausea, reduced sex drive, and difficulty sleeping, are generally milder than with other types of antidepressants.