24 Oct Exploring the Connection Between Depression and Physical Health
Depression is a complex medical condition that affects millions of people every year, and its impact extends beyond emotional distress to physical health. Understanding this condition is the first step toward finding effective management strategies. Here is more information on depression, its causes, symptoms, and how a neurosurgeon can assist in treatment:
What Is Depression?
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a loss of interest in activities. It is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.
Unlike the mood fluctuations that are a regular part of life, depression is persistent and can last for weeks, months, or even years. The condition requires a medical diagnosis and can be managed with professional care. Different types of depressive disorders exist, so a proper diagnosis is beneficial for effective treatment.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of depression is not fully understood, but several factors influence its development. These factors range from biological differences to brain chemistry imbalances, and they often interact with each other. Brain chemistry is a significant area of focus, as neurotransmitters play a role in mood regulation. Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or with thyroid problems, may also trigger depression.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms vary from mild to severe and include a range of emotional and physical issues. Common symptoms are feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, and changes in appetite. People experiencing depression may also have trouble sleeping or sleep too much.
Other indicators can be a loss of energy, an increase in purposeless physical activity, or slowed movements and speech. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt are also frequent, as are difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions. In some cases, thoughts of death or suicide may occur, so professional help is needed.
How Is Physical Health Affected?
Depression not only affects mental well-being; it also has a substantial impact on physical health. Fatigue and lack of energy associated with depression can make it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This has the potential to result in poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity, which may contribute to other health problems like heart disease or diabetes. Managing depression is beneficial for both mental and physical health.
How Can a Neurosurgeon Help?
When conventional treatments such as medication and therapy are ineffective, a neurosurgeon can offer advanced options. One such treatment is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This stimulation may improve symptoms of depression.
TMS targets specific regions of the brain that are involved in mood regulation, and the procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting. It is noninvasive and requires no anesthetics, offering an alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. A neurosurgeon will evaluate a patient’s case to determine if TMS is an appropriate option.
Find Relief Today
Depression is a treatable medical condition, and numerous pathways to relief are available. From understanding its symptoms and causes to exploring advanced treatments, there are steps you can take to manage the condition. If you have been struggling with depression and have not found success with standard treatments, consult a specialist. A neurosurgeon will provide a thorough evaluation and discuss advanced therapeutic options.
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