How are depression and headaches connected. What types of headaches are associated with depression. Can depression cause headaches, or vice versa. What are the symptoms of depression-related headaches. How can you manage and prevent depression headaches.

The Complex Relationship Between Depression and Headaches

Depression and headaches often go hand in hand, creating a challenging situation for those affected. While researchers haven’t established a direct causal link, the connection between these two conditions is undeniable. A 2016 study involving 2,762 participants revealed that individuals with anxiety and depression experienced more frequent headaches compared to those without these mental health conditions.

The relationship between headaches and depression is multifaceted, with various factors at play. Understanding this connection can help individuals better manage their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

Types of Headaches Associated with Depression

Two main types of headaches are commonly associated with depression:

• Migraine: These headaches can significantly impact daily functioning
• Tension headaches: Often linked to muscle stiffness and tension, which are common in anxiety

Migraine is classified as a primary headache, while headaches caused by other factors, such as sinus infections, are considered secondary. Research has shown a strong correlation between migraine and depression, prompting experts to recommend depression screening for patients seeking migraine treatment.

The Role of Stress and Anxiety in Depression Headaches

Stress and anxiety play a significant role in the relationship between headaches and depression. A 2013 study found that individuals experiencing psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, reported more noticeable physical symptoms, including headaches. This finding was further supported by a 2014 study, which demonstrated that the combination of anxiety and depression was associated with more frequent headaches.

Understanding the impact of stress and anxiety on both depression and headaches can help individuals develop more effective coping strategies and treatment plans.

Genetic Factors in Depression and Migraine

Genetic predisposition may also play a role in the connection between depression and migraine. A 2017 study conducted among twins explored potential genetic factors behind these conditions. The results indicated that certain genetic factors seem to predispose some individuals to both depression and migraine.

This research supports anecdotal evidence suggesting a genetic component in the development of these conditions. If you have a family history of depression or migraine, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing these conditions yourself.

Depression and Tension Headaches: A Weaker but Significant Link

While the connection between depression and tension headaches is not as strong as the link between depression and migraine, it remains significant. A cross-sectional survey of 6,624 participants from the EU found that depression increases the risk of developing frequent tension headaches.

Additionally, a 2016 Austrian study revealed that individuals with depression are at a higher risk of developing chronic headaches compared to episodic headaches. This information highlights the importance of addressing both depression and headache symptoms in treatment plans.

The Chicken or the Egg: Can Depression Cause Headaches and Vice Versa?

Many individuals experiencing both depression and headaches wonder about the cause-and-effect relationship between these conditions. While there is no universal answer, research suggests that the relationship can work both ways.

Depression, especially when combined with anxiety, can increase the likelihood of headaches. Conversely, the pain and disruption caused by severe headaches can interfere with daily life, potentially leading to depression.

Causes of Tension Headaches

Tension headaches may be caused by various factors, including:

• Diet
• Sleep problems
• Medications
• Pain

Identifying Depression-Related Headaches: Symptoms and Characteristics

Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of depression-related headaches can help individuals recognize when to seek professional help. Here are the typical features of tension headaches associated with depression:

• Non-pulsating pain
• Mild to moderate intensity
• Dull and pressing sensation
• Usually affects both sides of the head

Migraine headaches, which can also be related to depression, tend to be more severe and may include the following symptoms:

• Pain lasting 4 to 72 hours
• Stabbing or pulsating pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Aura (visual disturbances preceding the headache)

Managing Depression Headaches: Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Options

Both depressive symptoms and headaches can be influenced by lifestyle factors and behaviors. Implementing positive changes in your daily routine can improve both your physical and mental health, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. Consider incorporating the following practices:

1. Ensure adequate sleep (at least 7 hours per night)
2. Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins and fats
3. Eat regular meals and snacks
4. Engage in regular exercise
5. Develop healthy stress management and coping skills

These lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on both your mental well-being and headache prevention.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s crucial to recognize when professional help is necessary for managing depression headaches. Consider seeking medical advice if:

• Headache or depressive symptoms interfere with your daily functioning
• Symptoms are worsening over time
• You find yourself relying heavily on over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage symptoms

If you’re taking OTC medications more frequently than not, it may be time to consult a doctor to explore alternative treatment options.

Treatment Approaches for Depression Headaches

Effectively managing depression headaches often requires a multifaceted approach. Treatment options may include:

Medications

Various medications can be prescribed to address both depression and headache symptoms. These may include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Pain relievers
• Migraine-specific medications

It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right combination of medications that effectively manage both conditions while minimizing side effects.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can be beneficial in managing both depression and headaches. These therapies can help individuals:

• Identify and change negative thought patterns
• Develop coping strategies for stress and pain
• Improve overall emotional well-being

Stress Management Techniques

Learning effective stress management techniques can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of depression headaches. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga
• Regular exercise

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals find relief from depression headaches through alternative therapies, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Biofeedback
• Herbal supplements (under the guidance of a healthcare provider)

While these therapies may not work for everyone, they can be valuable additions to a comprehensive treatment plan for some individuals.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Depression Headaches

Managing depression headaches effectively requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of these conditions. By combining medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and mental health support, individuals can develop a comprehensive strategy for managing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.

Building a Support Network

Dealing with depression headaches can be challenging, and having a strong support network is crucial. Consider the following steps to build and maintain a supportive environment:

• Open up to trusted friends and family members about your experiences
• Join support groups for individuals dealing with depression or chronic headaches
• Seek guidance from mental health professionals
• Engage in community activities that promote social connections and well-being

Tracking Symptoms and Triggers

Keeping a detailed record of your headaches and depressive symptoms can provide valuable insights into potential triggers and patterns. Consider using a journal or smartphone app to track:

• Headache frequency, duration, and intensity
• Mood fluctuations
• Sleep patterns
• Diet and hydration
• Stress levels and potential stressors
• Medication usage and effectiveness

This information can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan and identify areas for improvement in your daily routine.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Depression Headache Treatment

As our understanding of the relationship between depression and headaches continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new treatment approaches and interventions. Some promising areas of study include:

Neuroimaging Studies

Advanced brain imaging techniques are helping researchers better understand the neural mechanisms underlying both depression and chronic headaches. These studies may lead to more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

Personalized Medicine

The field of personalized medicine is making strides in tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and specific symptoms. This approach may lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans for those dealing with depression headaches.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Researchers are exploring innovative therapies for managing depression headaches, including:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Neurofeedback
• Virtual reality-based interventions
• Novel pharmacological agents targeting both mood and pain pathways

These emerging treatments may offer new hope for individuals who have not found relief through traditional approaches.

Integrative Medicine

The integration of conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies is gaining attention in the field of depression headache management. This holistic approach aims to address the complex interplay between physical, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to these conditions.

As research in these areas progresses, individuals dealing with depression headaches can look forward to potentially more effective and personalized treatment options in the future. In the meantime, working closely with healthcare providers and maintaining a proactive approach to self-care can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Depression Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Depression and headaches have a complex relationship, but treatments are available to help you manage, and even prevent, your symptoms.

Depression can come with a long list of symptoms, from overwhelming sadness to fatigue and lack of energy. Another issue that can arise along with depression is headaches.

Headaches often accompany bouts of depression and anxiety. Though researchers have not found a direct, causal link, the two can go together.

A 2016 study with 2,762 participants found that headache frequency was higher among those who had anxiety and depression when compared to those without either condition.

That leads to the question — can depression give you headaches? The connections between headache disorders and mental health, including depression, are strong as they can impact one another.

Certain types of headaches seem to be more likely to show up with depressive symptoms.

Understanding how the two are associated may shed light on how you can better treat and deal with your symptoms.

There is more than one type of headache associated with depression, so it’s difficult to clearly define the headache-depression relationship.

The two most common types that co-occur with depression are:

• migraine: can cause difficulties for you in day-to-day functioning
• tension headache: linked to stiff and tense muscles, which are common with anxiety

Migraine, for example, is a primary headache, whereas a headache that’s caused by a sinus infection is secondary.

The results of a small 2018 study found that migraine and depression often occur together.

The connection was strong enough that researchers recommended doctors screen for depression when treating migraine.

The relationship between headaches and depression, in particular migraine, may also be connected to stress and anxiety.

An older 2013 study found that people with psychological distress, like depression and anxiety, had more noticeable physical symptoms, including headaches.

That evidence was further supported in a 2014 study, which found that the combination of anxiety and depression was associated with more frequent headaches.

A 2017 study conducted among twins explored the potential for genetic factors behind depression and migraine.

The results indicated that certain genetic factors did seem to predispose some people to both depression and migraine. This study supports anecdotal evidence that, at least in part, there’s a genetic component at work.

Consequently, if someone in your family also has had depression or migraine, there’s a chance that you, too, could experience these conditions.

Depression also increases the risk of developing frequent tension headaches.

But the connection between depression and tension headaches are weaker than between depression and migraine, according to a cross-sectional survey of 6,624 participants from the EU.

You may also be at more risk for chronic headaches (versus episodic) if you have depression, according to a 2016 Austrian study.

Can depression cause headaches, and can headaches cause depression? That’s what many people with both conditions want to know. There’s no universal answer, but in general, yes and yes.

As several of the previously mentioned studies found, depression, especially when both depression and anxiety are present, can increase the likelihood of headaches.

There isn’t a definitive cause for migraine, but tension headaches may be caused by the following:

• diet
• sleep problems
• medications
• pain

The pain can be debilitating to the point that it interferes with everyday life, which can lead to depression.

A tension headache related to depression is typically:

• non-pulsating
• mild to moderate on an intensity scale
• dull and pressing
• usually on both sides of the head

Migraine headaches are more severe and can have symptoms that include:

• pain lasting 4 to 72 hours
• stabbing or pulsating pain
• light sensitivity
• sound sensitivity
• difficulty thinking or concentrating
• blurred vision
• an aura

Both depressive and headache symptoms respond to how you interact with your environment and your behaviors.

Behaviors that improve your physical health can also boost your mental health and reduce the chances of headaches. These behaviors include:

• adequate sleep (at least 7 hours)
• a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins and fats
• regular meals and snack
• regular exercise
• healthy stress management and coping skills

It’s time to seek professional help when either the headache or the depressive symptoms interfere with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

Consider whether or not the symptoms are worsening and how much OTC medication you’re taking to manage your symptoms.

If you’re taking OTC medications more often than not, you may need to consult a doctor to find alternative options.

Depression can lead to headache disorders, and those with chronic headaches may develop depressive symptoms. If symptoms of headaches or depression are interfering with your everyday life, talk with your doctor.

There could be a mix of treatment options that could help, from medication and therapy to a change in diet or increased exercise.

Rest assured that there are many treatments available. It’s a matter of finding the combination that works for you.

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available

You can access free support right away with these resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.Call the Lifeline at 988 for English or Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• The Crisis Text Line.Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
• The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat online 24/7.
• Veterans Crisis Line.Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online 24/7.
• Deaf Crisis Line.Call 321-800-3323, text “HAND” to 839863, or visit their website.
• Befrienders Worldwide.This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.

Was this helpful?

Depression headaches: Causes and treatment

Headache disorders and depression are very common among the population, and research shows they are closely related.

People who have a headache disorder have a higher risk of having depression. Also, they may experience symptoms of migraine due to underlying depression.

A chronic headache disorder can disrupt daily life and cause stress, anxiety, and result in depression.

Treating one condition may also help improve the other. Keep reading to learn more.

Share on PinterestA person with depression may experience headaches as a symptom.

Depression is a complex condition. The most likely cause is a combination of different factors, including genes, biology, and a person’s environment.

Doctors class headache disorders as primary or secondary. Primary headache disorders are more common.

Primary headache disorders include migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache.

Secondary headache disorders may result from a head injury, high blood pressure, or an infection.

Learn more about the types of headaches here.

Headache disorders and mental health

Headache disorders are common among the population but especially common in people who have depression, anxiety, or both.

Many people who experience migraine are also more likely to have depression or anxiety. Chronic pain and stress that migraine causes can lead to mental health problems.

There are specific imbalances with chemicals called serotonin and dopamine that may underlie depression and migraine. However, researchers still need to explore the specific connection between the two.

Headache and sleep

Depression can make it difficult to sleep well. Sleep deprivation can trigger a headache and may lower a person’s threshold for pain. A lack of sleep may cause more frequent or more painful headaches.

Both migraine and tension headaches can affect sleep. Research from 2017 suggests that up to 50% of people who have migraine or tension headaches also have insomnia.

Feeling very tired can cause a low mood and may worsen symptoms of depression.

Dehydration

Depression can reduce energy, motivation, and appetite. It can be harder to eat well or drink enough fluids. When someone is dehydrated, it means they have not got enough fluids in their body.

Dehydration can be a trigger for headaches. It is important to drink enough water daily to prevent headaches occurring.

Stress

Depression and stress can significantly disrupt a person’s life.

Symptoms of depression can include difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, loss of interest in hobbies, and difficulty working or socializing.

These symptoms can lead to stress, worry, and anxiety that, in turn, can cause more frequent headaches.

Medication

A common cause of chronic migraine is medication overuse headache.

Taking pain medication regularly for migraine or tension headaches can lead to headaches that last for days at a time.

People may wish to try to avoid using “as needed” pain medications more than 2 days a week. If someone is using these medications more frequently than this, they may want to talk to their doctor about a preventive alternative.

Migraine

Migraine can also lead to depression. It is a chronic illness that can cause ongoing pain and disruption to daily life.

Migraine can make it challenging to plan, and a person may worry about missing an important event or being unable to work.

Migraine can also cause tiredness and appetite loss.

All these elements of migraine can be risk factors for depression.

Symptoms of depression vary from person to person. Feeling gloomy can occur with many of us, but a diagnosis of depression must meet specific criteria.

Symptoms of depression last for weeks or months and get in the way of everyday activities, such as work or hobbies.

Depression can have mental, physical, and social symptoms. For some people, a headache can signal the start of a depressive episode.

There are many different types of headache. Some examples include:

• Tension headache that causes a dull pain, with a tight neck or scalp. Stress is a common cause.
• Migraine is a medical condition that causes a throbbing headache. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sound sensitivity, and light sensitivity.
• Cluster headache causes severe pain on one side of the head, lasting up to 3 hours. Attacks happen repeatedly over weeks and cycle at specific times of the year. Cluster headache is also called “suicide headache” due to thoughts of suicide that can arise during an attack cycle.

The location of pain, how long a headache lasts, and any other symptoms can help with a diagnosis. Different types of headaches may need different treatments.

Understanding headache triggers can help to prevent them. A person can keep notes about the following:

• every headache
• when it happens
• what it feels like
• how long it lasts
• any patterns that repeat

Maybe a headache happens during a depressive episode when a person has not slept well. Similarly, there may be a strong link to stress at work.

Any observations may help someone identify specific triggers and support a doctor in recommending treatment.

It can also be beneficial to keep a regular schedule for going to bed and getting up in the morning. Drinking plenty of fluids during the day also helps to keep a person feeling well.

Limiting stress may not always be possible, but some things can help manage stress, including:

• exercising
• getting outside for some fresh air
• using relaxation methods, such as breathing exercises or yoga
• talking to friends or family
• accepting what a person cannot change

A person should see a doctor if they have symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or if thoughts arise of self-harming or harming someone else.

There are links between depression, anxiety, and headache disorders. Seeking help for these conditions together can be more effective than trying to treat each separately.

Knowing a person’s full medical history can help a doctor offer the right support.

Headache can be a symptom of depression or a separate condition. Migraine can cause stress and disruption and make depression worse. Seeking help and support for headaches and depression can help a person find the right treatment for both.

Knowing individual triggers for headaches can help to prevent them. Some lifestyle changes can be useful alongside medical treatments, such as preventive medications and biofeedback therapy.

Not only in the head: 7 physical symptoms of depression

Personality

Research proves that mental illness causes visible harm to the body

Ksenia Parfenova

September 8, 2020 16:05

Depression should be treated by a doctor

Photo: unsplash . com

Depression causes pain – and not just emotional such as sadness, tears and hopelessness, but also physical. Studies published in foreign medical journals show that depression can also manifest itself as physical pain.

Cultural Differences

While we don’t often think of depression as a physical pain, it is true in some cultures, especially those where it’s “taboo” to talk openly about mental health. For example, in Chinese and Korean cultures, depression is considered a myth. Therefore, patients, unaware that physical pain may be a sign of a psychological disorder, go to doctors to treat their physical symptoms rather than describe depression. But keeping these physical symptoms in mind is just as important as the emotional effects.

Signals of depression are neglected in Asia

Photo: unsplash.com

Reasons to pay attention to signals

First, it is a great way to control your body and mind. Physical symptoms can signal the approach of a depressive period or indicate whether you have depression. On the other hand, the physical symptoms demonstrate that depression is actually very real and can be detrimental to our overall well-being. Here are the seven most common physical symptoms of depression:

1. Fatigue or persistent low energy levels

Fatigue is a common symptom of depression. Sometimes we all experience low energy levels and may feel lethargic in the morning, hoping to stay in bed and watch TV instead of going to work. While we often think that exhaustion is the result of stress, depression can also cause fatigue. However, unlike everyday fatigue, the fatigue associated with depression can also cause problems with concentration, feelings of irritability and lethargy. Dr. Maurizio Fava, clinical research program director at Massachusetts Boston General Hospital, in Healthline notes that depressed people often experience non-restorative sleep, which means they feel lethargic even after a good night’s rest. However, since many physical illnesses, such as infections and viruses, can also cause fatigue, it can be difficult to determine whether exhaustion is related to depression. One way to argue is that although everyday fatigue is a sign of this mental illness, other symptoms such as sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and anhedonia (lack of pleasure in daily activities) can also be present with depression.

2. Decreased pain tolerance (Or, conversely, everything hurts more than usual)

Do you ever feel like your nerves are on fire, but you can’t find any physical reason for your pain? As it turns out, depression and pain often coexist. One 2015 study showed a correlation between depressed people and reduced pain tolerance, while another 2010 study found that pain had a stronger effect on people who were depressed. These two symptoms do not have a clear causal relationship, but it is important to evaluate them together, especially if a doctor recommends medication. Some research suggests that the use of antidepressants can not only help relieve depression, but also act as a pain reliever to relieve pain.

3. Back pain or muscle aches

You may feel fine in the morning, but when you are at work or sitting at a university desk, your back starts to hurt. It could be stress or depression. Although they are often associated with poor posture or injury, they can also be a symptom of psychological stress. A 2017 study of 1,013 Canadian university students found a direct link between depression and back pain.

Psychologists and psychiatrists have long believed that emotional problems can cause chronic pain, but their features are still being studied, such as the relationship between depression and the body’s inflammatory response. Recent research suggests that inflammation in the body may have something to do with neural networks in our brains. Inflammation is believed to be able to interrupt brain signals and therefore may have implications for depression and how we treat it.

Headache may indicate psychological problems

Photo: unsplash.com

4. Headaches

Almost everyone experiences headaches from time to time. They are so common that we often write them off as nothing serious. Stressful situations at work, such as a conflict with a colleague, can also trigger these headaches. However, your headache may not always be caused by stress, especially if you have put up with a colleague in the past. If you notice that you’re getting daily headaches, it could be a sign of depression. Unlike excruciating migraine headaches, depression-related headaches do not necessarily impair a person’s performance. This type of headache, described by the National Headache Foundation as a “tension headache”, may feel like a slight throbbing sensation, especially around the eyebrows. Although these headaches are relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers, they usually recur regularly. Sometimes chronic tension headaches can be a symptom of major depressive disorder.

However, headaches are not the only indication that your pain may be psychological. People with depression often experience additional symptoms such as sadness, feeling irritable, and decreased energy.

5. Eye problems or visual impairment

Do you think the world looks blurry? While depression can make the world gray and gloomy, one 2010 study in Germany suggests that this mental health issue may actually affect vision. In this 80-person study, people with depression had difficulty distinguishing between black and white images. This phenomenon, known to researchers as “contrast perception,” may explain why depression can make the world hazy.

6. Abdominal pain or discomfort

This feeling of abdominal pain is one of the most recognizable signs of depression. However, when stomach cramps begin, it’s easy to chalk it up to gas or menstrual pain. Increasing pain, especially when stressed, can be a sign of depression. In fact, Harvard Medical School researchers suggest that stomach discomfort such as cramps, bloating, and nausea may be a sign of poor mental health. According to Harvard researchers, depression can cause (or be the result of) inflammation of the digestive system, with pain easily mistaken for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors and scientists sometimes refer to the gut as the “second brain” because they have found a link between gut health and mental well-being. Our stomach is full of good bacteria, and if there is an imbalance of good bacteria, symptoms of anxiety and depression can occur. A balanced diet and taking probiotics can improve gut health, which can also improve mood, but further research is needed.

7. Digestive problems or irregular bowel movements

Digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea can cause embarrassment and discomfort. It is easy to assume that intestinal discomfort is due to a physical illness, often caused by food poisoning or gastrointestinal viruses. But emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and depression can disrupt our digestive tract. One 2011 study suggests a link between anxiety, depression and gastrointestinal pain.

Pain is another way your brain communicates

If you feel uncomfortable recognizing and talking about unpleasant emotions such as sadness, anger and shame, this can cause the feelings to manifest differently in the body. If you experience any of these physical symptoms for an extended period of time, make an appointment with your primary care physician or nurse. According to the American Psychological Association, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 14.8 million American adults every year.

Depression can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, childhood stress or trauma, and brain chemistry. People with depression often require professional help, such as psychotherapy and medication, to fully recover. So at the appointment, if you suspect that these physical symptoms may be more than superficial, ask to be tested for depression and anxiety. This way, your doctor will be able to provide you with the help you need.

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How to understand what lies under the feeling of weakness and impotence at the end of the year – accumulated fatigue or disguised depression [main symptoms, check yourself] common diseases. Photo: Vladimir VELENGURIN

ALL THE TIME HEAD HURT, GASTRITIS NEVER GOES OUT

Summing up the results of the year, you may notice that some health problems still cannot be solved, despite constant attempts and even painstaking treatment. These can be digestive disorders, headaches, frequent strong heartbeats and other unpleasant symptoms. Plus, weakness, fatigue, constant drowsiness, mood at zero pile on. On the one hand, such a breakdown can be the result of the accumulation of annual stress-overload-experiences. On the other hand, all of the listed health problems can have a deeper and more complex cause. Now more and more often there is a disguised depression, which “confuses the cards” for specialized doctors – neurologists, cardiologists and others, “encrypting” under other common diseases, psychiatrists warn.

– One in ten people worldwide suffer from major depression, and nearly one in five suffer from some degree of depression at least once in their lives. Moreover, depression, although it is a mental disorder, is often accompanied by bodily (somatic) symptoms, and because of this it is often confused with other diseases, they are treated for a long time, but to no avail – the disorder only worsens, and the person’s condition does not improve, – tells psychiatrist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology of the Omsk State Medical University Grigory Usov.

As part of the scientific and medical educational project Abbott Health Talk, experts told what masks covert depression is most often hiding today, what symptoms can be used to identify it, and what are the main trends in the prevention and treatment of depressive conditions today.

BAD MOOD FOR LONGER TWO WEEKS

– The most important manifestation of depression is a bad mood, and first of all – a decrease or loss of the ability to enjoy life, – explains Grigory Usov. – What used to bring joy was pleasant, what a person aspired to ceases to motivate and attract. Instead, there is a feeling of gloom, hopelessness, a feeling of “blackness in the soul.”

Everyone can experience this from time to time, but in case of depression, such a state lasts continuously for one and a half to two or more weeks , this is one of the main symptoms, experts emphasize. In addition to him, depression can be signaled by:

– problems with sleep: it is difficult to fall asleep, do not want to get up in the morning, sleep is intermittent;

– appetite disorders – most often its decrease or loss, but loss of satiety is also possible, which leads to overeating;

– decreased performance – both physical and mental;

– weakness, fatigue;

– frequent feeling of anxiety, restlessness, panic.

THE BRAIN IS LOOKING FOR NEW SOURCES OF PLEASURE

– Getting pleasure is a very important part of our life. And the body, being smart and flexible, when it loses its former sources of pleasure during depression, tries to replace them with new, more easily accessible ones, – says psychiatrist-psychotherapist, Ph.D. Medical University. Sechenova Victoria Chitlova. – As a rule, sweets and alcohol play this role.

In fact, these are the very first antidepressants that people grab onto. Glucose and alcohol are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a short-term “antidepressive” surge in the brain – the hormones dopamine and serotonin are released, which causes anxiety to decrease in a person, a slight hint of euphoria appears. But the catch is that these are symptomatic remedies with a very short duration of action and severe side effects. In the case of the abuse of sweets, bursts of pleasure turn into an increase in body fat and new experiences because of this. And after taking alcohol, sobering occurs with increased feelings of anxiety and an even greater decline in mood.

The body is accustomed to “taking the easy way” and the first thing depression does is grab onto primitive sources of pleasure – sweets or alcohol. disease, because it is accompanied by bodily symptoms. Moreover, the lighter the depression, the more pronounced these masks will be, notes Grigory Usov. – Psychiatrists in such cases use the term “masked depression”: when a person’s mood decline is not pronounced, not fully realized, and sensations of bodily ill-being come to the fore.

The most common masks of depression can be divided into “levels” of the body, the expert explains:

1) head: headaches, a feeling of memory loss – although in fact memory does not suffer from depression! – rather the productivity of thinking suffers;

2) cardiology: pain in the region of the heart, rapid pulse – almost always with depression. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, and the pulse becomes frequent;

3) digestive disorders, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome;

4) urogenital area: men have problems with potency, women have loss of sexual desire;

5) various (wandering) pains all over the body.

WHO IS IN THE RISK GROUP

– It is now known that there are two categories of depression, says Victoria Chitlova. The first is related to stress. These conditions are transient, lighter and can go away on their own. In such cases, there are external causes that provoke depression, and at the same time, a predisposition – for example, a person’s character traits.

The second category is the so-called endogenous depressions. They occur without any external causes, due to biochemical processes in the body. In the development and launch of such depression, hereditary abnormalities and genetic factors more often play a role.

In general, today it is believed that the risk of developing depression is increased if:

– a person has tense working conditions associated with constant psycho-traumatic, stressful situations;

– close relatives suffered from depression;

– over 30 years of age – depression is more common in older people than in young people;

– childbirth – in women, processes associated with childbearing play a significant role in the development of depression.

Some of the most common symptoms of depression are fatigue, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and insomnia. Photo: Marina VOLOSEVICH 0002 Burnout at work is essentially protracted chronic depression, which happens in a mild form, experts say. Usually mild depressions end on their own once the stressor has come and gone. And if the stressor is chronic, then mild depression can drag on for a couple of years – in fact, this is a depressive neurosis. In these cases, the same masks just come to the fore in a person. He does not sleep well, he is not satisfied with himself.

If a person works hard, but receives little – both money and nourishing, inspiring information – recognition, including from management, then as a result he develops depression, experts explain.

DIAGNOSTICS: THE TRUTH AND “FREAKS”

If you are offered “the latest” methods – for example, determining the level of dopamine hormones, serotonin in the blood, MRI for “high-precision” diagnosis of depression – do not trust. Most likely, they are trying to mislead you and “divorce” you for money.

– To date, there are no proven, reliable studies such as measuring the production or determining the level of dopamine-serotonin to diagnose depression. Even if they are determined, it will not yet provide useful applied information that could be used in treatment, explains Grigory Usov.

– Yes, with depression there are tangible changes in the body that can be seen and felt, – the expert continues. – The level of cortisol in the blood in the morning; the picture of the electrical activity of the brain during sleep is a very revealing parameter. There are also changes in the activity of certain areas of the brain responsible for our emotions. But the problem is this: we see what happens in the brain, but we still do not know how brain activity is transformed into the psyche. Why does a person have certain thoughts, emotions. This is yet to be explored.

So today the clinical diagnosis of depression is used. Doctors (primarily psychiatrists) make a diagnosis on the basis of characteristic manifestations that are established during the conversation and observation of the patient. Also, questionnaires and self-questionnaires can be additionally used for preliminary diagnosis or clarification of an already established diagnosis. In the first case, you can decide for yourself the question of the need to see a doctor, in the second – the doctor specifies the severity of depression.

TREATMENT: BASIC METHODS AND NEW TRENDS

– The newest and most promising direction is targeted therapy, says Grigory Usov. – These are techniques that are already working in oncology: types of cancer are known that are caused by one or another characteristic mutation of a certain gene, and based on this, drugs “sharpened” for such mutations are used. They work exactly and usually have fewer side effects. In psychiatry, timid steps are still being taken in this direction, but it gives great hope for an effective fight against depression.

Antidepressants are the most important treatment today. On the second – psychotherapy, special cognitive-behavioral techniques. Also, in certain situations, electroconvulsive therapy gives a good therapeutic effect – “Do not be alarmed, all safety standards are observed,” the expert smiles. Sleep deprivation is also used, when the patient is not allowed to fall asleep for at least 36 hours. This method works well for depression, which is accompanied by a violation of the natural daily rhythm, and the patient is psychologically most difficult when he wakes up in the morning.

THIS WILL BE USEFUL

Five Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Depression

The safest and most affordable methods that really help are general strengthening preventive measures, experts say. Namely:

1) Reasonable physical activity. Better – outdoors. Even better – in the daytime, as sunlight helps to increase the production of hormones responsible for lifting mood.

2) Training for the brain – mental stress, the most effective is the study of foreign languages.

3) Complete nutrition, including sources of Omega-3 acids (fatty sea fish, linseed oil)

4) Reducing negative impacts, stress – try to avoid such situations, communication with people who cause them.

5) Change of job, if your current one does not bring moral or material satisfaction.

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