What is the difference between major depression and chronic depression? What are their symptoms, causes, and effective treatments? Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of loss of interest and sadness.
It affects feelings, thinking, and behavior there are two types: acute depression and chronic depression, We will learn about the difference between them and how to differentiate between them in the rest of the article.
What is acute depression
Major depressive disorder, or major depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that lasts for more than two weeks and significantly impacts a person's ability to perform daily tasks.
What is chronic depression
Chronic depression, or persistent depressive disorder, is a type of long-term depression, with symptoms lasting for at least two years and can affect feelings, thinking, and behavior.
Symptoms of acute and chronic depression
Symptoms of major depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
- Loss of interest in things.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Loss of appetite or overeating.
- Lack of energy and general fatigue.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Excessive feelings of guilt or failure.
- In severe cases, suicidal thoughts increase.
Common symptoms of chronic depression include:
- Feeling sad every day.
- Sleeping problems, such as insomnia.
- Loss of interest and pleasure in activities.
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
- Chronic lack of energy and fatigue.
- Weight gain or loss or loss of appetite.
- Despair and feelings of hopelessness and failure.
Causes of severe depression
There is no single cause of severe depression. It often results from a complex interaction of several factors, including a chemical imbalance in the brain. An imbalance in brain chemicals can lead to depression.
In addition, psychological and social factors, accumulated psychological stressors, or difficult events such as the loss of a loved one or a breakup can contribute.
Causes of chronic depression
There are many causes of chronic depression, including:
- Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can affect mood.
- Genetics, especially between parents and siblings, increases the risk of developing chronic depression.
- People with low self-esteem are more susceptible.
- Exposure to violence or neglect in childhood.
- Loss of a loved one.
- Stress at work and ongoing life difficulties.
- Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
- Chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Drug and alcohol abuse.
What's the difference between acute and chronic depression
The main difference is the duration of symptoms. Acute depression lasts for two weeks or more, while chronic depression lasts for at least two years, but may be less severe than acute depression.
The fastest treatment for acute depression
There is no single, quick treatment for depression that works for everyone, but some effective medications and rapid interventions prescribed by the treating physician can reduce the severity of depression, including:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant.
The fastest treatment for acute depression
- There is no single, quick treatment for depression that works for everyone, but some effective medications and rapid interventions prescribed by the treating physician can reduce the severity of depression, including:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common type of antidepressant. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are used in cases that have not responded to other treatments.
- Other medications, such as agomelatine and ketamine, are also used.
Treatment methods for severe depression
Treatment for severe depression includes a combination of:
- Psychotherapy, which helps understand negative feelings and learn coping skills.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy, which improves communication and social skills.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to rapidly relieve the symptoms of severe depression.
- Ketamine infusion therapy, which is used in cases that do not respond to traditional medications.
- Vagus nerve stimulation, which is used in cases of treatment-resistant depression.
Treatment for chronic depression
Treatment for chronic depression includes a combination of psychotherapy, effective medications prescribed by the treating physician, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps change negative thoughts, and interactional therapy, which focuses on problem-solving, relationships, and developing coping skills.
Take antidepressant medications prescribed by a doctor, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.
Practical Tips to Reduce Depression
Here are some effective tips to alleviate the bothersome symptoms of depression:
- Exercise physical activity to improve mood.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises.
- Commit to a healthy, balanced diet.
- Avoid isolation and spend time with family and friends.
Get enough sleep.
Avoid feelings of loss of interest and frustration.
How long does it take to treat depression
Treating depression with antidepressants requires several weeks (two to four weeks) to begin to take effect, and in some cases, it may require continued use for a period ranging from six to 12 months.
Summary of the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Depression
The primary difference between acute and chronic depression is the duration of symptoms. Acute depression symptoms last for two weeks or more.
Chronic depression symptoms last for at least two years. Acute depression is considered more severe than chronic depression, but the symptoms of chronic depression last longer.