Acute Depression: Definition, History, and Treatment
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness. Acute depression is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that is characterized by a sudden onset of severe depression. This type of depression usually lasts for a short period of time, but may be more severe than other forms of depression. The following article will discuss the definition, history, and treatment of acute depression.
Definition
Acute depression is a form of major depressive disorder (MDD) that is characterized by a sudden onset of severe depression. This type of depression usually lasts for a short period of time, and may be more severe than other forms of depression. The symptoms of acute depression can include feelings of hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Other symptoms may include changes in sleep patterns, appetite changes, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. In addition, people with acute depression may have difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, and even thoughts of suicide.
History
Acute depression has been recognized as a mental health disorder since ancient times. Greek and Roman physicians wrote about depression and its symptoms. During the Renaissance, the works of scholars such as Andreas Vesalius and Thomas Sydenham illustrated the clinical presentation of depression and its symptoms. In the 19th century, researchers began to recognize the biological basis of depression and, in the 20th century, antidepressant medications were developed.
Treatment
Treatment for acute depression typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat acute depression. These medications work to improve mood by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. In addition, psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is often used to help individuals understand and manage their symptoms. This type of therapy helps individuals learn how to cope with difficult emotions, recognize unhelpful thought patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Conclusion
Acute depression is a form of major depressive disorder characterized by a sudden onset of severe depression. This type of depression usually lasts for a short period of time, and may be more severe than other forms of depression. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Fava, M., & Grandi, S. (2010). Major depressive disorder: A review. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 12(2), 131–146.
Nutt, D., & Malizia, A. (2014). The pharmacological management of depression. British Medical Bulletin, 113(1), 117–137.
Segal, Z. V., Williams, J. M. G., & Teasdale, J. D. (2020). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.