Depression

for 4th year

Faculty of Nursing

Conducted by:
Ass. Lect.Omneya Youssef
NeuropsychiatryDepartme
nt
Faculty of Medicine
or over elaboration of sadness and grief; oldest and most frequently described psychiatric illness; a pathologic grief reaction experienced by an individu

 An abnormal extension or over

elaboration of sadness and grief;
oldest and most frequently described
psychiatric illness; a pathologic grief
reaction experienced by an individual
who does not mourn
 The term depression is used in varied
ways: a sign, symptom, syndrome,
emotional state, reaction, disease or
clinical entity.
 May be mild, moderate, severe, with
(uncommon) or without psychotic
features
What causes Depression?
 Family History
 Having a family members who has
depression may increase a person’s
risk
 Imbalances of certain chemicals in the
brain may lead to depression
(Biological: Decreased serotonin and
norepinephrine)
 Major Life Changes

 Positive or negative
events can trigger
depression.
Examples include the
death of a loved one
or a promotion.
 Major Illnesses such
as heart attack,
stroke or cancer may
trigger depression.
 Certain medications used
alone or in combination can
cause side effects much like
the symptoms of depression.
 Use of Alcohol or other Drugs
can lead to or worsen
depression.
 Depression can also occur for
no apparent reason!
Symptoms of Depression
 Vary from person to
person

 2 key signs are loss of

interest and sadness or
irritability
Additional Signs include:
 Changes in feelings which may include:
 Feeling empty
 Inability to enjoy anything
 Hopelessness
 Loss of sexual desire
 Loss of warm feelings for family or friends
 Feelings of self blame or guilt
 Loss of self esteem
 Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or
irritability
Changes in behavior and
attitude
 These may include:
 General slowing down
 Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
 Poor memory
 Inability to concentrate
 Suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors
 Difficulty making decisions
Physical Complaints
 These may include:
 Sleep disturbances such as
early morning waking, sleeping
too much or insomnia
 Lack of energy
 Loss of appetite
 Weight loss or gain
 Unexplained headaches or
backaches
 Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
 Professional treatment is
necessary for all these types
of depression.
Treatment for Depression
 Medication
 Antidepressantscan help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a
person to normal functioning.
Antidepressants are not habit forming.
 ANTIDEPRESSANTS

 SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake

Inhibitor)
 TCA (Tricyclic antidepressants)
 MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
 ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy- last
resort)
Psychotherapy
 This can help many depressed people
understand themselves and cope with
their problems. For example:
 Interpersonal therapy works to change
relationships that affect depression
 Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people
change negative thinking and behavior
patterns
Things to do
One-on-one monitoring/intervention..
. Do not leave the patient for the 1st 24 hrs.
. No metallic objects
. No sharp objects
. bright room: to see suicidal acts
. Check for impending signs of suicide
sudden elevation of mood;
sudden mood swings
continued
. Activities focus on self-care
. Join group therapy
. Monitor in giving medication – do not leave patient after giving
medication for 30 minutes. Check under the tongue & pillow
. Monitor patient in clinical rounds, between shift & during
endorsement
. Attitude Therapy: Kind Firmness

. Meet physical needs:

Promote eating, rest, elimination
Promote self-care whenever possible

. Support self-esteem:
. Decrease social withdrawal: Sit with client during quiet times;
introduce to others when ready
Intervening with a depressed patient
 Be empathetic and understanding
 Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed
person
 Avoid critical or shaming statements
 Challenge expressions of hopelessness
 Empathize with feelings of sadness,
grief, anger and frustration
Helping a depressed
patient…
 Don’t argue about how bad things are
 Don’t insist that depression or sadness
are the wrong feelings to be
experiencing
 Don’t become angry even though your
efforts may be resisted or rejected