What is depression?
It is a condition where one feels low most of the day with or without fatigue and lack of interest for a minimum of two or more weeks.
To diagnose depression, however, one needs to satisfy the below criteria as per ICD 11 – One of the below significant symptoms (2 weeks or more) –
- Low mood or persistent sadness
- Fatigue or low energy
- Loss of interest or pleasure
Three or more of the below minor symptoms (2 weeks or more) –
- Lack of focus / concentration
- Feelings of helplessness
- Disturbed sleep/appetite
- Ideas of suicide – not feeling like living anymore
- Feelings of worthlessness – low self-esteem/confidence
- Feelings of guilt or self-blame
What are the different types of depression?
The depressive episode could be mild/moderate/severe (with or without psychotic symptoms), depending on the symptoms patient is experiencing. It could be a single episode or recurrent.
Depression can be diagnosed as comorbid with other psychiatric or medical conditions.
Dr. Sweta Shah
Types of Depression:
- Major Depressive disorder – single or recurrent episode which can be either –
– Mild
– Moderate
– Severe - Atypical Depression
- Seasonal Affective disorder
- Bipolar Mood disorder with a depressive episode
- Dementia with depression
- Dysthymia
What are the symptoms and signs of depression?
- Men: Any of the above symptoms could present in men. However, complete suicide is seen 3-4 times more in men with depression than women.
- Women: Women can present any of the above symptoms but are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression and exhibit twice as many depressive symptoms as men.
- Children: Children find it difficult to express their emotions and feelings as it is often difficult to understand what they are going through. They can present with somatic complaints – like body aches, headaches, and pains, school refusal, unexplained crying spells, sudden mood changes, poor or dropping academic performance due to lack of focus, not enjoying or taking an interest in things/activities they previously loved doing, impulsivity and aggression or withdrawal from friends and family.
Is there depression treatment available in Dubai?
Depression treatment is available in Dubai, where a Specialist / Consultant Psychiatrist can assess, evaluate,
diagnose and treat it.
Treatment could be with either medications or psychotherapy (counseling), depending on the individual’s clinical
symptoms.
What causes depression?
- Depression has a biological – psychological – socioenvironmental causal model.
- Biological means there could be a brain neurotransmitter (chemical) imbalance. Psychological – patients’ underlying psychodynamic, coping skills, defenses, and personality traits that could lead to experiencing depressive symptoms.
- Socio-environmental – external life stressors which can get difficult to cope with.
- Hence treatment also involves resolving causes in all of the above areas if they exist.
Do lifestyle changes help to cure depression?
Lifestyle changes: Yes, lifestyle changes can help in resolving depressive symptoms depending on the cause of the underlying depressive episode.
What is the difference between depression and anxiety?
Anxiety is excessive needless worry and fear that something negative will happen; it is a state of worry. Depression is the inability to experience happiness or pleasure and a state of sadness.
Does insurance cover depression treatment in Dubai?
Kindly check your description of benefits (Table of benefits) in your insurance plan—it should include information on behavioral health services or coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.
If unsure, ask your human resources representative or contact your insurance company directly.
How much does a consultation for a psychiatrist cost?
A Specialist Psychiatric Consultation at JTS Medical Centre will cost you AED 600. Depending on your additional treatment or visit may be required. It will be informed to you by our psychiatrist based on an appropriate assessment and treatment protocol.