Clinical depression is a serious medical disorder in America and across the globe. It is more than just sadness as some people may assume. Clinical depression has symptoms that can often be overlooked, but these signs might be signals of serious mental health issues that can be addressed. Some of the symptoms include anxiety, a feeling of constant loss or emptiness, lack of pleasure from daily living, sleeping disturbance, and severe symptoms can be thoughts of suicide. Researchers have been delving into ways to help fight the battle and bring relief to individuals who suffer from this disorder. There are many treatment options available that can be explored, so if one method does not work, there are others to step to.
A common treatment for this disease is antidepressant medications. There are several well-known brands of this form of medicine and some new manufacturers also. With prescription drugs, there are often side effects to consider, such as an increase in weight, upset stomach, unusual wakefulness, and some may experience disruption with intimacy. Some of the severe side effects can be life-threatening, such as damage to the liver and increased suicidal tendencies. Often medication is coupled with therapy. The therapist can chart the patient's reaction to the medication and see if a dosage change might be in order or switching the medication altogether.