Severe Depression: An In-depth Analysis

Depression is a major problem in the world right now. In the US alone, depression affects nearly 5-8% of all adults annually. It is also now evident that severe depression is becoming more prevalent. In the US for example, severe depression affects 10 times more people than it did in 1945. This is truly alarming.


Severe depression is a mental disorder. It is characterized by a continuous low mood which is accompanies by low self-esteem. People who suffer from severe depression lack interest in normally pleasurable activities. They rarely derive pleasure from anything within their environment.

• Signs and Symptoms of Severe Depression
• Feelings of hopelessness and irritability
• Heightened Drug and/or alcohol abuse
• Excessive sleeping or insomnia
• A general lack of interest in anything
• Psychotic delusions or hallucinations
• Lack of concentration
• A chronically sombre mood
• Contemplations of committing suicide

The Possible Causes of Severe Depression

The causes of severe depression are a subject of much scientific debate. The decisive conclusion of this debate is still far off. However, scientists have more or less concluded that the possible causes of severe depression could include the following:

Life shattering events that have left a serious physical, emotional and psychological gap in a person can trigger severe depression either gradually or immediately.

Traumatic childhood events that cause a permanent change in the psychic and brain function of a child leading to severe depression in future.

Hormone imbalances in the body can trigger severe depression by altering the normal functions of hormones responsible for our moods.

Severe depression may also result from inherited traits within one's family. Researchers have noticed that depression is more likely to occur in people whose families that have a history of people suffering from the same.

How to Treat Severe Depression

Severe depression may cause a person suffering from it to isolate himself from society. It may also lead to suicidal tendencies in others suffering from it. This is why its treatment is extremely important. Here are several ways of treating severe depression.

Medication is important in trying to treat severe depression. This medication comes in form of antidepressants. There are several kinds of antidepressants so you must consult your psychiatrist before trying to procure any of them.

You can also undergo vagus nerve stimulation. This is usually an option where a patient suffering from severe depression has developed a notable level of resistance to normal treatment.

Another treatment method is transcranial magnetic stimulation. In this treatment, powerful magnetic fields attempt to stimulate brain activity. Only in cases where patients have completely failed to respond to antidepressant medication should you try this treatment.