Endogenous Depression - Main Signs And Treatments

2023 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 04:34

Key signs and treatments for endogenous depression

Endogenous depression is a common mental disorder characterized by low mood, lethargy, slow thinking, a severe course, and a long recovery period. Constantly being in a depressed state, a person is absolutely incapable of leading a habitual lifestyle and engaging in work.

The incidence of this condition is the same among men and women. Middle-aged people are at risk.

Endogenous depression can occur as an independent disease or be one of the manifestations of manic-depressive psychosis. These subtleties are clarified during the medical examination.

Content:

• The main signs of endogenous depression
• Diagnosis of endogenous depression
• Treatment of endogenous depression

The main signs of endogenous depression

Such a diagnosis can be suspected based on the following signs:

• Pathologically low mood at any time of the day;
• The presence of motor inhibition;
• Slowing down of thinking and speech function.

Let's consider in detail each of the symptoms.

Abnormally low mood

It is the most common symptom of endogenous depression. A companion of this symptom can be an unreasonable feeling of melancholy, emotional experiences for no reason. People with endogenous depression associate their condition with the burden placed on their chest. Under the influence of this sensation, the perception of the surrounding world suffers. Patients with endogenous depression perceive the world as a black and white movie.

Variants of daily mood swings are possible, which are especially clearly traced after waking up in the morning.

Slow thinking

Such a state is beyond the control of a person, and does not at all depend on his whims. In the event of an emergency, such people do not change the speed of their speech and actions. With slow thinking, a person is unable to quickly and clearly give answers to questions, sometimes memory is impaired.

Along with speech and mental retardation, such people have an exacerbated sense of guilt, they are tormented by remorse in combination with low self-esteem. Typical manifestations of this condition are constant self-criticism, self-accusation, hypochondria (the confidence that one has a fatal diagnosis).

In difficult situations, hallucinations may develop, containing fragments of violent actions.

Inhibition of movement

With a diagnosis of endogenous depression, a person is unable to perform fast and precise movements. There are frequent cases of injury to oneself, as well as suicide with a combination of motor retardation and increased emotional arousal.

The emergence of thoughts of suicide is the result of a pathologically low mood, constantly felt feelings of guilt and remorse.

Minor signs of endogenous depression include:

• Violation of the act of falling asleep;
• Early awakening, interrupted sleep;
• Feeling tired after sleeping;
• Decreased or complete lack of appetite, nausea and other digestive disorders.

This form of depression is characterized by a periodicity that is not associated with any factors.

Diagnosis of endogenous depression

This condition is much more difficult to diagnose than any other type of depressive disorder. This is due to the absence of visible signs at the initial stage of the disease. As a rule, endogenous depression in humans can only be suspected in an already advanced form. It is possible to determine the presence of this mental pathology, as well as the degree of its severity, only after a preliminary medical examination and an expert conversation with a person.

Treatment of endogenous depression

In no case can one rely on self-medication in this situation, because this can only lead to a worsening of the patient's condition. Treatment of endogenous depression consists in drug therapy, as well as in the appointment of psychotherapeutic sessions.

To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, a certain scheme is used, which includes the following points:

• Prescribing antidepressants taking into account the individual characteristics of a person, as well as the severity of depression. The use of this group of drugs is aimed at normalizing the production of hormones (dopamine, serotonin);
• The duration of treatment can range from several months to several years. The guideline for stopping therapy is the complete normalization of the human condition;
• If necessary, it is possible to use sedatives, nootropics and tranquilizers.

Psychotherapeutic treatment of endogenous depression consists in conducting conversations with the attending physician, discussing issues of concern. Psychotherapy in this case is aimed at eradicating mental discomfort and experiences. During the sessions, those character traits that can provoke a depressive state should be gradually smoothed out.

On the subject: List of drugs for depression

It is important to remember that an important role in the treatment of a depressive state is played by the creation of a favorable psychological environment in a person's close environment. Relatives should treat this condition with understanding, protect the person as much as possible from emotional turmoil and stressful situations.

There are often cases when a person with endogenous depression does not notice changes in his condition and cannot help himself. In this case, the initiative should come from the inner circle, and it consists in seeking medical help. The effectiveness and timing of further treatment depends on the timeliness of detecting pathological changes in the psyche.

If a person has a tendency to depressive states, he should avoid increased mental stress, adhere to a measured regime of the day, exclude smoking and alcohol consumption, and follow a healthy diet.

Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist

Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".