Depression treatments in London

Depression is a serious medical illness that impacts on how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Depression has a variety of symptoms these include:

•  A deep feeling of sadness
•  Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
•  Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains unrelated to dieting
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Restlessness or irritability
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide

Depression affects nearly one in 10 adults each year—nearly twice as many women as men. Depression can strike at any time, but usually first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Depression is also common in older adults. It is important to remember however that depression is very treatable.

Causes of depression

• Biochemistry

Abnormalities in two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, might contribute to symptoms of depression, including anxiety, irritability and fatigue. Other brain networks undoubtedly are involved as well; scientists are actively seeking new knowledge in this area.

• Genetics

Depression can run in families.

• Personality

People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be vulnerable to depression.

• Environmental factors

Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make people who are already susceptible to depression all the more vulnerable to the illness. Also, a medical condition (e.g., a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can cause depression, so it is important to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or other physician to rule out general medical causes.

If you or a loved one are suffering from depression then please call the London Psychiatry Clinic today for an initial consultation.