Major Depressive Disorder Treatments: Myths and The Reality

A depressive episode is not a sign of personal weakness. Instead, it is a complex condition, rooted in the biological and psychosocial changes that are still misunderstood. But, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder is also not an end-all diagnosis that leaves no hope in sight. In this article, we look at the most common misconceptions surrounding major depressive disorder treatments.

According to the latest data published by the National Institute of Mental Health, the major depressive disorder has become the leading cause of impairment and disability, affecting 17.3 million adults in the United States.

This number represents 7.1% of all U.S. adults who encountered at least one major depressive episode. The data also paint a dark picture of lack of access to adequate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options: 35% of U.S. adults with major depressive episodes did not receive any treatment (NIMH, 2019.)

Statistics Don’t Lie

The World Health Organization also reports that major depressive disorder (MDD) has become a leading cause of disability worldwide, with 300 million people affected. MDD contributed to 800,000 suicides, making it the second leading cause of death among adults aged 15-29.

A major depressive disorder is a severe and life-threatening condition. The quality of their life diminishes with each recurrent depressive episode, as their ability to work and socialize weakens.

A significant reason behind the lack of adequate treatment lies in misunderstanding what depression is and what isn’t. The modern media, combined with unfiltered social media streams, often obscure the distinction between the facts and myths about depression. The lack of education on mental health issues gives rise to social stigma. Many people face this when they try to address their mental health issues.

Here are the most common and usually the most damaging myths about depression and the major depressive disorders:

Major Depressive Disorder Is More than Sadness or Weakness

Even though depression comes in multiple forms and varying intensities, it is never a sign of personal weakness. A depressive episode is also not a transient feeling of boredom, low mood, or dissatisfaction with the current life situation.

The myth that depression is somehow a sign of personal weakness can be very harmful. A person who was able to function in daily tasks regularly, and then became unable to leave the bed or take a shower hasn’t suddenly become weak or lazy. A new mother who became suicidal shortly after childbirth is not weak in any way.

When faced with a loved one who displays symptoms similar to these, people tend to offer perhaps well-intentioned but counterproductive advice to “snap out of it” or “just be your old self!” Depressed people feel guilt and shame when they compare their current life situation with how they were able to function.

A major depressive disorder is also different from sadness and grief. Sadness comes after emotionally intense events such as the death of a loved one, tragedy or a natural disaster is a normal reaction to loss.

The grieving process lasts. It takes time for the person to come to terms with the loss, but it still has a different quality than depression. However, only trained and qualified psychiatrists and psychologists are adequately equipped to assess and understand this difference.

It’s Not a “One-Size-Fits-All” Condition

Not everyone diagnosed with MDD experiences the same set of symptoms or at the same intensity. Even though it is easier for us to generalize and label people so we can “understand” them easier, the psychiatrists differentiate between mild, moderate, or severe depressive episodes.

While some people diagnosed with MDD experience only one depressive episode, which consists of two weeks or more of persistent depressed mood marked with some or all of the following major depressive disorder symptoms:

• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, self-blame
• Marked loss of interest in activities and interactions with other people one used to enjoy
• Loss of energy and feeling tired all the time
• Sleep changes – either insomnia or hypersomnia
• Changes in appetite – either loss of appetite or overeating
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts at own life

Anxiety has mixed symptoms such as varying aches and pains, frequent headaches, or stomach upset.

Alongside the intensity of the current symptoms, the professional assessment of the depression also takes into account the events that preceded the symptoms. For example, childbirth is linked to the onset of Postpartum Depression. Severely traumatic experiences can also be behind the current symptoms, in some cases.

Recurrent or chronic depression is a major depressive disorder. Depressive episodes can span over two years or more (also known as persistent depressive disorder). It is the most severe and most incapacitating form of MDD that changes the quality of life of the affected person, sometimes permanently.

Major Depressive Disorder Treatments Have Advanced Beyond Medication

The most common treatment for the MDD people usually know about involves antidepressant medicines. Antidepressants are so far, our first line of help. However, as NIMH’s latest survey shows, the antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder is by far the least common: only 6% of all U.S adults rely on medication alone.

As the survey uncovers, an estimated 65% receive combined care by a health professional and medication treatment.

The additions to medication treatment involve psychotherapy and counseling. This together medication-resistant MDD that involves deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, also known as Deep TMS (dTMS). Or, in the chronic cases when a person’s life is in danger, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT.)

The last two treatment options are particularly important for people who are living with chronic major depressive disorder. Deep TMS (dTMS), for example, is an in-office, FDA approved, non-drug, non-invasive treatment that stimulates the neuronal circuits in the prefrontal cortex, which is under-functioning in people with MDD. This low-stress procedure administers electromagnetic pulses without any sedation or anesthesia and has proven to be effective in 3 out of 4 patients, within 4-6 weeks of treatment.

The chronic, medication-resistant major depressive disorder is not a hopeless and end-all diagnosis that it used to be.

Major Depressive Disorder Treatments help, But There are No Simple Solutions

Years of research have been made in treating major depressive disorder. Despite all the progress, they unveil a sad but real fact: there are no clear-cut and straightforward answers to treating and managing a chronic depression.

Major Depressive Disorder treatments and consistent therapeutic help create a basis for proper function in everyday life, the long-term strategy for managing chronic depression has to rely on integrative practices that empower the affected person to re-build own capacities to cope with the symptoms.

Many people with major depressive episodes have productive and satisfying lives. Mindfulness, acceptance, meditation, and self-care are the most powerful tools. However, only a well-trained, experienced team of psychiatrists and psychologists can address each symptom and offer adequate treatment options tailored specifically to each patient’s needs.

The major depressive disorder requires professional help as much as, if not more, any other health condition would.

It Is Easier to Manage Major Depressive Disorder with MDD Support Groups

A major depressive episode, especially when it is severe and recurrent, wreaks havoc on one’s interpersonal relationships. The long-term lack of interest in socializing and merely the lack of energy to participate in social events can lead to progressive isolation.

In turn, the isolation creates a self-feeding cycle of feeling lonely, hopeless, and feeling unloved. Loneliness contributes to a higher incidence of depressive symptoms. People who have chronic MDD tend to suffer the most.

Final Thoughts

Finally, Major Depressive Disorder treatments differ and usually, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. Other people hold a unique healing power in that they can support and inspire each other. Sharing advice on how to manage daily tasks when they seem impossible or just leaving a caring message is something major depressive disorder support groups do exceptionally well. Many are others who are facing the same challenges. So, it can be a motivating moment to break the cycle and get help for MDD.