Endogenous Depression - Discussion

Endogenous depression can be defined as a form of depression where there is no visible cause that triggers an episode of depression. As the name suggests, this form of depression is a result of genetic or biological factors.

When there is an imbalance in certain chemical substances in the brain that control the neurotransmitters, depression sets in. Some of these chemical substances are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Therefore, there are no specific reasons which are responsible for causing endogenous depression. This is unlike exogenous depression, where stress factors, physical illness, and inability to cope with traumatic and tragic situations trigger depression.

Some of the typical characteristic features of depression endogenous include insomnia, sleeplessness, depleting energy levels, inability to focus or poor concentration levels, problems remembering and memorizing, and lack of interest in any form of physical activities. This form of depression is also referred to as unipolar depression, and it is said that nearly 50% of depression-related conditions are endogenous in nature. The ratio of women to men suffering from this condition is 2:1.

Conventional Treatment

Typical conventional treatment of endogenous depression includes the use of antidepressants. Antidepressants work towards restoring the chemical balance in the brain, thereby alleviating the symptoms of depression and helping the afflicted person. One thing which must be noted, though, is that pharmaceutical drugs always come with many dangerous, sometimes even fatal, side effects. It is therefore our stand that the use of drug medications as any treatment for depression (any type of depression) should only be carried out as a last resort.

Once drug therapy is chosen and embarked on, however, it would then be important to strictly follow the dosage instructions of the physician or psychiatrist. Stopping depression medication abruptly without profession advice can be dangerous, and should be avoided.

Self Help and Natural Remedies

There are also certain food items and natural supplements which would be useful in alleviating endogenous depression, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, vitamin B compounds, and folic acid found in broccoli, asparagus, and spinach. Research reports have indicated that increasing the intake of all three compounds is extremely effective in reducing the condition and / or preventing depression from setting in. Regular intake of salmon and other fish that are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids has been found to relieve the symptoms of depression.

Untreated, this mental condition can cause severe problems for the affected person and his or her loved ones. Several cases of untreated endogenous depression result in suicide, mainly because afflicted persons feel depressed for no particular reason and ultimately feel totally helpless and hopeless; they then finally contemplate ending their lives.

It is extremely important for family members to ensure that persons suffering from depression endogenous get proper professional help. Family and friends should also ensure that persons suffering from depression are encouraged to engage in activities which keep them occupied and interacting with people. If possible, affected persons should also try and enroll into an exercise routine, as well as yoga and meditation. These will help calm and relax them on a long-term basis.

Useful Depression Resources