Depressi Depression: Depression, And The Treatment Of Depression

Depression is a psychological disorder that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. In the U.S., about 9.5% of our population has been diagnose with depression. This estimates to 19 million Americans. This topic was chosen because I have dealt with it first hand with those close to me and myself. Depression is a long-known health problem and can be supported by historical documents throughout out the centuries. This psychological disease began with the name “melancholia” and can be traced as far back in the ancient mesopotamian documents. This dates depression back to the second millennium B.C.. Depression was thought to be from demonic possessions and was only treatable by priests. Later on, Hippocrates had figured that depression was the effect of too much black bile being in the spleen. He used the bloodletting method to try and reduce the symptoms of depression. Cicero became more of a contrast to Hippocrates by discovering that depression was a mental illness. The treatment for this disorder shifted and patients with depression were given a whole new way of treatment. Doctors would say to do gymnastics, use massage therapy, go on a special diet, listen to music, and take baths. A mixture of poppy extract with donkey’s milk was also used in the treatment of depression. (Mental Health, 2008)

This psychological disorder affects people by causing sadness, worthlessness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and so on. Out of the millions of people affected by depression, only a third of them end up seeking treatment. For those who do not seek help, depression can worsen and be affected for a longer amount of time. There are multiple forms of this disorder such as major depression, dysthmic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder (a manic-depressive