MDD, which is a severe mental health condition, is a pervasive and long-lasting illness characterized by a constant low mood, anhedonia, and a cluster of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms. MDD strongly influences many individuals’ productivity and quality of life, the grave impact of which extends far and wide beyond oneself. It is a balladic disease that has multifaceted root causes, including biological, genetic, environmental, and psychiatric issues.
The signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder usually fluctuate in their severity. They can range from feeling hopeless, sad, or empty for long periods to loss of apathy or pleasure from formerly liked activities. Symptoms cover both physical and emotional trauma. This may include changes in sleeping habits, appetite or weight, persistent fatigue and loss of energy, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions are likely to appear (Bains & Abdijadid, 2023). These general symptoms can be extensive and wide-spreading. So they can even affect people’s lives, making it highly difficult to relate or behave generally in their work, school, or other daily activities.
Drugs administrated for the management of MDD symptoms represent a range of groups that possess the ability to perform various types of pharmacological actions. The SSRI family of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, including fluoxetine and sertraline, is the most frequently recommended for the treatment of severe cases of depression due to their side effect profile (Karrouri et al., 2021). SSRIs’ action prevents serotonin from getting removed, consequently increasing the serotonin in neuronal synaptic clefts, leading to mood regulatory function.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), like amitriptyline and nortriptyline, represent an older class of antidepressants that bind the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Representing a small quantity of consolation but with more side effects than the SSRI, TCAs have symptoms like dry mouth, constipation, and sedation. They generally are the default options where the earlier treatment with SSRIs or co-morbidity has proved ineffective (Karrouri et al., 2021). Examples of these are phenelzine tranylcypromine and monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors belonging to the class of antidepressants. They operate by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOI prescribing is usually the case either after other antidepressants have failed as a consequence of their profound medicine-drug and food interaction effect.
The antidepressants act to regulate the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, correcting the imbalance and providing relief to depressive symptoms. This is so even though, on the other hand, the SSRI’s other side effects comprise gastrointestinal disturbances and mood randomness (Karrouri et al., 2021). Tracking for these side effects and fine-tuning the treatment based on the newly acquired knowledge seem to be the most critical issues when administering MDD therapy, avoiding harm to the patient.
In addition to pharmacotherapy, behavioral management techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and psychological activation can benefit MDD. The ultimate goal is to uncover and overcome self-critical thoughts and negative interpretations of situations and relationships and reengage in highly valued and joy-filled life activities (Nakao et al., 2021). There are behavioral approaches in the treatment of depression that emphasize the ability to cope with problems. This would help them to solve their problems quickly and improve their ability to manage stress.
The majority of depression cases are associated with significant physical, psychological, and social impairments in people. In terms of what is happening to the body, depression can cause alteration in appetite, problems in sleeping and restlessness, or, conversely, slowing down movements. Emotionally, MDD can be very powerful because they have deep sadness and despair that makes it severely hard to feel joy or appreciate anything (Remes et al., 2021). Depression will damage one’s relationships with family, friends, or colleagues, cause partial neglect or disaffect, and weaken performance at work or school. It might be the case that people who suffer from MDD may have the added problem of stigmatization and even discrimination, which may make it harder for them to fit into society.
Throughout the years, nurses have contributed significantly to the assessment, care, and support of people suffering from mental disorders. Encompassing nursing in this process will involve thorough assessments to identify any symptoms and risk factors. Also, liaising with other healthcare providers to collaborate and develop individualized care plans is essential. Additionally, teaching patients and family members about mood disorders and treatment choices, monitoring medication adherence and side effects, providing emotional support and counseling, and fostering coping techniques are beneficial. (Karam et al., 2021). Besides, they fight vigorously for patients’ rights to have treatment options for this disorder and against misconceptions about MDD within the public.
Major Depressive Disorder is a severe, all-encompassing mental illness that necessitates multifaceted treatment and assistance. A range of elements is often used in the sensible management of mental illness, such as medication, therapy, and behavioral techniques closer to what different individuals might need. Doctors and other health workers are the bodies in society that provide for people living with depression, teaching them about managing the symptoms, implementing therapy sessions, and enhancing their well-being. Through raising awareness, lowering the stigma, and furthering efforts toward accessible mental health facilities, we can join in building a better community. A community wherein those suffering from MDD are getting the due care and support they need to be positive contributors to society.
Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. (2023). Major Depressive Disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/
Karam, M., Chouinard, M.-C., Poitras, M.-E., Couturier, Y., Vedel, I., Grgurevic, N., & Hudon, C. (2021). Nursing care coordination for patients with complex needs in primary healthcare: A scoping review. International Journal of Integrated Care, 21(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.5518
Karrouri, R., Hammani, Z., Benjelloun, R., & Otheman, Y. (2021). Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 9(31), 9350–9367. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350
Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w
Remes, O., Mendes, J. F., & Templeton, P. (2021). Biological, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Depression: A Review of Recent Literature. Brain Sciences, 11(12), 1–33. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11121633