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Endogenous depression is a common mental disorder that is characterized by decreased mood, lethargy, slow thinking, extreme severity, and a long recovery period. Constantly being in a depressed state, a person is absolutely unable to lead a habitual way of life and engage in labor activities.
The incidence of this condition is the same among men and women. Middle-aged people are at risk.
Endogenous depression can occur as an independent disease or be one of the manifestations of manic-depressive psychosis. These subtleties are clarified in the process of medical examination.
The main signs of endogenous depression
Such a diagnosis can be suspected on the basis of the following signs:
Pathologically reduced mood at any time of the day;
The presence of motor inhibition;
Deceleration of thinking and speech function.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the symptoms.
pathologically depressed mood
It is the most characteristic sign of endogenous depression. A companion of this symptom may be an unreasonable feeling of anguish, mental worries for no reason. People with endogenous depression associate their condition with the weight that has been placed on their chest. Under the influence of this sensation, the perception of the world around suffers. Patients with endogenous depression perceive the world as a black and white movie.
Variants of daily mood fluctuations are possible, which are especially clearly seen after morning awakening.
slow thinking
Such a state is beyond the control of a person, and does not at all depend on his whims. In the event of an emergency, such people do not change the speed of their speech and actions. With slow thinking, a person is unable to quickly and clearly give answers to questions, sometimes memory is disturbed.
Along with speech and mental retardation, such people have a heightened sense of guilt, they are tormented by remorse in combination with low self-esteem. Typical manifestations of such a state are constant self-criticism, self-accusation, hypochondria (confidence in having a fatal diagnosis).
In difficult situations, hallucinations containing fragments of violent actions may develop.
Inhibition of movements
With a diagnosis of endogenous depression, a person is unable to perform quick and precise movements. There are frequent cases of injury to oneself, as well as suicide with a combination of motor inhibition and increased emotional arousal.
The emergence of thoughts of suicide is the result of a pathologically reduced mood, constantly experiencing feelings of guilt and remorse.
The secondary signs of endogenous depression include:
Violation of the act of falling asleep;
Early awakening, interrupted sleep;
Feeling tired after sleeping;
Decreased or complete lack of appetite, nausea and other digestive disorders.
This form of depression is characterized by periodicity, not associated with any factors.
Diagnosis of endogenous depression
Diagnosing this condition is much more difficult than any other type of depressive disorder. This is due to the absence of visible signs at the initial stage of the disease. As a rule, it is possible to suspect endogenous depression in a person only in an already advanced form. It is possible to determine the presence of this mental pathology, as well as the degree of its severity, only after a preliminary medical examination and an expert conversation with a person.
Treatment of endogenous depression
In no case can one rely on self-treatment in this situation, because this can only lead to a deterioration in the patient’s condition. Treatment of endogenous depression consists in drug therapy, as well as in the appointment of psychotherapeutic sessions.
To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, a certain scheme is used, which includes the following points:
The appointment of antidepressants, taking into account the individual characteristics of the person, as well as the severity of depression. The use of this group of drugs is aimed at normalizing the production of hormones (dopamine, serotonin);
The duration of treatment can range from several months to several years. The guideline for stopping therapy is the complete normalization of the person’s condition;
If necessary, it is possible to use sedatives, nootropics and tranquilizers.
Psychotherapeutic treatment of endogenous depression consists in talking with the attending physician, discussing issues of concern. Psychotherapy in this case is aimed at eradicating mental discomfort and worries. During the sessions, those character traits that can provoke a depressive state should gradually smooth out.
It is important to remember that an important role in the treatment of depression is the creation of a favorable psychological environment in the close environment of a person. Relatives should treat this condition with understanding, protect the person as much as possible from mental upheavals and stressful situations.
There are frequent cases when a person with endogenous depression does not notice changes in his condition and cannot help himself on his own. In this case, the initiative should come from the close environment, and it consists in seeking medical help. It is the timeliness of the detection of pathological changes in the psyche that determines the effectiveness and timing of further treatment.
If a person has a tendency to depressive states, he should avoid increased mental stress, adhere to a measured daily routine, exclude smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, and follow a healthy diet.