Depression or Depressive Disorder
Depression or depressive disorder is the most common mental health condition, characterized by prolonged periods—lasting at least two weeks—of persistently low or sad mood (often irritability in children and adolescents) or a loss of interest and pleasure in most activities. It has a significant negative impact on various aspects of daily life, including functioning, relationships with family, close ones, and others.
Depression is also accompanied by a range of other symptoms and challenges, such as feelings of unwarranted or excessive guilt, pessimism, low self-esteem, insecurity, impaired concentration, frequent thoughts of death or suicide, sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness), changes in appetite (decreased or increased), leading to weight loss or gain, sexual dysfunctions (reduced libido), and persistent fatigue or lack of energy.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, including approximately 25 million children and adolescents, with a prevalence twice as high among women compared to men. Depression can affect nearly all age groups, especially those who have experienced psychological trauma (e.g., the loss of a loved one) or socio-economic difficulties, such as unemployment or low income.
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide, particularly among individuals aged 15–29. Only half of those with depression recover from further depressive episodes, while the remainder experience recurrent relapses, and about 15% develop a chronic, treatment-resistant course of the disorder. In addition to socio-economic factors, other determinants of depression prognosis include neurochemical changes in the brain and specific genetic variations.
Treatment for depression involves both psychological approaches (e.g., cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy) and medication (antidepressants). Antidepressants are the preferred treatment option, particularly for moderate and severe depression. Studies show that the effectiveness of antidepressants is much higher when treatment begins in the earlier stages of depression. Therefore, at the first signs of depression, it is advisable to seek help and consultation from a specialist.
Psychiatric Consultation: If you need to consult a psychiatrist or receive psychiatric assistance regarding depression, choose a specialist and book an appointment. During the consultation, our psychiatrist will help address mental health issues and identify suitable solutions.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by alternating episodes of depression, hypomania or mania, and mixed episodes in which symptoms of both depression and (hypo)mania are present simultaneously.
During depressive episodes, individuals experience, for at least two weeks, symptoms such as low mood, sadness, tearfulness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, slowed movements or speech, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
During hypomanic or manic episodes, individuals exhibit excessively elevated mood or euphoria, unusual energy and vigor, increased activity, agitation or irritability, heightened self-esteem or grandiosity, overly familiar behavior, rapid speech, distractibility, frequent shifts between topics or projects, and reduced need for sleep (feeling rested and energized after only 3–4 hours of sleep). Hypomania or mania is also marked by impulsive or reckless behavior, such as risky business ventures, gambling, dangerous driving, or impulsive sexual activity, without understanding the consequences, such as financial loss or injury. The distinction between hypomania and mania lies in symptom duration (mania lasts at least a week, while hypomania persists for at least four consecutive days) and severity (mania is generally more apparent, often requiring hospitalization and potentially accompanied by psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions of grandeur).
The causes of bipolar disorder are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors, with heredity playing a significant role (80% of cases are attributed to genetic influences). Clinical assessment and diagnosis of bipolar disorder involve a thorough psychiatric evaluation, a review of medical history, and ruling out other causes of mood changes, such as physical illnesses or substance use (alcohol or drugs).
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition; however, many individuals with this diagnosis can lead full and productive lives with timely and adequate treatment, along with awareness and understanding of their condition. Treatment primarily involves medication (mood stabilizers, such as lithium, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics) and supportive psychotherapy to help patients manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Psychiatric Consultation: If you need to consult a psychiatrist or receive psychiatric assistance regarding bipolar disorder, choose a specialist and book an appointment. During the consultation, our psychiatrist will help address mental health issues and identify suitable solutions.
