Severe depression refers to a situation where an individual experiences five or more of the symptoms of depression for around 2 weeks minimum. These symptoms of depression may include feeling sad, worthless, hopeless and pessimistic. People having major or severe depression may also experience behavioral changes and changes in eating as well as the sleeping patterns.

The exact reason for depression is not entirely known. Researchers tend to believe that chemical imbalances within the brain cause depression and this may be accompanied with hereditary factors as well as events occurring in the individual’s life. Some forms of depression tend to run within the family but many individuals may also suffer from severe depression even if there is no family history of this illness.

Women are vulnerable to depression particularly after giving birth and this is because of the physical as well as the hormonal changes that women undergo. Many women tend to experience temporary ‘baby blues’ depression but if the depression lasts for more than 2 to 3 weeks then it can be a case of severe depression and may need treatment.

Children as well as teenagers can also experience major or severe depression and in such cases treatment is important. The symptoms associated with this condition include agitation, irritability and restlessness along with changes in the appetite and excessive weight loss or gain. People may have problems in concentrating along with lack of energy and fatigue, helplessness and hopelessness.

Major or severe depression may also result in people experiencing inappropriate guilt along with self hate and worthlessness. People experiencing major depression also tend to avoid activities that used to pleasurable at one point of time and this may include loss of interest in sex. People with depression have trouble sleeping or may sleep excessively and some also tend to have thoughts of suicide or death.

In some cases of severe depression psychotic symptoms may also be experienced and these include delusions as well as hallucinations. Such symptoms tend to be focused on feelings of inadequacy, disease or guilt. Diagnosis of this form of depression is done by determining if the person has five or more symptoms of depression for a period of at least 2 weeks. Some screening tests like Beck’s depression scale inventory can be used for diagnosis.

Before a diagnosis of severe depression is made the doctor should first rule out any medical condition that may display symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. Treatment of depression includes medicines and counseling. Antidepressant drugs along with psychotherapy can provide good results. Medications that may be prescribed for this condition include tricyclic antidepressant, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

In some cases thyroid and lithium supplements may also be prescribed to increase the effectiveness of these antidepressants. Those having psychotic symptoms may need to take antipsychotic medication. In rare cases of those having severe depression electroconvulsive therapy may be used. In this treatment electrical current is used to cause seizure in the patient. This may help in improving the mood of someone who is extremely depressed or someone who is suicidal.

Along with treatment it is important for those experiencing depression to practice a healthy life style. Individuals experiencing depression should avoid drugs as well as alcohol and eat well balanced meals. Regular exercise and having a good support system is also extremely crucial. Some herbal products can also be used to reduce depression.