Research and Treatment of Clinical Depression

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Research and Treatment of Clinical Depression

The research article is one that has endeavored in conducting adequate research on clinical depression as a mental illness. The findings of this research suggest that the cases of mental illness among patients have registered a steady increase on a global front. Despite this fact, the reaction towards adequate research focused on preventing or minimizing the illness has not been sufficient. The main purpose why this research was conducted was to acquire a detailed understanding concerning the transition concept associated with the process of recovery from the illness by a patient, as well as developing and suggesting support nursing interventions that could have a positive impact on the recovery process. The findings were also facilitated by positive responses from respondents who had gone through or were undergoing the transition process of the illness (Skarsater, 2001). The debate lies behind the suitability of improvising the use of psychotherapy or the use of antidepressants when treating major depression.

From a psychotherapy point of view, the research’s indication on clinical depression suggests that major depression of the illness has a major impact on the patient’s physical and mental health, their well being as well as the quality of life they lead. This depression has a major effect on the functioning of the sufferer together with their cognitive experiences and emotional experiences of their surroundings. This altered state of cognitive experiences and perception of the surrounding not only affects the patient but those who relate to them as well; such as next of kin (children, partners and close friends) (Handley, 2001). When compared to individuals suffering from somatic medical illness, clinical depression sufferers have less capability of performing as employees or parents. The research indicates that this is a consequence resulting from impairments in responsibility and social functioning, deteriorating health, poorer financial status as well as increased physical pains (Handley, 2001).

The authors of the research article endeavored to make further research to facilitate better understanding of the transition concept of the clinical depression process. They included data from twenty five individuals, all whom were recovering from the illness. The research conducted on these individuals concluded that transition of the illness was at three segments; nature of the transition, response patterns, and transition conditions. The research also indicated that a patient’s awareness of the transition process had an identifiable linkage to their perception of knowledge and their ability to recognize the transition experience. Therefore, the research suggests that their illness among the patients should be deemed serious and should prompt adequate attention. The research suggests treatment that involves people who associate with the patient, should treat and recognize them as more than an ill person (Katon, 2001). If treated in such conditions, the patients exhibited an upheaval in self reliance, something very positive.

This finding therefore has a treatment implication that psychiatric nurses have an obligation of developing and utilizing methods that can provide patients with emotionally strengthening information. This information was found to promote the patient’s ability to identify and relate to their personal essential aspects. In addition, Skarsater and Willman’s research found that some patients exhibited emotional suffering due to lack of any initiative or drive while in the hospital, which heightened their clinical depression illness. This could be attributed to inadequate support and follow up from the healthcare professionals who had a significant responsibility in the recovery process. Patients who received encouragement and support felt secure when they were informed on their ailment and told that falling ill was normal and acceptable and that they had a chance of recuperating (Skarsater, 2001).

On the other hand, employing the use of antidepressants in treating major depression has different implications. This approach bases its argument on the root of the depression, and declares that it has to do with chemical imbalances in the brain. The effects of these imbalances lead to depression and mood disorders, something that can be rectified by the use of depressants. The ideology behind this treatment lies behind the information processes and neural networks in the brain. In cases of depression, the processing of information does not function properly, and therefore antidepressants sought to fix this problem. Recent studies have seemingly suggested that the use of antidepressants is more effective compared to psychotherapy (Katon, 2001). Different groups were compared when coming up with this conclusion. The groups comprised patients that were subjected to psychological therapy and another put on imipramine, an antidepressant medication. The conclusion was that not much difference was witnessed in the recovery process. The effectiveness of imipramine however was noted to be more efficient when treating severe major depression compared to psychotherapy. Nevertheless, despite the effectiveness of the antidepressant, it came with problems manifested in negative side effects. In addition, the use of antidepressants functioned more as a supportive treatment measure as it accompanied with supportive psychotherapy.

In order to conclude on these findings, the research implicates that further research was conducted in cases where psychotherapy and antidepressants were used separately in the treatment process. The results suggested that supportive psychotherapy posted better results compared the antidepressants on almost every outcome (Katon, 2001). In addition, massive advantage was noted on the effect of psychotherapy on mild depressions compared to antidepressants. These findings have a treatment implication on the illness that both psychological and antidepressant use have different treatment implications on major depression. Studies suggested that simultaneous and separate incorporation of both leads to differing results. When used separately, the results are positive with supportive psychology exhibiting better results. In my opinion however, incorporating both sets of treatment is the better approach to employ. Both will ensure speedy and positive recovery.

References

Handley C, Farrell G, Josephs A, Hanke A, Hazelton M. (2001). The Tasmanian children’s project: The needs of children with a parent/carer with a mental illness. Australia: Mental Health Program

Katon W, Von Korff M, Lin E, Simon G. (2001). Rethinking practitioner roles in chronic illness: The specialist, primary care physician, and the practice nurse. Seattle: Gen Hosp Psychiatry.

Skarsater I, Agren H, Dencker K. (2001). Subjective lack of social support and presence of dependent stressful life events characterize patients suffering from major depression compared with healthy volunteers. Halmstad: Department of psychiatry.

Skarsater I, Dencker K, Bergbom I, Haggstrom L, Fridlund B. (2003). Women’s conceptions of coping with major depression in daily life: A qualitative, salutogenic approach. Göteborg: Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences