Is Depression A Permanent State? Depression Symptoms And Treatment
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5% of adults experience depression. More than just sadness or low self-esteem, depression is a mental illness that can significantly affect a person’s mental health and overall well-being and typically requires professional treatment. The potential intensity of depression symptoms can lead some people to ask, “Is depression a permanent state?” Below, we’ll discuss what depression is, common symptoms, evidence-based treatments, and whether depression is permanent.
What is depression?
There are several types of depression listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include persistent depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, and substance/medication-induced depressive disorder. Each one is a serious diagnosable mental illness that can affect mood, behavior, physical health, and mental health. Depression can impact anyone of any age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, and symptoms can affect people in different ways.
Major depression symptoms
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common types of depression, so much so that it’s sometimes referred to as clinical depression. For a person to be diagnosed with this disorder, they typically have to meet at least five of the following nine DSM-5 criteria during a two-week period, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure:
“1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad, empty, hopeless) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). (Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood.)
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation)
3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. (Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gain.)
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down)
6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick)
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others)
9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide”
The DSM-5 goes on to say that, for a person to be diagnosed with major depression, symptoms must lead to significant distress or impairment in occupational, social, or other types of functioning. Also, the symptoms must not be due to use of a substance or another health condition.
A clinician also typically has to ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by a schizoaffective disorder or other psychotic disorder and that the person has never had a manic or hypomanic episode, which are typically symptoms of a type of bipolar disorder. If a person meets all of the above criteria, they may be diagnosed as having a major depressive episode.
Is major depressive disorder permanent?
The DSM-5 includes several specifiers for clinicians to consider when diagnosing or evaluating depression, including “in partial remission” and “in full remission.” This means that depression often isn’t permanent. A person may experience one or more episodes of depression, which are characterized by symptoms that last longer than two weeks, but the symptoms may decrease following an episode—particularly with professional treatment. That said, some people may experience multiple episodes throughout life. Professional treatment and healthy habits may help reduce the likelihood of depression recurring.
Persistent depressive disorder
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that “Persistent depressive disorder (formerly dysthymic disorder) is characterized by chronic low-level depression that is not as severe, but may be longer lasting than, major depressive disorder.” To be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, a person typically must have had depression symptoms for at least two years, more days than not. Another criterion is that individuals must not have had a period without persistent depressive disorder symptoms lasting longer than two weeks during that two-year period.
Is persistent depressive disorder permanent?
Although persistent depressive disorder tends to last longer than major depression, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Many people recover with professional treatment, while others may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with treatment for as long as they persist. Also, the criteria also include the specifiers “in partial remission” and “in full remission,” which indicate that persistent depressive disorder isn’t always a permanent state.
Are other forms of depression permanent?
Other forms of depression are also often not permanent. For example, seasonal affective disorder typically affects individuals only in the winter. Regardless of the type of depression, there are typically treatments that can help a person manage symptoms and possibly prevent future episodes.
Treatment for symptoms of depression
Treatment for depression can be highly effective. Research suggests that 80% to 90% of people living with depression eventually respond well to treatment. The following are some treatments that may help relieve depression symptoms. Speak to your doctor or therapist about what approach might be right for you.
Medication
Some people living with depression may be prescribed medication for depression—often selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), though other types may also be considered by your provider. These medications can only be prescribed by a medical doctor and are usually meant to be taken in combination with therapy. It’s recommended that individuals not start, stop, or change medication without a doctor’s approval.
Psychotherapy
The first-line treatment for depression is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. According to the American Psychological Association, many therapists use an approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat depression, which aims to help people identify and replace inaccurate thoughts about themselves. Other therapists may use interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, supportive therapy, or psychodynamic therapy for individuals living with depression.
Online therapy for depression and other mental health challenges
Some people living with depression may find it difficult to leave home to attend in-person therapy appointments, so online therapy may be more comfortable or convenient in such cases. Online therapy platforms allow you to communicate with a licensed mental health professional via audio, video, or live chat from home or anywhere else you have an internet connection.
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, individuals can also reach out to their therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and their therapist will respond as soon as they can. People living with depression or other conditions may find this helpful if they experience symptoms between therapy sessions.
Is online therapy effective for symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders?
A number of studies have suggested that online therapy can be effective for treating depression in many cases. One study, for instance, indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective for treating depression and other mental health disorders—including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, which may be comorbid with depression in some people.
Takeaway
While some people may experience various episodes of depression throughout life, it typically isn’t a permanent state. Evidence-based treatments may help relieve depressive symptoms and prevent episodes in some people. Depression treatment often involves medication and/or psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. If you’re experiencing depression or another mental illness, know that there is professional help available—both in person and online—and that seeking help as soon as possible is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some common questions related to the question, “Is depression a permanent state?”
Does depression last forever?
Most people experiencing depression can recover if they receive treatment. However, some people may experience multiple episodes of depression throughout life. By seeking help at the first signs of an episode, individuals may be able to shorten the duration of a depressive episode, reduce the severity of their symptoms, and even reduce the chances of relapse or recurrence in the future.
What is the first-line treatment for depression symptoms?
For depression treatment in adults, the American Psychological Association recommends “either psychotherapy or second-generation antidepressants, which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).” For combination approaches, the APA recommends using second-generation antidepressants with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy.
What type of depression is not treatable?
All types of depression are treatable, even those that cause severe symptoms. However, some people may experience “treatment-resistant depression,” a term used for depression treated in multiple ways without relief of symptoms. Some people may be at an increased risk of this type of depression, especially if they’re living with major depressive disorder or postpartum depression. However, finding a treatment plan for this type of depression is still possible, even if difficult.
Seek medical consultation to discuss treatments for treatment-resistant depression, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic brain stimulation therapy (TMS), other brain stimulation therapies, and IV therapies. These treatments may reduce symptoms in those with severe depression that has been difficult to treat for years with other methods or those living with co-current underlying medical conditions. Always consult a doctor before trying any new medication or medical treatment method, and do not start, change, or stop a medication without consulting your prescribing doctor.
Is it possible to never get over depression?
Depression is not considered “curable,” so depression does last for one’s life. However, many people go into complete symptom remission with proper treatment, which can cause them to live life without depressive symptoms most of the time. Medication, medical treatments, and therapy are often recommended for severe prolonged depression, regardless of the diagnostic label or other mood disorders present.
When does the depression end?
Depression generally doesn’t go away without seeking mental health support. Authorities like the American Psychiatric Association recommend therapy, medication, or a combination of the two for people who have been experiencing depressive symptoms for at least two weeks. If you’re experiencing low mood, suicidal thoughts, trouble sleeping, low-quality sleep, or other symptoms of depression for a few weeks or most days within the week, talk to a doctor to get screened for depression. Screenings are generally quick and can help you get the support to start feeling better.
Do people with depression ever heal?
Yes, many people with depression experience complete or partial symptom remission after treatment for mood disorders like theirs. Since depression can sometimes be caused by brain chemistry, like other medical conditions, medications are often recommended for severe cases. If you have a family history of depression, your doctor might also look at whether your family members have received treatment and which types of treatment worked for them. Healing from depression is possible, and you’re not alone. The first step is seeking help from a compassionate therapist.
Do people ever grow out of depression?
People do not “grow out of” depression, as it is not part of development. However, people can get support for depression and successfully treat symptoms. Medication, therapy, or a combination approach is often effective. More intensive treatments might be recommended for those who don’t see results with medication. Reducing stressful life events and ensuring healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious meals, can also be helpful.
What is the most complicated type of depression?
Many types of depression can be complicated, and each person is different. However, prolonged depressive disorder and major depressive disorder are often considered the most severe, as they can be long-lasting and have more severe impacts on the mood. However, all depressive disorders come with risks and can be complicated.
What are the five cycles of depression?
There are no stages of depression. However, some people may confuse the “five stages of grief” model with depression. In this model of grief, researchers believed grief to occur in five stages, including anger, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some people don’t relate to the five stages of grief model or don’t experience some of these stages. Grief can be complex, but it does often involve depression, which can be seen as a form of situational depression incited by a loss.
Can you just live with depression?
You can live with depression without seeking treatment. However, doing so is often not advised, as it can lead to worsening symptoms and difficulty functioning in daily life. If you’re living with depression, know that treatment options are available, and you can access them by seeking support from your primary care physician or a mental health professional. Support groups may also be helpful if you don’t have the finances to meet with a provider.
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