Endogenous Depression Symptoms and Treatment

Endogenous DepressionEndogenous depression is a type of depression that is believed to be caused when certain neurotransmitters are not in balance. A genetic component may be involved. In other words, this type of depression has a biological cause. Some types of depression are the result external like life situations or post traumatic stress. Endogenous depression has no apparent external cause. Unfortunately, there are no medical tests to determine the source of depression. A good psychologist or psychiatrist will most likely be able to determine if a person has endogenous depression, situational depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or post partum depression, etc. If the mental health professional prescribes antidepressant medication and the depression begins to resolve, then one would assume this was a case of endogenous depression. The more recently developed antidepressant medications control the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine.

A multi-prong approach to coping with depression usually yields the best results. Some types of depression require medication. Unfortunately, virtually all antidepressant medications have side effects, some of them quite unpleasant. It is rare to find antidepressants that do not cause weight gain. One exception is Wellbutrin, which actually causes weight loss. Wellbutrin is also less likely to cause negative sexual side effects. However, other side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.

Successfully attacking anxiety and depression requires more than just medication. “Talk” therapy is helpful in resolving life situations and personal history that contribute to depression. Cognitive therapy is useful in changing thought patterns. Our thoughts cause feelings. Changing thoughts, changing the things we tell ourselves, can change feelings. Guided meditation relaxation used in conjunction with regular psychotherapy is a wonderful adjunct to other treatments for depression. The important thing to remember is that depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Depression can be treated!

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