Depression: A typical case of depressive disorder, characterized by significantly persistent low mood and loss of interest, is the most common mental disorder with a high clinical cure rate. Suicide is one of the most severe consequences for patients with depression.
Depression is a mental disorder with a high prevalence and a high clinical cure rate, but due to insufficient public awareness of the condition, few patients persist in receiving formal treatment, leading to low treatment rates and high recurrence rates.
It is primarily characterized by significant and persistent low mood. Some patients may exhibit self-harm or suicidal behaviors, which can be accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. In severe cases, depressive stupor may occur, manifesting as a fixed facial expression, lack of response to stimuli, minimal speech or even mutism, and reduced movement or immobility.
Chengdu Hanfang Tang Health Tip: Depression generally presents with low mood, loss of interest, and lack of energy.
Currently, there are no clear triggering factors for this condition, but it appears that stressful life events, pessimistic personality traits, a history of other mental illnesses, serious chronic diseases, alcoholism, and substance abuse are closely related to the onset of depression.
The manifestations of a depressive episode can be categorized into three aspects: core symptom group, psychological symptom group, and somatic symptom group.
Concerned parties commonly summarize depressive episodes with the “three lows”: low mood, slow thinking, and reduced volitional activity. These three symptoms are considered typical signs of severe depression, but they may not appear in all patients.
If you feel a prolonged low mood, a disinterest in everything or a decline in interest, or even exhibit symptoms resembling depression such as slow reactions, slowed thinking, or memory decline, you should consult a doctor promptly. Additionally, family members or friends who notice these symptoms in loved ones should actively encourage them to seek medical attention.
For patients already diagnosed with depression, it is crucial to follow medical advice for treatment and adhere to regular follow-ups. Even if the condition has been effectively controlled through treatment, if major life changes occur or signs of a depressive episode reappear, prompt medical consultation is necessary.
Experts at Hanfang Tang explain: Treating depression not only alleviates suffering for patients but also helps reduce the burden on their families and society once patients are reintegrated into society. Treatment for depression mainly includes medication, psychotherapy, and physical therapy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, depression is referred to as “Yuzheng,” primarily characterized by liver qi stagnation. Treatment usually involves both medicinal and non-medicinal approaches, which can be effective for mild to moderate depression, especially for mild cases.
Antidepressant medication has therapeutic effects on depressive mood and accompanying anxiety, tension, and somatic symptoms, with an effective rate reaching 60% to 70%. Therefore, actively cooperating with medical treatment and strictly following prescription guidelines can help most patients alleviate symptoms and return to their pre-illness state.
Depression tends to relapse easily, so patients and their families should constantly monitor changes in condition, adhere to medical advice for regular check-ups, and seek immediate medical attention if relapse symptoms occur.
Hou Zhong, Deputy Chief Physician from a five-generation Chinese medicine family, member of the Chinese Association for the Promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine Studies, expert at the Sichuan Modern Research Institute for Difficult Diseases, member of the Traditional Medicine Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association, and specially invited expert at Chengdu Hanfang Tang Chinese Medicine Clinic.
Graduated from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has over 30 years of clinical experience in TCM, and has accumulated rich diagnostic and treatment experience over many years. By integrating the theories from ancient TCM texts, he has summarized various differential diagnosis methods concerning the Eight Principles, organs, qi, blood, body fluids, and meridians, which effectively identify the essence and crux of diseases. He has published more than ten papers, with several papers…
