MAJOR DEPRESSION Dr Louise Botha recounts her experience in "Living with Major Depression" and her journey in dealing with feelings of loss, sadness and hopelessness to living a fulfilling life.

More on the DVD "Living with Major Depression"

Major depressive disorder may consist of a single episode of depression or loss of interest affecting a person for two weeks or longer, or it may last for a longer time and even reoccur at various points in life after a period of absence. Accomplished Dr Louise Botha recounts her experience in "Living with Major Depression" and her journey in dealing with feelings of loss, sadness and hopelessness to living a fulfilling life.

More on major depression

Major depressive disorder is characterised by one or more episodes of depressed mood or loss of interest, lasting at least two weeks and accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Individuals with a history of manic or hypomanic episodes may not be classified as suffering from major depressive disorder, but could instead be diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. The depression is not warranted by real circumstances or events in the individual’s life and is different from the normal sadness and grief resulting from personal loss or tragedy.

The actual cause of major depression is not known. To date, no single personality type, trait, or series of experiences has been established to account for all forms of depression. Extensive genetic studies provide strong evidence that depression is genetically transmitted. Biochemical theories have furthermore established that an error in metabolism results in a chemical imbalance that seems to play a role in depression. Certain neurochemicals responsible for transmission of nervous impulses have also been identified as involved in triggering depression.

Symptoms usually develop over a period of time. The person may experience anxiety and mild depression for several days, weeks or months before the onset of a full major depressive episode. Untreated, major depression lasts for six or more months. In about 20-30% of cases, some depressive symptoms persist for longer periods, ranging from months to years. When this occurs, it is considered to be predictive of later depressive episodes and the development of chronic depression.