Clinical Depression

Somnipathy can be categorized in to insomnia disorders, sleep-related breathing disorders, central disorders of hyper somnolence, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, sleep-related movement disorders, parasomnias, and others. It can be primary or secondary, signs and symptoms of which include exorbitant daytime sleepiness, irregular breathing or increased movement during sleep and difficulty falling asleep. A few outcomes of sleep loss are obesity in adults and children, diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, anxiety symptoms, depressed mood and alcohol use. Sleep disorders are frequently associated with psychiatric issues particularly depression. Studies have demonstrated that individuals with a sleeping disorder have a ten times risk of having depression in contrast to individuals who rest soundly. OSA is also linked with depression. SSRIs which increase 5-HT function increase REM sleep latency, and reduce REM sleep. Some individuals show significant improvements in depressive symptoms following a night of incomplete or complete lack of sleep, leading physicians to consider using sleep deprivation as an intervention. Antidepressants and other treatments for depression can have a beneficial effect on sleep. There is a need to evaluate for primary somnipathies, any medications being taken and underlying medical, psychiatric or substance use disorder.

In the treatment of depression, while an examination of cognitions and behaviour is surely in order, the therapist must not neglect the emotional realm and needs to delve into the emotional nuances of depression, as it may differ from dysthymia to major depression to depression caused by anaemia and other medical realms. This paper will examine and explore the “common cold of psychology”, examining current issues and offering concerns about current cultural factors as well as concerns about suicide, resulting from depressive episodes.