Posted by SLS on May 3, 2012, at 7:00:28
In reply to Re: Is depression like a society's phase? » ralphrogers, posted by zazenducke on May 2, 2012, at 9:33:37
I am guessing that one factor influencing the epidemic of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders is the result of the increasing psychosocial stressors presented by living in a more complex and accelerated pace of life. I think it is a commentary on the health of society. In addition, I think it is important to take into consideration that reporting practices have changed since the advent of Prozac. After Prozac, it became less of a stigma to be depressed and take medication, and encouraged more people to seek treatment. It also increased the tendency of physicians to diagnose it. Is MDD over-diagnosed? Probably.
Depression (not MDD) has an important function in the healthy human psyche. It is, of course, the result of evolution. Even dogs get depressed. One function of depression is to disuade an individual from repeating a failed behavior - it helps prevent futility and the depletion of psychic energy and physiological resources. It encourages the individual to think or behave differently - hopefully in a more productive way. In addition, depression often precedes acceptance of conditions that the individual is unable to change.
A baby who is upset usually stops crying and falls asleep after awhile, even though nothing in its environment has changed. MDD is a derangement of the this otherwise normal human reaction to futility.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1016788
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20120217/msgs/1017003.html