prstoronto.com - Psychotherapy Referral Service

Depression and Psychotherapy

What causes depression?

There are many factors that contribute to one being depressed. IIt is not usually just a single incident that causes one to become depressed. In the medical literature it is thought that very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.

How Does Psychotherapy Help Depression?

Talking about the things that trouble us can actually help. Brain scan studies have shown that psychotherapy can actually affect the areas of the brain that deal with emotional regulation that can improve the functioning of the brain. The most recent studies have shown that drugs are not always required for people suffering from depression. They may be required but results improve when people also undertake a course of psychotherapy.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain