Are There Stages of Depression? Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

What Are The Stages Of Depression?

Depression is a complex and personal experience that affects people in different ways. Some sources say on the internet that depression has stages, like how people go through phases of grief. But scientific studies don’t back up this idea.

Instead, research suggests that depression is more like a scale where the symptoms get worse as you go along. This introduction will discuss how experts try to understand how depression changes over time.

Some studies show that people think of depression as a scale that goes from feeling good (“wellness”) to feeling bad (“recurring or stubborn depressive disorder”). They also look at how bad the depression is, like mild, moderate, or severe. Some research even says the “depression stages” might affect your willingness to get help.

Experts also examine how depression is linked to gender, life events, and how people deal with challenging situations. However, the effects can be different depending on how severe the depression is.

And sometimes, when something big and sad happens, like losing a loved one or becoming disabled, it can look like someone is going through a depressive episode. However, the experts say that you can have both that and a major depressive episode at the same time. This introduction gives us a sneak peek into all the different ideas about how depression changes and moves over time.

Are There 4 Stages of Depression?

Depression uniquely affects each person. Sometimes, you might see stuff online saying that most people go through depression stages, like the five stages of grief. However, there isn’t much research to back up these claims. We’ll explore these ideas a bit more.

Depression Stage Of Grief

The five stages of grief are a well-known way of understanding how people cope with death and sadness. Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross developed this idea in her book “On Death and Dying” in 1969.

These five stages are often shortened to “DABDA,” and they are:

1. Denial.
2. Anger.
3. Bargaining.
4. Depression.
5. Acceptance.

Originally, Kübler-Ross created this model for people facing serious illnesses, but it has been used in different situations, like dealing with grief or significant life changes. Some experts have even used it to describe how people with ongoing health conditions like diabetes or HIV feel.

People dealing with the loss of someone they care about or expecting a significant change in their lives might also go through these stages.

Some blogs and health websites say that the DABDA model can also apply to people with depression. But it’s important to know that there isn’t substantial research supporting the idea that depression unfolds in stages like the five stages of grief or death.

Are there 4 or 5 Stages Of Depression?

Research tells us that many people think of depressive disorders as a spectrum. This means it’s like a scale, with symptoms getting more intense as you go along.

In 2017, a mental health expert developed a model to put this spectrum of depression symptoms into stages. These stages include:

1. Feeling well.
2. Going through distress.
3. Having a full-blown depressive disorder.
4. Dealing with a recurring or very stubborn depressive disorder.

In 2022, another study presented a similar model that starts with early signs of depression (called the prodromal stage) and goes to being resistant to medication.

Lots of studies also talk about different levels of depression, like mild, moderate, and severe, which are often seen as stages of the disorder. In 2018, one study even suggested that where you are in this “stage” of depression might affect whether you seek help.

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21 million

An estimated 21.0 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 8.4% of all U.S. adults.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

17.0%

The prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (17.0%).

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

How Does The Depression Diagnosis Work?

The usual way to diagnose depression involves a detailed assessment done by experts. They talk to the person and use specific criteria from the DSM-5-TR to help figure out if someone has depression.

To get a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), most of the time, a person must have at least five out of nine specific symptoms. These symptoms should stick around for at least two weeks. Notably, among those five symptoms, one has to have a consistent feeling of sadness or a significant loss of interest or pleasure, called anhedonia.

Besides the psychological evaluation, the diagnosis process might include physical check-ups and some lab tests as part of a thorough assessment.

The main goal of these extra steps is to check for any medical conditions that might look like depression. Things like hyperthyroidism or other health problems can have symptoms similar to depression. That’s why it’s important to do physical exams and specific lab tests to rule out these possibilities.

By being so thorough, healthcare experts aim to not only make sure the depression diagnosis is correct but also to get a complete picture of the person’s well-being. This helps understand the emotional and medical aspects, leading to a more accurate and holistic view of the individual’s health.

Various treatments are available for treating the stages of depression, and the most appropriate treatment option depends on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their depression. Here are some common treatment approaches:

• Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy involves working with a trained therapist to explore and address the underlying causes and triggers of depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are widely used and evidence-based psychotherapy for depression.
• Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can help alleviate depressive symptoms by balancing brain chemistry. Medications are typically prescribed and monitored by a psychiatrist or a healthcare provider.
• Self-Help Strategies: Engaging in self-help strategies can complement professional treatment. This may include practicing stress reduction techniques, incorporating regular exercise into your routine, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding substance abuse.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Making positive changes in lifestyle habits can benefit mood and overall well-being. This may involve establishing a regular sleep schedule, engaging in enjoyable activities, socializing with supportive individuals, and reducing stress through relaxation techniques.
• Support Groups: Joining support groups or participating in group therapy can provide a sense of community, validation, and shared experiences, which can be helpful for individuals with depression. Support groups can be in-person or online.
• Alternative and Complementary Therapies: Some individuals may benefit from alternative or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness meditation, or herbal supplements. However, consulting with a healthcare professional before pursuing these approaches is essential.