Withdrawal from any substance or behaviour may leave a depressive void prior to re-establishing new competing behaviours. When drug using consequences such as legal charges, family distress, financial problems are combined with poor coping skills and low self image, depression may surface as a key feature. Endogenous depression is seen as being generated from within and more likely related to a biochemical disturbance. Mild depression is sometimes described as such, either because it may lack intensity of more severe presentations, or it appears to be a short-term issue. However, treatment is requied in both cases as chronic, low grade depression or severe short-term depression can both be debilitating and pose a threat to the client and those around the client.
Major depression refers to reactive or endogenous depression.
Dysthymic disorder refers to a chronic condition where a client has at least 2 years of depressed mood and symptoms such as little pleasure in daily living, retarded social skills and numerous bodily complaints. Associated symptoms can include disturbed thought processes including belief in the death of body parts, poor communication, demanding behaviour, self-centredness. Treatment Non-specific treatments Program of daily activities, exercise and nutrition program and regular sleep. Deal with concrete, practical issues. Care in the use of empathy - may deepen depressive states.