What Is Endogenous Depression?

Updated December 14, 2018

Reviewer Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPC

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You are likely aware that there are many different types of depression that people suffer from. If you have heard the term "endogenous depression" being said, then you might be curious about what exactly it is. The truth is that this term is rarely used any longer. Most people who would have been diagnosed with endogenous depression are now diagnosed with clinical depression. Regardless of what you want to call it, endogenous depression is a major depressive disorder that can severely impact the lives of those who suffer from it.

There are some peculiarities about endogenous depression that you will want to understand. This type of depression is difficult to understand because people don't know what causes it. It is a type of depression that can occur spontaneously without an apparent trigger or cause. Most of the time, depression is caused by some type of traumatic event, but that isn't necessarily the case with this type of depression.

Endogenous Depression Vs. Exogenous Depression

In the past, two types of this clinical depression were diagnosed. Some patients would be diagnosed with endogenous depression, and others would be diagnosed with exogenous depression. Both of these have similarities, but their causes are completely different. Exogenous depression is brought about by stress or some type of traumatic even like normal, whereas endogenous depression is a bit more mysterious.

Most people tend to think that endogenous depression occurs in people due to genetic factors. The prevailing thought is that people can pass on major depressive tendencies biologically. The depression can manifest itself in people without any apparent cause. Knowing that depression can happen without being triggered by something is pretty bleak overall.

There are other thoughts about what triggers this type of depression. Some researchers say that psychological causes exist and they consider those factors. Others think that certain environmental factors can contribute to the development of this type of depression. Either way, it isn't entirely clear what causes endogenous depression.

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Exogenous depression is much simpler to understand because it follows traditional patterns. Someone could get depressed due to losing a loved one or some other type of traumatic event in his or her life. This type of depression can certainly be very severe, but it is easier to understand. It is simpler for doctors to treat the causes of the depression when they understand what the problem is.

As noted above, the term endogenous depression is not used as often in the modern era. This diagnosis is something that is rarely made in modern times. People are instead diagnosed with clinical depression. Sometimes this is colloquially referred to as MDD. MDD is an acronym that stands for major depressive disorder.

What Characterizes MDD?

MDD is characterized as a disorder that causes persistent depression in a patient. The patient may feel like they are profoundly sad. This can lead to the patient losing interest in other facets of life. Patients suffering from this type of depression can really have difficulties functioning like they normally would.

Feeling extremely depressed like this will make it difficult for a patient to get up in the morning. Those who are suffering from MDD may completely withdraw from their normal lives and avoid certain activities. The sleeping patterns of patients suffering from MDD can be erratic, and this can lead to problems with their energy levels. Sometimes people who are severely depressed like this may even lose their appetite.

It isn't too uncommon for people who are depressed to lose a significant amount of weight due to their condition. Patients suffering from this severe form of depression may be so disinterested in life that they don't want to take the time to eat. Sometimes this act of starvation can be associated with suicidal thoughts, but this isn't always the case. Weight loss is a sign that the depression is very bad and that treatment is needed to intercede before things get worse.

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Low self-esteem is very common among people suffering from a major depressive disorder. People in this state often feel like their lives do not have value. Sometimes they will be suicidal, or they simply will not feel as if they care whether they live or die. This harsh view of reality can be difficult for friends and family member to see.

The causes of this extreme depression are up for debate. There isn't one clear cause that puts people into this depressive state. Most researchers and professionals think that it is due to a combination of biological and psychological reasons. There is even some research that looks into the idea that changes in brain function cause this MDD condition.

How Can It Be Treated?

Treating this condition is similar to treating any other type of depression. A combination of medication and therapy is typically used to try to make things better. There are various types of medications that have proven to be effective. Of course, antidepressants are a staple of treating this disease and will be among the first medications prescribed.

Other important medications that can help are mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. The types of ancillary medications that are described will depend on many factors. For example, antipsychotics may not help certain patients suffering from endogenous depression at all. It all depends on the symptoms that the individual patient is exhibiting.

Being able to eliminate problems such as anxiety and mood swings can help when treating this type of depression. Medications can work to help people feel closer to normal while suffering from major depression. They won't immediately take away the symptoms of this depression, but they can significantly alter the mood of a patient to make things more manageable. Feeling as stable as possible will allow the patient to get the most out of therapy sessions too.

Therapy is going to be an important step for those who wish to address the causes of the depression. Talking about how the depression makes them feel and why they feel the way that they do can help. It is possible to make a breakthrough and change the way that a patient looks at something. Therapy is often used in conjunction with medication.

A good therapist will be able to help their patient to identify negative patterns in their behavior. Being able to recognize certain bad traits and being willing to make changes is important. Those who wish to eliminate endogenous depression from their life will need to alter their thinking. Negative thoughts and behavior patterns can be replaced with positive ones, leading to a better outcome.

The process of getting treatment can be difficult, and it isn't something that will completely change overnight. If you are suffering from endogenous depression or another major depressive condition, then you know just how difficult it can be. It can take a significant amount of willpower and inner strength just to get through normal daily activities while in this state. Through seeking treatment and not giving up, it is possible to improve the situation.

Endogenous depression is not something that has to take over a person's life permanently. It can be treated, and people can get better. Once your doctor has recognized the symptoms, they will be able to determine the best treatment plan for you. Working together with a medical professional and getting the support of your loved ones will be essential when looking to overcome this type of depression.

Talk To A Therapist When You're In Need

Simply talking to a therapist or counselor when you are in need is going to be helpful. It is possible that your doctor has put you in touch with a therapist. If this is the case, then you should be able to reach out to them when you are having a difficult time. This will allow you to get the help that you need and you will be able to get through a particularly tough day.

For those who don't have a therapist or who don't want to have to leave the house, there is another option. Some professional counselors can talk with you during your time of need. Whether you are feeling low or if you are having dark thoughts, speaking with these counselors will help to remedy the situation. All of this counseling can take place online, so you will never have to leave the comfort of your own home.

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This can be a very big deal for people suffering from endogenous depression. Sometimes they will not want to leave the house and will have a hard time mustering up the energy to take such a big step. Being able to have access to help when you're in need while you are at home is a must. If you want to get this help today, then you can head on over to https://www.betterhelp.com/start/ to get signed up.

You can get matched up with a compassionate counselor who will be able to assist you. These professionals are very knowledgeable and will be able to help you feel better even during rough times. Sometimes simply talking with someone who cares is enough to make you feel better. They will also be able to assist you with working through some of your problems if you so choose.

Seeking treatment is very important when you are feeling depressed and hopeless. These online counselors are just another option that you should be aware of. You can get the help that you need from your own home if you want to reach out. Even if you do make use of this convenient online counseling option, it is still important to see your doctor about the depression problems.

You are not alone in fighting depression. There are millions of people around the world who bravely face their depression every day. You have more strength than you know and you don't need to face these problems by yourself. Caring professionals will always be ready to assist you when you need help, and your loved ones will also be pillars of support that you can rely on.