The ideal situation in the treatment of depression would be the complete and permanent removal of symptoms, as well as the elimination of risk factors and mechanisms that sustain depression. In practice, therapeutic success can be spoken of when the patient returns to his or her pre-disease well-being and life activities. By reducing the severity of depression symptoms, the adverse effects of depression on the patient’s activity, health and quality of life can be reduced.
Symptoms of depression
The diagnosis of depression is made on the basis of currently recognized diagnostic criteria. To diagnose depression, an appropriate constellation of primary (at least two) and secondary symptoms must be present in the patient and persist for most of the day for at least two weeks. The primary (axial) symptoms associated with the core of the disorder are:
- lowered mood,
- anhedonia (loss of interest and ability to enjoy what previously brought joy),
- reduced psychomotor drive (low energy, motivation, fatigue leading to decreased mental and physical activity).
The group of additional symptoms includes:
- low self-esteem.
- guilt,
- sleep disturbances,
- loss of appetite,
- suicidal thoughts,
- impaired memory and attention,
- pessimistic attitude,
Even if multiple symptoms are present and there are no axial symptoms, an episode of depression cannot be established. The functioning of a person with depression is related to the severity of symptoms. A distinction is made between mild (light) depression, moderate depression and severe depression. Mild depression does not completely disrupt activity, but the patient’s functioning is impaired; in moderate depression, limitations in the performance of tasks and duties may be noticeable. Hiding one’s condition, one’s ailments involves emotional effort. In severe depression, the inability to perform daily activities appears, the inability to work professionally and participate in social life appears – for this reason it is said that disability caused by depression.
Depressive episode
Statistically, at various points in life, 1 in 5 people experience a depressive episode. Depression is called a depressive episode, suggesting its temporary, transitory nature. This is encouraging information that brings hope for change. It is possible that the symptoms of depression will subside on their own, but the effects of a depressive episode on life can be debilitating and dangerous. So it’s not worth waiting, hoping for spontaneous remission and delaying the start of treatment, as depressive impaired functioning can lead to problems in many fields. Prompt initiation of depression treatment minimizes damage and reduces suffering. Adequate therapy and support allow to regulate the condition, better manage mental health and stop the sequence of negative consequences. Therapeutic action overcomes the symptoms experienced, helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of further episodes of depression in the future. Preventing relapse is very important, because with each successive episode the chances of getting rid of the symptoms completely decrease and the risk of depression becoming chronic increases.
Reduction of symptoms of depression
Symptoms of depression can interact and reinforce each other, and therapeutic intervention is needed to break this condition. Early identification of the problem and initiation of treatment stop the progressive process and reduce the severity of symptoms. Reduction of symptoms can lead to better functioning and salvage (quality) of life. It should be added that it is optimal if symptoms are reduced equivalently. Alleviating the depression symptom of decreased psychomotor drive should go hand in hand with reducing the symptom of decreased mood, since an increase in energy without an improvement in mood may carry the risk of realizing suicidal (suicidal) intentions. Simultaneous improvement of mood and capacity may require combining different forms of treatment and using supportive methods.
Improving with VR TierOne
The presence of depressive symptoms is a major handicap for relatively healthy people, and becomes all the more problematic in situations of illness. Some somatic diseases can induce depressive symptoms, moreover, some medications used in these conditions can react unfavorably with antidepressants. Safe and effective forms of support for sick and elderly people are being sought. In mild to moderate symptom severity, psychotherapy may be a good choice, as it does not create the risk of drug interactions and equips people with the skills to lead their lives in a harmonious, beneficial way. It is not always possible to spread sufficient care over the mental health of patients. TierOne’s VR medical device supports the treatment of depression with virtual therapy. An innovative solution with virtual therapy facilitates the delivery of mental support. VR therapy is dedicated especially to patients with co-occurring symptoms of depression.
Alleviating the symptoms of depression facilitates cooperation with the patient, promotes compliance with medical recommendations, enables rehabilitation and influences the pace of recovery – realistically facilitating disease management. That’s why the VR TierOne device is put into practice in rehabilitation departments, among others. People with depression may show difficulties in starting a new activity and staying in it. Lack of energy, decreased motivation, indecision, lack of interest in what is going on around them, and a tendency to avoid activity are common in depression. Reducing the symptoms of depression promotes better functioning and coping with the challenges of the disease. VR TierOne supports the overall treatment process. The VR TierOne device works well in the absence of regular psychological care and as an additional form of support for people with depressive symptoms. We speak of improvement in depression when symptoms subside or decrease from a baseline measurement. Immersive VR TierOne therapy with elements of Ericksonian psychotherapy, relaxation and the aesthetics of the Revival Garden has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms by 37% (according to the GDS scale). It improves not only the mood of the virtual therapy participant, but the sense of one’s own influence over the situation and the ability to take care of one’s health. VR therapy that reduces depressive symptoms provides a chance to change one’s situation, strengthens the resources needed to continue treatment, rehabilitation and care for oneself. The reduction in symptoms translates into real benefits for the patient – faster recovery and greater independence.
