Last Updated on by lizzy
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is more than just a passing low mood or feeling down temporarily. Depression affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and can significantly impact their daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Some common symptoms of depression
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.
- Changes in appetite and weight (either significant weight loss or weight gain).
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping).
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-blame.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Restlessness or irritability.
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain without a clear cause.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation.
Types of depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
It involves experiencing one or more major depressive episodes, which are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and other symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Formerly known as dysthymia, PDD is characterized by a chronic and persistent depressed mood that lasts for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents). Individuals with PDD may experience periods of more severe depressive symptoms on top of their persistent low mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Symptoms of SAD include low mood, increased sleep, overeating, weight gain, and a lack of energy, with symptoms improving during the spring and summer.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
PPD is a type of depression that occurs after childbirth. It is characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with the ability to care for oneself and the newborn. PPD can develop within the first few weeks after delivery or even months later.
Bipolar Disorder
While not exclusively a form of depression, bipolar disorder involves cycling between episodes of depression and periods of mania or hypomania. During depressive episodes, individuals experience symptoms similar to those of MDD.
Psychotic Depression
This type of depression involves severe depressive symptoms along with psychotic features such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (holding false beliefs). It often requires intensive treatment and close monitoring.
Diagnosis of Depression
- Clinical Interview
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
- Screening Tools
Prevention of Depression
- Build Resilience in stress management techniques.
- Engaging in regular physical exercise
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Getting adequate sleep
- Avoiding substance abuse
- Stress Reduction.
- Mental Health Awareness
Causes and Risk Factors
- Biological factors
- Psychological factors
- Medical conditions
- Medications and substances
- Family and social environment
Depression Treatment and Management
- Psychotherapy
- Medication Antidepressant medications may be prescribed in moderate to severe cases
- Lifestyle changes such as Regular exercise, Healthy diet, Sufficient sleep and Stress management
- Building a strong support network.
- Engaging in self-care activities that promote well-being and relaxation can be helpful.
- Continued therapy and monitoring
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