Depression
Everybodyoccasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually momentary and pass within a couple of days. This sadness of a person become depressive disorder, when it interferes with normal functioning,daily life routine and causes pain for both that person and those who are concerned with him or her.
What causes depression
Relatively, it likelyresults from a combination of biochemical, genetic, environmental andpsychological factors which cause mental trauma like unable to achievedesired things, loss of loved one, a painful relationship or anystressful situation may trigger a depressive event.
Different forms of depression
They are often distinguished by theirduration, prevalent features and severity of symptoms. The most commonforms are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.
Major depressive disorder(also called major depression) is characterized by a combination ofclinical features that interfere with a person's ability to do his orher work, sleeping, studying, eating, etc.
Dysthymic disorder(also called dysthymia) is characterized by long–term (two years ormore) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but canprevent one from performing normally or feeling well.
Psychotic depressionoccurs when a severe depressive illness is associated by some form ofpsychosis like hallucinations, schizophrenia, delusions and OCN.
Postpartum depressionis diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode withinone month after delivery. It is estimated that about 10 to 15 percentof women experience postpartum depression after their delivery.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the wintryweather, when there is a lesser amount of natural sunlight.
Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is characterized by cycling mood changes-from extreme ups (mania) to extreme downs (depression).
Symptoms of depression
People with depressive disorders do not all experience the same symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Constant sad, worried, nervous or "blank" feelings
- Feelings of aloofness and pessimism
- Feelings of disability, unimportance and/or guilt
- Bad temper, Irritability and agitation
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex (libido)
- Fatigue, weakness and decreased energy
- Difficulty while remembering details, focusing and making decisions
- Insomnia, disturbed sleep, early–morning wakefulness or also excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harming, suicidal attempts
- Constant aches or pains, cramps or digestive troubles that do not relieve even with treatment