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[ What is Depression | Exercises
for Depression | Nutrition for Depression ]
What is Depression
Definition
Depression is a medical disorder characterized by feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, pessimism, and a general loss of interest in life, combined
with a sense of reduced emotional well-being.
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Description
The three (3) most common types of depression are major depression,
dysthymia and bipolar disease:
- Major depression is manifested by a combination of
symptoms (see Symptoms below) that interfere with the ability to work,
sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These symptoms occur
without any apparent cause and deepen and persist day-in and day-out
for two weeks or longer.
- Dysthymia is marked by mild
to moderate depressive symptoms that last at least two years. People
with this condition have fewer symptoms than those with major depression,
but the symptoms last longer and develop more slowly. On average, symptoms
can last 16 years before there is a diagnosis. Sometimes people with
dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes.
- Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive
illness, involves cycles of depression and elation (mania). Sometimes
the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual.
When in the depressed cycle, a person can have any or all of the symptoms
of depression. When in the manic cycle, any or all manic symptoms (see
Symptoms below) may be experienced.
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Causes and Risk Factors
Depression is caused by a combination of genetic (inherited), psychological
and environmental factors. Depression, especially bipolar disorder, has been
shown to run in families. Additionally, having too little or too much of
certain neurochemicals in the brain have shown to be the cause of depression.
The psychological makeup of a person, such as low self-esteem, pessimism
and stress, can also cause depression. Environmental or other associated
health factors, such as a serious loss, chronic illness, pregnancy, childbirth,
difficult relationships, financial problems, unwelcome changes in life patterns,
alcohol, drug abuse and medications can also trigger a depressive episode.
About 10 to 15 percent of all depression is caused by medical illness
or medicine. Once these conditions are treated or the medication stopped
or changed, the depression will usually go away.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of depression include:
- loss of interest in the things that the person once enjoyed
- feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps
- feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still
- feeling worthless or guilty
- an increase or decrease in appetite or weight
- thoughts of death or suicide
- problems concentrating, thinking, remembering or making decisions
- trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time
- headaches
- digestive problems
- sexual problems
- feeling pessimistic or hopeless
- being anxious or worried
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