Definition of Depression
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Our Depression Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the
who, what, when and how of Depression
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< b>Depression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that
affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the
way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing
blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished
away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together"
and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
The signs and symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities
that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex; loss of appetite (anorexia)
with weight loss or overeating with weight gain; loss of emotional expression (flat
affect); a persistently sad, anxious or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism,
guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; social withdrawal; unusual fatigue, low energy
level, a feeling of being slowed down; sleep disturbance with insomnia, early-morning
awakening, or oversleeping; trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions;
unusual restlessness or irritability; persistent physical problems such as headaches,
digestive disorders, or chronic pain that do not respond to treatment; thoughts
of death or suicide or suicide attempts. Alcohol or drug abuse may be signs of depression.
The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and
bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease). Major depression causes
a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep,
eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression
may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression with long-term chronic symptoms
that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many
people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in
their lives.
Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is characterized by cycling mood
changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches
are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual. When in the depressed phase
of the cycle, one can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder.
When in the manic cycle, one may be overactive, overtalkative, and have excess energy.
Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious
problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic phase may feel
elated, full of grand schemes that might range from unwise business decisions to
romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic state. Bipolar
disorder is not nearly as common as other forms of depressive disorders.
The signs and symptoms of mania include abnormal or excessive elation;
markedly increased level of energy; less need for sleep; grandiose notions; racing
thoughts and increased talking; increased sexual desire; poor judgment; and inappropriate
social behavior.
Clinical depression is still widely misunderstood. The prevailing attitude is
"Keep a stiff upper lip, have a drink, maybe it will go away." About 12% of men
and up to 25% of women suffer from depression during their lifetimes. While more
women attempt suicide, men are more likely to be successful.
Common Misspellings: depresion
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