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There's more to depression than simply feeling sad when something disheartening happens in your life. In medical lingo, the term depression is used to describe a medical condition that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), affects more than 20 million men, women and children in the United States alone. Knowing no age, sex or racial barriers, clinical depression is the number one cause of workplace disability and the annual cost of treating people with depression and depression-related illnesses is a staggering $80 billion dollars and rising.
Depression, or Depressive Disorder as it is often called, is an actual illness that affects both bodily functions and mental activity.
People who suffer from depression usually experience corresponding eating and sleeping disorders, self-esteem problems, panic attacks, and sexually related dysfunctions.
Despite the common belief that people who have depression need to simply "buck up and get over it," a depressive disorder requires professional treatment.
There are essentially two primary types of depressive disorder and one secondary type. Major depression refers to a type of depression with symptoms that interfere with the patient's ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and participate in other "normal" life activities. Major depression is the most disruptive when it comes to the workplace and school. Left untreated, major depression can result in failing grades, loss of employment and the destruction of the patient's personal and family life.
A version of major depression, called dysthymia, produces symptoms that are not as debilitating as those produced by major depression, yet they still impact the patient's ability to function at their best.
Less common, but more destructive, is manic depression or bipolar disorder. This illness is marked by severe and repetitive mood swings between cycles of hyperactivity (mania) and extreme lows (depression). Left untreated, manic depression can develop into a life-threatening psychotic condition.
Although the following are common symptoms of depression and manic depression, it should be realized that not everyone will have all of these symptoms, and the severity of any symptoms will vary widely with each patient.
- Recurring sad, anxious, or "blah" emotions
- Frequent feelings hopelessness
- Unwarranted guilt feelings
- Loss of self-esteem or self-worth
- Unexplained feelings of helplessness
- Loss of interest in social activities
- Reduced or non-existent sex drive
- Lack of energy or enthusiasm
- Problems concentrating
- Failing memory
- Inability to make decisions
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia or chronic oversleeping
- Loss of appetite or markedly increased appetite
- Major weight loss or gain
- Preoccupation with suicidal or self-destructive thoughts
- Bursts of unwarranted temper
- Extended periods of restlessness
- Recurring headaches
- Persistent muscle tension
- Recurring digestive disorders
- Unexplained chronic pain
In addition to exhibiting any or all of the above symptoms, people who suffer from manic depression may also exhibit one or more of these symptoms:
- Abnormal or excessive energy or happiness
- Unusual irritability
- Marked decrease in the need for sleep
- Paranoia or grandiose notions
- Elevated levels of speech
- Increased sexual urges
- Recurring signs of poor judgment
- Unacceptable social behavior
There is evidence to indicate that depression, especially manic depression, may be hereditary. In general, depression is believed to be related to certain changes that occur in the structure of the brain or within certain brain functions.
Some medical studies also indicate that people who have experienced major life issues such as a death in the family, divorce, extreme financial problems, or major changes in normal life patterns can develop depression.
There are medical procedures available to treat all three types of depression. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, medical assistance should be sought at once.
Disclaimer:
The information presented on this web site is for information purposes only. It has not been written or reviewed by a licensed medical professional and should not be construed to be medical advice. Always see a licensed medical professional for depression or any other health concern.
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