Depression

Normal Reactive Depression refers to a lowered mood in response to a negative life situation such as loss of a loved one, a relationship break-up or loss of a job. This form of depression, experienced by virtually everyone at some point, usually resolves fairly quickly with the passage of time. It is also resolvable and responsive to positive stimuli in the environment (such as meeting someone new following a breakup).

Grief Reactions are a set of somatic (body) and psychologic symptoms that result from great sorrow or loss. Somatic symptoms can consist of rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, headaches, body aches, malaise, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and others. Psychological symptoms include severe sadness, low energy level, inability to concentrate, poor ability to initiate new activities, hostility, restlessness, disruption of sleep patterns and eating problems. Symptoms may arise immediately after sorrow or loss, or they may be delayed, arising months or years later.

Clinical Depression, also referred to as Unipolar Depression, is more severe than a Normal Reactive Depression. The symptoms last longer, and may be marked by endogenous, or biological symptoms. Clinical Depression affects about 17-20% of the world's population at some point in life (and about 5 to 10 percent of the US population in any given year). Women are almost twice as likely as men to suffer from clinical depression. The age of onset may occur at any point in life, with a recurrence rate of about 50%. In other words, those who have suffered from a Clinical Depression have a one in two chance of experiencing another depression at some point in their lives.

While the clinical picture of depression is variable from person to person, there are several common symptoms. Most people who are depressed feel a pronounced sad mood (dysphoria), and describe feeling hopeless and helpless, getting little if any pleasure from any activities or relationships. Many also experience anxiety, anger, or agitation. Depressed people become apathetic, losing the desire to engage in everyday activities. They may have to force themselves to go to school or work, to talk to friends, eat, and often experience sleep disturbances. Some may experience suicidal thoughts, perceiving that ending their lives may be the only solution to their troubles.

People suffering from depression are less active and productive. They may isolate themselves from others, staying in bed for long periods of time. Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or early awakening are common symptoms. Some experience hypersomnia and feel that they can't get enough sleep, sleeping most of the day. People with depression may move and speak more slowly, with a seeming lack of energy. Further, they may experience changes in appetite, finding it difficult to eat anything, Others with depression overeat, as a way to compensate for their feelings.

Finally, depressed people hold extremely negative views of themselves and their world. They may experience difficulty concentrating, with concomitant memory loss (sometimes leading to a misdiagnosis of dementia in the elderly). They may also experience somatic symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, indigestion, constipation, dizziness, and muscle pain. Some case of fibromyalgia have primary components of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as "Winter Depression" occurs when a person experiences depressive symptoms during a specific time of the year, usually in Winter. It is differentiated from other forms of depression because persons with SAD have normal mood throughout the rest of the year. Persons with SAD experience typical symptoms of depression including diffculty sleeping, sadness, somatic symptoms, low energy levels, irritability, inability to concentrate and others.

RESOURCES

American Psychiatric Association                             
1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
Toll-free: (888) 35-PSYCH (357-7924)
Phone: (703) 907-7300
http://www.psych.org

 

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