INFORMATION ON DEPRESSION

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Depressive disorder is a state of sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living. It affects all the ways 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 willed or wished away.

SYNONYMS OF DEPRESSION

Synonyms of depression are:
1. Abasement.
2. Abjectness.
3. Cheerlessness.
4. Desolation.
5. Discouragement.
6. Downheartedness.
7. Heavyheartedness.
8. Lugubriosity.
9. Mortification.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Some of the causes of depression are:

1 Family history. Genetics play an important part in depression. It can run in families for generations.
2 Trauma and stress. Things like financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a loved one can bring on depression
3 Pessimistic personality. People who have low self-esteem and a negative outlook are at higher risk of becoming depressed.
4 Physical conditions. Serious medical conditions like heart disease, cancer, and HIV can contribute to depression, partly because of the physical weakness and stress they bring on.
5 Other psychological disorders. Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse often appear along with depression.

Main three causes of depression:

1. Depression is a medical disease, caused by a neurochemical or hormonal imbalance.
2. Depression is caused by certain styles of thinking.
3. Depression is a result of unfortunate experiences.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Main pure symptoms of depression are:
1. Feeling of miserable and sad.
2. Feeling exhausted a lot of the time with no energy.
3. Feeling as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible.
4. Feeling very anxious sometimes.
5. Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells.
6. Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
7. Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety.
8. Pessimism, indifference.
9. Loss of energy, persistent lethargy.
10. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness.
11. Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness.
12. Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal.
13. Unexplained aches and pains.
14. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION

Diagnosis is done on these steps:
1. Past medical history of the individual.
2. Recent medical history which has led to the consultation with a doctor.
3. Current symptoms.
4. Family history - with the focus on mental illness.
5. Personal history which will explore early development, childhood, educational experience and achievement, career progression, marital status, etc.
6. Current mental state - focusing on appearance and behavior, speech, mood, thought control, ability to think logically and correctly, insight.
7. Physical condition.
8. Impairment of social functioning.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Treatment of depression varies broadly and is different for each individual. There are two primary modes of treatment that are medication and psychotherapy.
A third treatment, electroconvulsive therapy, may be used when chemical treatment fails.
Other treatments used for depression include exercise and the use of vitamins, herbs, or other nutritional supplements.