SymptomsFeelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness, outbursts of anger, irritability or frustration, even over small matters, loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports, sleep disturbances, including insomnia, or sleeping too much.
depression
(major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. Causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and manage daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.Sad, Anxious, or Lasting “Empty Mood” Loss of Interest in Almost Every Activity. When a person experiences intense and persistent feelings of sadness for long periods of time, they may have a mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression is also related to insomnia, since one can lead to the other and vice versa. They can also make each other worse.
Lack of quality and restful sleep can also lead to anxiety. A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. If you have had any of the symptoms listed above for more than two weeks, you may have major depressive disorder.
To avoid relapse, people who take medication for depression should continue treatment even after symptoms improve or disappear for the time indicated by the doctor. Symptoms persist for weeks or months and are severe enough to interfere with work, social life and family life. Nearly twice as many women as men have major or clinical depression; hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, and menopause may increase risk. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is similar to PMDD in that symptoms occur seven to 10 days before a woman's period starts.
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and research shows that people with bipolar disorder can have symptoms about half of the cases. The Beck Depression Inventory is another questionnaire that helps mental health professionals measure a person's symptoms. This booklet provides information about depression, including the different types of depression, signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or a loved one. A major depressive episode may precede the onset of persistent depressive disorder, but may also arise during (and overlap) a previous diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder.
Antidepressants take a while, usually 2 to 4 weeks, to take effect and often symptoms such as sleep, appetite and concentration problems improve before mood rises, so it is important to give medications a try before reaching a conclusion about their effectiveness. See a family doctor if you experience symptoms of depression most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks. Other symptoms may include decreased interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy or easy fatigue, changes in appetite with cravings for specific foods, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, or feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Because these symptoms have become part of the person's daily experience, they may not seek help, just assuming that “I've always been like this.
For unknown reasons, seizures help restore the normal balance of chemicals in the brain and relieve symptoms. While the impact of persistent depressive disorder on work, relationships, and daily life can vary widely, its effects can be as large or greater than those of major depressive disorder. .
