Depression Find out everything you need to know Click the brain to continue

Background on depression -What is depression? -Types of depression -What causes depression? How do you know if you have depression? -Symptoms -Cycle of Depression What to do if you have depression -Treatment

What is Depression? Depression: a mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think and behave. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Someone with depression may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities. You may feel as if life is not worth living. Home

Types of Depression There are 3 major types of depression including: Major depressive disorder Chronic depression or dysthymia Bipolar depression or manic depression. Each type of depression has their own symptoms and affect each person differently.

Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy activities they once enjoyed. There are times you may feel sad, lonely, or hopeless for a few days. However major depression, or clinical depression, lasts longer and is disabling. An episode of clinical depression may occur once in a person’s lifetime, or it may recur throughout a person’s life.

Chronic Depression or Dysthymia Chronic depression, or dysthymia, is characterized by a long-term depressed mood. Chronic depression is less severe than major depression, and typically does not disable the person. While it is less severe than major depression, chromic depression may present some of the same symptoms as major depression.

Bipolar Depression or Manic Depression Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, is a complex mood disorder that alternates between periods of clinical depression and times of extreme elation. Bipolar I and bipolar II are the two subtypes of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder – patients have a history of at least one manic episode with or without major depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder – patients have a history of at least one major depression episode and at least one mildly elated episode.

What Causes Depression? It is believed by many that depression results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors. Research suggests that if there is a family history of depression it may make a person more likely to develop this disorder. It is believed that there is an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain that can cause symptoms of depression.

Symptoms A person with depression will have at least 5 of the following symptoms: Depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Agitation or restlessness Fatigue or loss of energy Trouble thinking, making decisions, or concentrating Disturbed sleep, such as insomnia Changes in appetite or weight Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

Symptoms Continued At least one of the symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. These symptoms must be present during the same 2-week period. These symptoms must also represent a change from how you previously would act.

Cycle of Depression

Will Depression Go Away on It’s Own? Depression is not something you can just “snap out of.” It is a medical illness that requires medical attention and treatment. If depression is left untreated, it can last for months or years. In order to get better you must talk to your doctor.

Treatment There are two major approaches to treating depression. These include: psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. These approaches may be used together or alone. Counseling can also provide new ways to cope with problems and help patients further understand the effect that depression may have on them.

Stats on Treatment

Depression is a very serious illness. If you think you may be depressed please visit your doctor.