What Is Depression? Causes And Symptoms Of Depression

What Is Depression? 

In this article  

Definition of Depression

When I have Depression

Different Types of Depression

Physical symptoms of Depression

Common symptoms of Depression

Main Causes of Depression 

  

Definition of Depression! 

Depression  is marked by feelings of worthlessness, guilt and reduced ability to enjoy life. It interferes patient's concentrations, decision making and sociability. The common features of  this disorder is the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive change that significantly affect the individual's capacity to function.

 

 When I have Depression!                                                                     

• Distraction of Attention 
• Inability of decision making 
• Defective social relations 
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details 
• Fatigue and decreased energy 
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness 
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism 
• Insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping 
• Irritability, restlessness 
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex 
• Loss of pleasure in life 
• Overeating or appetite loss 
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment 
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings  
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts 

Different Types of Depression!

There are different types of depression including:  

•  Major depression 
•  Chronic depression
•  Bipolar depression 
• Seasonal depression (SAD or seasonal affective disorder) 
• Psychotic depression 
• Postpartum depression   
• Substance-induced mood disorder 

Physical symptoms of Depression!

 

 

Symptoms may include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Appetite changes 
•  Joint pain 
•  Back pain
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Weight gain 
• Weight loss 

Common symptoms of Depression!

Feelings:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Guilt
• Moodiness
• Angry outbursts
• Loss of interest in friends, family and favorite activities, including sex

Thoughts:

• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble making decisions
• Trouble remembering
• Thoughts of harming yourself
• Delusions and/or hallucinations can also occur in cases of severe depression

Behaviors:

• Withdrawing from people
• Substance abuse
• Missing work, school or other commitments
• Attempts to harm yourself

Main Causes of Depression!

 

including the following:

  

Abuse:

  Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life.

Certain medications:

  Some drugs, such as antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.

Conflict:

  Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.

Death or a loss:

 Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.

Genetics:

 A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait that may be inherited across generations, although the genetics of psychiatric disorders are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis.

Major events:

  Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.

Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression.

Serious illnesses:

 Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness.

Substance abuse. Nearly 32% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.