Depression

What is it?

Depression is a psychological condition (state of mind) that affects a person's general mood. This condition may have physical repercussions and source causes.

Symptoms

Depression has many symptoms, some of which are psychological and emotional while others are physical.

Suffering depression may cause any number of symptoms. Not everyone expresses the same symptoms, and the severity of each symptom ranges from person. Below is a list of some of the symptoms associated with depression:

• Change of appetite: loss of appetite or over-eating and excessive weight gain.
• Sleep problems: Insomnia, waking up early, oversleeping or sleeping too much.
• Lack of energy or excitement in life activities, including sex.
• Fatigue, lethargy.
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism or/and inappropriate guilt.
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
• Problems with concentration, focus and/or decision making.
• Thoughts of death or suicide. (Note: If you suffer from this, seek immediate attention or help.)
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief, defined as melancholy.

Causes

• Chronic Pain, migraine, back pain, neck pain, cancer, other crohnic diseases
• Anxiety
• Sleep Deprivation
• Post surgical procedures
• Neurological: There seems to be a link between the levels of certain neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and depression.
• Genetic predisposition

Who gets it?

Males and females of various age groups with any of the above causes or conditions.

How is it diagnosed?

Depression is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist (or psychotherapist) if it is indeed clinical condition (i.e. a medical condition). Generally it is a condition that has been under-diagnosed and under-treated.

Often it is friends and close family members that help diagnose the problem through observation of symptoms or change in behaviour.

Treatment

• Exercise
• Psychotherapy
• Support groups
• Antidepressants
• Herbal Remedies
• Diet and Nutrition
• Lifestyle regulation: eliminating toxic or harming behavior; creating a regular and balanced schedule.

External Links and References

• Wikipedia.org
• Depression Guide: All you need to know