What
is a Depressive Disorder?
A
depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and
thoughts. It affects the way 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.
People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves
together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last
for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help
most people who suffer from depression
How
many types of Depression ?
Depressive
disorders come in different forms, just as is the case with other
illnesses such as heart disease. This pamphlet briefly describes three
of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within
these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their
severity, and persistence.
What
is major Depression ?
Major
depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptom
list) that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat,
and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of
depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times
in a lifetime.
Dysthymia
A
less severe type of depression, dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic
symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or
from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major
depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
Bipolar
Disorder
Another
type of depression is bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive
illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders,
bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe
highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes the mood switches are
dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. When in the depressed
cycle, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive
disorder. When in the manic cycle, the individual may be overactive,
overtalkative, and have a great deal of energy. Mania often affects
thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause serious
problems and embarrassment. For example, the individual in a manic
phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes that might range from
unwise business decisions to romantic sprees. Mania, left untreated,
may worsen to a psychotic state.
What
are the symptoms of depression ?
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom.
Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms
varies with individuals and also varies over time.
Depression
- Persistent
sad, anxious, or "empty" mood .
- Feelings
of hopelessness, pessimism .
- Feelings
of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness .
- Loss
of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed,
including sex.
- Decreased
energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty
concentrating, remembering, making decisions.
- Insomnia,
early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
- Appetite
and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
- Thoughts
of death or suicide; suicide attempts.
- Restlessness,
irritability.
- Persistent
physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches,
digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Mania
- Abnormal
or excessive elation
- Unusual
irritability
- Decreased
need for sleep
- Grandiose
notions
- Increased
talking
- Racing
thoughts
- Increased
sexual desire
- Markedly
increased energy
- Poor
judgment
- Inappropriate
social behavior
Causes of Depression
Some
types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological
vulnerability can be inherited. This seems to be the case with bipolar
disorder. Studies of families in which members of each generation
develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a
somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However,
the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that
causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently
additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are
involved in its onset.
In some families, major depression also seems to occur generation
after generation. However, it can also occur in people who have no
family history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive
disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain
function.
People
who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the
world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmed by stress, are
prone to depression. Whether this represents a psychological predisposition
or an early form of the illness is not clear.
or an early form of the illness is not clear.
In
recent years, researchers have shown that physical changes in the
body can be accompanied by mental changes as well. Medical illnesses
such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal
disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic
and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging
the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship,
financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change
in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination
of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in
the onset of a depressive disorder. Later episodes of illness typically
are precipitated by only mild stresses, or none at all.
We
offer some classical Indian supportive remedies for this disease
which are supposed to be taken strictly under medical supervision.
Kindly Ask a Doctor
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