How to Recognize Depression

Depressive disorder or clinical depression can be mild, moderate or severe and is also known as 'unipolar' depression. As well as mild or severe depression, there is dysthymic disorder, a less severe but typically more chronic form, which can last for two years or more.

The other main form of depression is manic (bipolar) depression and this is characterized by periods of depression alternating with periods of mania or elation. In addition, there is post-natal depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Someone who has depression may not realize that they are depressed an it may never occur to them to seek medical advice. It is not always obvious to friends or family either; and even if you suspect a loved one is depressed, its not always easy to tell you how severe that depression is or know how best to help. But depression is an illness - it is not the same thing as being lazy, weak, a wimp, or having a faulty personality. It is a medical disorder that can be treated.

Doctors use a range of diagnostic tools to help them diagnose depression - for example, the American Psychiatric Association's classification in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV), Internation Classification of Disorders (WHO), or the Beck Depression Inventory.

How will I know if I am depressed?

People who suffer from depression genrally have a number of symptoms nearly every day. These always include at least one of the following:

Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.

Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.

You may also have at least three of the following symptoms:

Feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still.

Feeling worthless or guilty.

Increase or decrease in appetite or weight.

Thoughts of death or suicide.

Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.

Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.

With depression, there are often other physical or psychological symptoms, including:

Headaches.

Other aches and pains.

Digestive problems.

Sexual problems.

Feeling pessimistic or hopeless.

Being anxious or worried.

If you like this page, please post it on: