Depression is a serious medical illness that goes beyond temporarily feeling of sad or blue. It not only affects one’s thought and feelings but it impacts one’s mood, physical health and behavior too. Some people may experience one episode of depression in lifetime whereas some people have recurrent episodes. Depression not only brings negative thoughts and changes in behavior but it also causes changes in bodily function like eating and sleeping.
Causes of Depression:
There are various reasons that cause depression. Problems in career, relationship and social life may lead to depression like symptoms. You may be the victim of major depressive disorder if you’re feeling sad, guilty and tired. People under depression sometime refuse to even take their breakfast and dinner. Medically, depression is categorized in the following types:
- Bipolar Depression (Manic Depression)
- Major Depression
- Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
- Atypical Depression
- Postpartum Depression
- Seasonal Depression (SAD)
- Psychotic Depression
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of depression differ from one individual to another. The symptoms of the disease are measured on the basis of its timing and persistence. It also varies as per the age, gender and background. Most of the persons under the influence of depression talk about feelings of helplessness, loss of interest, appetite or weight changes, anger or irritability and difficulty in concentration. Some of the primary symptoms of depression include:
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression
Doctors take up each case of depression in a distinct manner. The diagnosis of each case is executed as per signs and symptoms of the disease and evaluated on the basis of family history of the disease. Once they establish the facts of the disease and causes behind its occurrence, they recommend the drugs to treat the disease. Abilify is the renowned medicine that doctors prescribe to treat the disease.