Some of the general signs of depression

Depression

Depression can be considered a condition that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It is a mental state where a person encounters an emotional state of melancholy, despair and guilt. This condition affects the way a person eats and sleeps, his emotions and feelings about himself, and the way or manner in which he faces his daily routine. This is not to be confused or considered as a passing phase of mood or a personal condition. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.

The illness has no single cause. It is often a combination of various factors. Whatever be the causes the condition, it is not just a state of mind alone. It is related to certain physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical called neurotransmitters. Heredity, stress, trauma, weak physical conditions, schizophrenia, drug abuse, alcoholism are some of the common factors.

Not everyone who is suffering show symptoms. For some, the symptoms may be few and far between. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals, with regard to age, sex and even time. However there are some general symptoms shown by these persons. They are anxiety, hopelessness, pessimism, lethargy, insomnia, overeating, or in some cases loss of appetite, suicidal tendencies, restlessness, irritability inappropriate social behavior etc.

Depression is very treatable with a high percentage of success. Research and studies in this field have found out new means and medical procedures which can beat depression. It is always best not to go for self treatment or practices without the recommendations of a professional health consultant. Advanced anti depressant drugs, coupled with various forms of psychological therapy have proved to be very effective.

In spite of all the medical advances and high success percentage in the treatment of depression, it is to be understood that patience and support from the friends and relatives of the patient is what is most important. These are the confidence building tools and devices which will hold him in good stead. No matter what medical treatment or procedures are used, it is up to his dear ones to support and help him overcome this terrible situation.

More articles below on this condition

Alcohol and Depression
They encounter this for a short time as they attempt to withdraw from alcohol or when they stop drinking for the time. This will however subside in due time....more

Anxiety
People with an anxiety disorder exhibit a number of physical symptoms. General body fatigue, dizziness, sweating, dryness in the mouth, palpitations of the heart, a tingling sensation in the limbs of the body, hot flashes and or sudden chills, etc....more

Attacking
Recent studies suggest that regular exercise may also be an effective way to lift a person's mood. People who suffer from anxiety also improve when they exercise regularly....more

Bipolar
Most people with bipolar depression or disorder fail to understand that their problems require treatment, and in fact even resist any treatment procedures....more

Bipolar Manic
Bipolar manic depressions causes extreme mood swings, inflated ego, insomnia, hyperactivity, distraction, impulsiveness, being talkative, and general recklessness.

Chronic
Chronic depression usually begins gradually, with vague feelings of sadness that gradually build in intensity. The person may experience insomnia, changes in eating habits, sense of hopelessness, general lethargy, restlessness, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating and even suicidal tendencies....more

Clinical
It has been found that people with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression. Hormonal changes in women particularly during pregnancy, childbirth and menopause are likely reasons....more

Coping
Family therapies and group therapies are excellent occasions for the patient to share with others his problems and get the support. Do not attempt self treatment or hope you'll get better....more

Effects
It is important that people realize that it is only the illness and not the person which causes the attitude problems. The best way for them to be relieved of the stress, is to help the patient toward recovery. This could be through helping the person towards medication, treatment, and being supportive....more

Exercise
Recent studies suggest that regular exercise may also be an effective way to lift a person's mood. People who suffer from anxiety also improve when they exercise regularly....more

Fatigue
Drug or substance abusers often lead themselves into a condition of depression and fatigue with constant health deteriorations....more

Female
In addition to confirming the diagnosis of female depression, its relationship to menstruation, pregnancy, the perinatal period or the perimenopausal period should be taken into account....more

Herbal
The Yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that originated in southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The bark of this West African tree provides a number of medicinal uses....more

Herbs
In Chinese medicine herbs for depression are widely used either in the form of pills, tablets or as other preparations. Some of them include Hare’s Ear root, White Peony Root, Tang Gui Root, Hoelin Fungus, White Atractylodis, Ginger, Mint, and Chinese Licorice Root....more

Major
A major depression can result from a single traumatic event in your life, or may develop slowly as a consequence of numerous personal disappointments and life problems....more

Male
It darkens your thoughts, undermines your personal and professional life, and places you at increased risk of other illnesses. Most disturbing of all is that the risk of suicide is four times as great among depressed men as among depressed women....more

Manic
Patients with psychotic episodes, auditory or visual hallucinations are recommended Risperdal, Zyprexa, Haldol or Seroquel. Electroshock therapy is often prescribed as a last resort though some prefer it straightaway since it is often found to be quicker and more effective...more

Medication
Several medication options are available. There is no evidence that one medication works better than another; however, the side effects of the medications differ. Medications usually take 4 to 6 weeks to become fully effective. If one medication does not work, there are many others to try before giving up....more

Medicine
For moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is used in conjunction with specific depression medicines. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and heterocyclic antidepressants are the most common....more

Mental Health
It is now believed that chemical reactions in the brain are responsible for human emotions like sadness, elation, and anxiety. Scientists have only recently begun to understand the complex interplay between factors that contribute to depression. Illness, heredity, psychological traits, and social environment are all believed to play a role....more

Overcoming
Though medications and antidepressants provide relief over a period of time, it is of importance that these persons are encouraged to follow activities or other engagements which can effectively reduce boredom and lethargy....more

Postpartum
Postpartum depression is characterized by constant sadness, guilt, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and crying for no apparent reason. These symptoms may be moderate or severe. But if such symptoms are shown it is best that professional help may be approached....more

Psychotic
During these times they feel persecuted and may be firmly convinced that there are people to harm or punish them. For some people there could be voices criticizing them, telling them that they are worthless and full of sin which can lead to suicidal tendencies....more

Seasonal
About 70-80% of those with SAD are women. The most common age of onset is in one's thirties, but cases of childhood SAD have been reported and successfully treated. This illness is more commonly seen in people who live at high latitudes where seasonal changes are more extreme....more

Self Test
These tests will be in the form of a questionnaire which can be appropriately filled up. An evaluation is done by a professional....more

Signs
At least 8 percent of adults in the United States show serious signs of depression at some point during their lives, and estimates range as high as 17 percent. This condition is found world over and affects people regardless of age sex race or location....more

Stress Related
Stress can develop not just due to certain tragic or traumatic incidents in ones life. It can also be caused by positive or happy occasions. It has been found that stressful situations such as these can lead to events that precede symptoms of depression. ...more

Teen
some of the possible reasons or sources could range from childhood or early trauma, stress, hormonal activities during puberty, physical illness and allergies, under nutrition, heredity and drug abuse....more

Test
practical and reliable methods to measure neurotransmitter levels in the brain are unavailable. There are however medical tests that can point to physical causes for depression such as an underactive thyroid gland....more

Treatment
CRF or Cortico Tropin Factor which is found in the brain can aid people struggling with depression. The possibility of the brains own stress reaction system has been studied deeply and there is hope that a possible answer for depression lies in this area....more

Winter
There has been a prevalence of sadness, loss and general lethargy accompanying the period of winter throughout the centuries. This has given rise to winter festivals associated with lights and candles. It is true that many of us have noticed tiredness, a bit of weight gain, difficulty getting out of bed and bouts of "the blues" as fall turns to winter....more

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