A depressive disorder is a mental disparity exemplified by a pessimistic sense of insufficiency. A person commonly suffers from feelings of gloom and sadness, downturns in mood, despair, feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, self-pity, and loneliness. Depression is not just a temporary or situational sadness, but a persistent and pervasive feeling of melancholy or hopelessness that is often associated with weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, constipation, disturbances of sexual function, and feelings of remorse or self-blame. It also results into withdrawal from interpersonal contact, psychomotor retardation and continuous agitation. Different types of depression include: Major Depression Postpartum or Postnatal Depression Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depression Cyclothymic Disorder Dysthymic Disorder Seasonal Affective Disorder One out of 10 people suffer from this disorder. There are many causes of depression. Some types of depression do seem to run in families for generations, suggesting a biological susceptibility. This seems to be the case with bipolar depression and severe major depression. Researchers have shown that physical changes in the body take place along with mental changes. Medical illnesses such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person unconcerned and reluctant to care for his or her physical needs. Also, a serious loss in life, difficult relationship, financial problems, or any stressful change in life patterns can prompt a depressive episode. Very often, it is a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, whether inherited or not, major depressive disorders are often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function. Diagnostic methods include physical examination, checking medical history, detailed questioning, and psychological testing. It will call for an assessment of a complete history of symptoms, a mental status examination to determine if speech, thought patterns or memory has been affected, and also treatment through several types of medications used to treat depressive disorders. |
