Depression and Symptoms of Depression ?
Q.Major depression is when five or more symptoms of depression are present for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression often have behavior changes, such as new eating and sleeping patterns. Major depression increases a person's risk of suicide.
A.The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person's life. Some types of depression seem to run in families, but depression can also occur in people who have no family history of the illness. Stressful life changes or events can trigger depression in some people. Usually, a combination of factors is involved. Each year, more than 18 million Americans -- men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels -- have depression. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth. This is a result of the hormonal and physical changes. While new mothers commonly experience temporary "blues," depression that lasts longer than 2-3 weeks is not normal and requires treatment. Major depression can occur in children and teenagers, and they can also benefit from treatment. Depression can appear as anger and discouragement rather than feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. If depression is very severe, it may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These are usually consistent with the depressed mood, and may focus on themes of guilt, personal inadequacy, or disease. Yep, all sounds very familiar. One part I sometimes forget is that depression can appear as anger and discouragement....not that I don't feel those things, but they are more difficult symptoms for me to recognize and cope with when displayed by others.
Other Questions :
Migraine....depression....medication?
I have had very good luck with the SSRIs as antidepressants. I've been on Prozac, Zoloft, and now Celexa. I think they also have an effect in me of reducing the number and severity of my migraines. Is there some reason your MD hasn't tried ...
Depression (was mortgage rates (was momentarily verbal)) ?
If you're starting a new thread on depression, then I'm going to join in. I don't know what Stephan means by "everything you have been told about the condition", but I do know that there is no single description of depression. If there were...
Clinical Depression In America. Trek across America [update]pp ?
My high school had three types of chemistry class, each taking two semesters: Chemistry, Chem Study and Advanced Placement Chemistry. The kids in chemistry learned to make toothpaste and such. Somehow, I wound up in Chem Study, where the tea...
antidepressants and weight gain ?
What are people's experiences with weight gain or (hopefully) loss on antidepressants? Does trazodone cause weight gain? How often, how soon and how much weight gain? Is it dose related? Is it due to increasing appetite? I know each person ...
Chronic Neuropathic Pain etc. ?
I hated Neurontin. It exacerbated all my symptoms and I will never take it again. I know it has helped a lot of patients but not me....I found Neurontin exacerbated all my symptoms. I hated it. The only thing that works for me are narcotics. This...