Manic Depression Symptoms?
Q.Here's one source Maggie. There are dozens. Every source I've consulted on the net tells me the same thing so far. My texts are buried somewhere or I'd quote them to you. But just for the hell of it, I've asked 3 professionals in the field. Nothing I have seen or heard indicates that increased appetite is ~atypical~ of depression. In fact just as I thought, it seems to be evenly distributed .some lose their appetite, some gain one. Some lose it and then regain it, some gain it and then lose it. Appetite ~disturbance ~ would be a much better description of a symtom of depression.
A.The symptoms of Depressive Illness are highly recognizable, both to those affected and to those closest to them, once they are told what to look for. Here is a checklist of symptoms of Depressive illness: •Loss of energy and interest. •Diminished ability to enjoy oneself. •Decreased -- or increased -- sleeping or appetite. •Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness; slowed or fuzzy thinking. •Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety. •Feelings of worthlessness. •Recurring thoughts about death and suicide. If most of these symptoms last for two weeks or more, you probably have Depressive Illness. Sometimes depression alternates with "mania" and is called Manic-Depressive Illness. Manic Depression causes mood swings creating periods with the following symptoms: •A high energy level with decreased need for sleep. •Unwarranted or exaggerated belief in one's own ability. •Extreme irritability. •Rapid, unpredictable emotional change. •Impulsive, thoughtless activity, with a high risk of damaging consequences (i.e., stock speculations, sudden love affairs, etc.). Failure To Diagnose Studies have revealed that of those individuals who do eventually seek help, only a fraction seek out a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Depressive Illness. More and more nonspecialists are learning to diagnose and treat depression, but too often, when medication is needed, it is not prescribed or is prescribed ineffectively. We are doing our best to educate professionals in depression's proper diagnosis and medical treatment. Correct Diagnosis, Wrong Treatment When Depressive Illness is diagnosed, minor tranquilizers and sleeping pills are prescribed twice as often as the right medication; and even when the right medication is prescribed, dosages are frequently lower than those needed to achieve an adequate level of therapeutic benefit.
Other Questions :
Depression and treatment (Re: Why fear death?) ?
one does not have to be "imprisoned" in a "psychiatric hospital" to be treated for depression and suicidal thoughts. I suffered from both those things once upon a time (in fact, only about a year ago). I was in real bad shape from depression,...
Definition of "clinical depression" ?
I am a little confused about the definition of "clinical depression". Based on my personal experiences it has to be either: 1. Fatigue the cause of which does not show up on a the following tests: Chem 20, CBC, thyroid panel, and sed rate. ...
antidepressant medications and running?
I'm starting counseling/treatment for depression and possible anxiety/anger issues, and may be prescribed antidepressant medication. I was on Elavil three times before--the first time in 1983/early 1984, then in 1987, and the last time in earl...
Depression symptoms continue for many despite use of antidepressants ?
"The field is moving from just thinking about symptoms and whether your sleep has improved or whether your anxiety symptoms are a little less to actually asking the question: 'How are you doing in your everyday life? How are you managing in the...
Depression Clinical Trials ?
A new clinical trial for Depression has recently been posted on the CenterWatch web site (http://www.centerwatch.com). This is a study with a commercially marketed anti-depressant medication in individuals with major depression for whom treatm...