FYI
http://content.health.msn.com/conten...e/55/13765.htm
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes symptoms such as low energy, prolonged sadness or irritability, and lack of interest in daily activities. It can be triggered by a chemical imbalance or stressful, emotional situations. Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw or weakness. Many people with depression do not seek treatment because they are embarrassed or think they will get over it on their own. If you feel you have depression or have been diagnosed with depression, there are many successful treatments available to help you. You do not have to live with depression.
What causes depression?
The cause of depression is not entirely clear. It is thought to be caused by an imbalance of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Depression seems to run in families and is often triggered by stressful life events and lack of social support, and it tends to recur.
Who gets depression?
Anyone can develop depression regardless of age, race, or social status. Women experience depression twice as often as men, although men are more likely to commit suicide as a result of depression.1 One out of every 10 people who visit a doctor has depression, but it goes unrecognized or undertreated in about half of those with the disorder.1 If left untreated, depression can lead to poor quality of life and increased risk of suicide.
Depression is a growing problem and is often underdiagnosed in children and older adults. In children and adolescents, depression might be mistaken for hormonal “moodiness.” Older adults may think it is normal to experience feelings of depression along with aging. Depression is not normal at any age, and treatment is important.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is more than just the normal, temporary feelings of sadness and hopelessness associated with difficult life events. Symptoms of depression occur for at least 2 weeks and include 5 or more of the following:
Problems concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
A loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
Difficulty going to work or taking care of your daily responsibilities
Feelings of guilt and hopelessness. It is common for depression to make you wonder if life is worth living.
Slowed thoughts and speech, or no speech
Preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide
Atypical or uncommon symptoms of depression can also include:
Complaints (such as headache and stomachache) with no physical cause.
Weight gain instead of weight loss.
Sleeping too much.
What is a depressive episode?
A depressive episode usually has a distinct beginning and ending and lasts at least 2 weeks. You may have one or many episodes of depression throughout your life, and each episode increases the chances that you will have another.
Depressive episodes can be brief or last a long time, and symptoms can be mild to severe. Sometimes episodes of depression are preceded or followed by periods of high energy (mania). For more information, see the topic Bipolar Disorder.
How is depression treated?
Depression is often treated successfully with professional counseling and medications such as antidepressants. Let your health professional know if you suspect you have depression, as it is often overlooked or undertreated. Once diagnosed, you and your health professional can decide how to best treat your depression. The earlier you are treated, the more quickly you will recover.
Are there different types of depression?
Depressive disorders are classified according to their severity and duration. Depression may be mild, moderate, or severe. It may start suddenly (acute) or be long-lasting (chronic). Dysthymic disorder, for example, is chronic mild depression.
Can depression cause other health problems?
Research supports a relationship between depression and other diseases. However, it is not yet clear whether depression is a cause or a result of other illnesses.
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