DEPRESSION

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Clinical Depression or Major Depressive Disorder is not simply having the "daily blues". The blues may pass without treatment, however clinical depression needs professional help.

CAN DEPRESSION OCCUR WITHOUT DEPRESSED MOOD?

Yes, depression can occur without depressed mood. Depression is a misleading name.

· Depression can manifest without feeling sad with the following symptoms: loss of interest or motivation, poor memory, loss of concentration, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, etc.

· In children and adolescents, depression can manifest itself by: irritable angry mood with behavioral problems is more common than depressed mood.

CRITERIA FOR DEPRESSION

1. Feeling of sadness or tearfulness

2. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities

3. Loss of appetite or nervous binging

4. Loss of sleep or excessive sleep with craving for sweets and chocolates

5. Low energy level, tiredness, lack of concentration

6. Guilt

7. Suicidal thinking

HOW DOES UNTREATED DEPRESSION EFFECT LIFE?

Difficulty in relationships in marriage, family, and work situations. Both individuals and employers and society as a whole encounter economic loss because depression is disabling temporarily or permanently.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

1. Genetic or heredity

2. Traumatic or disorganized childhood life

3. Current life situations: personal, family, or occupational stresses. Sudden loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship such as in divorce, children leaving for school, loss of job, loss of limbs or medical illness can precipitate depression for a person who is genetically or developmentally vulnerable.

VULNERABILITY

TREATMENT

1. SSRI group of medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, etc.

2. Counseling - individual, family, or group.

3. Self-help groups.

4. Suggested readings.

5. Associations.

SUGGESTED READING

Feeling Good The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David D. Burns, MD.

CONTACT

Phone: (219) 933-6642 Fax: (219) 852-2040

E-mails are welcome at our website: www.confidentialcare.com