![]() ![]() The person may feel guilty about a specific life experience or may feel general guilt not related to anything in particular. The symptoms can be quite noticeable to others.Ī particularly painful symptom of this illness is an unshakable feeling of worthlessness and guilt. The person can appear slowed down or agitated and restless. Small burdens or obstacles may appear impossible to manage. He or she may feel tired and have no energy for work or play. ![]() SymptomsĪ depressed person may gain or lose weight, eat more or less than usual, have difficulty concentrating, and have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual. People who have a family member with major depression are more likely to develop depression or drinking problems. Depression is diagnosed in women twice as often as in men. It also may be called major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern.Įpisodes of depression can occur at any age. Most people refer to it as postpartum depression.ĭepression that occurs mainly during the winter months is usually called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. In that case, it may be called major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. If a person has milder symptoms of mania and does not lose touch with reality, it is called "hypomania" or a hypomanic episode.Ī major depressive episode may occur within the first two to three months after giving birth to a baby. The severe form of this is called "mania" or a manic episode. They may sleep far less than normal, and may dream up grand plans that could never be carried out. Some people who have episodes of major depression also have episodes of relatively high energy or irritability. The person has "psychotic symptoms" such as false beliefs (delusions) or false perceptions (hallucinations). People who have many episodes of major depression may also have periods of persistent but milder depressed mood.ĭuring a major depressive episode, thinking can get out of step with reality. But in many cases, depression does not appear to be related to a specific event.Ī major depressive episode may occur just once in a person's life or may return repeatedly. And genetic makeup influences how vulnerable a person is to getting this illness.Īn episode of depression can be triggered by a stressful life event. An individual's life experience affects these biological processes. Hormone changes may also negatively affect mood. Communication between nerve cells or nerve circuits can make it harder for a person to regulate mood. Nerve cells may be functioning poorly in certain regions of the brain. ![]() People with depression are at more risk for abusing alcohol or other substances.ĭepression probably involves changes in the areas of the brain that control mood. They may have excessive conflict in their relationships and may function poorly at work. They may worry more than average about their physical health. ![]() Many people with depression also have anxiety. The symptoms of major depression are defined as lasting at least two weeks but usually they go on much longer - months or even years.Ī variety of symptoms usually accompany the low mood and the symptoms can vary significantly among different people. Major depression is more than just a passing blue mood, a "bad day" or temporary sadness. Or the person suffering major depression may not be able to enjoy activities that are usually enjoyable. The mood can sometimes appear as irritability. In major depression, the most prominent symptom is a severe and persistent low mood, profound sadness, or a sense of despair. ![]()
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