Mood disorders rank among the top 10
causes of worldwide disability, and Major Depression takes the first spot on
the list. Furthermore, depression is the leading cause of diminished
productivity and absenteeism in the workplace. Listed below are the classic
signs of depression according as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Signs of depression vary greatly and it
is crucial to seek help from your doctor or mental health provider if you have
been experiencing any of the symptoms described below.
An individual is diagnosed with major
depressive disorder (MDD) after they experience five or more of the following
symptoms almost every day for the same two-week period, and at least one of the
symptoms must be depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure:
•
Lack of energy and fatigue
•
Difficulty sleeping or excessive
sleeping
•
A dramatic change in appetite
resulting in a 5% change in weight (gain or loss) in a month
•
Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate,
and guilt
•
Inability to concentrate, think
clearly, or make decisions
•
Agitation, restlessness, and
irritability
•
Inactivity and withdrawal from
typical pleasurable activities
•
Feelings of hopelessness and
helplessness
•
Thoughts of death or suicide
Depressive symptoms may vary
extremely from one individual to another. While one depressed person may
experience feelings of irritation, anger, and discouragement, another may feel
hopeless, sadness, and helplessness. Furthermore, depressive symptoms may seem
to change an individual’s personality. For example, a patient might start to
lose his or her temper about matters that would normally not concern him or
her.
Moreover, individuals with severe
depression may experience psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and
hallucinations. Delusions are strongly held false beliefs that lead an
individual to misinterpret relationships and events.
Delusions vary greatly in their
themes and may include:
•
Persecutory: believing someone is
following you or spying on you
•
Somatic: believing a body part has
been injured or altered
•
Referential: believing a movie or
song lyrics contain special messages only for you
•
Erotomaniac: believing that another
individual, usually one of higher status, is in love with you
•
Grandiose: Believing that you have
special powers, talents, or that you are famous
•
Religious: False believes regarding
spiritual or religious content
Hallucinations are experiences
involving the sensation of something that appears to be real to the patient
although these sensations are not caused by real things in the environment.
Hallucinations may be extremely convincing as well as disturbing to the patient.
Different themes related to
hallucinations may include:
•
The sensory realm: sound, sight,
smell, taste, and touch.
•
Auditory: (the most common form)
involving hearing voices of individuals who are not actually present.
Thankfully, there are numerous
treatments to relieve individuals of depression. Treatments may include
cognitive based therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, group
and family therapy, medications, non-pharmacological treatment, and much more.
The type of treatment depends on what works best with the individual.
Thousands of individuals have
overcome depression and now lead happy and healthy lives. Capitol
Care’s many behavioral and mental health programs are designed to treat
depression and have proven to be highly effective. Do not face this difficult
problem on your own.
Disability and suffering is not
limited to the individual diagnosed with Depression. Family and friends of
individuals suffering from major depression often experience anger, guilt,
frustration, and financial hardship.
To learn more, or if you or a loved one are seeking
help for any mental health illness, contact Capitol Care at our Alabama
department of mental health. We are confident that our treatments will continue
to give hope and relief to individuals and families affected by major
depression.