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Depression
Depression is a common medical condition with very specific symptoms. The symptoms of depression, as with any other illness, may differ from person to person. Not everyone will have all the same symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
The term depression refers to:
- a persistent sad mood and/or
- loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
And is accompanied by some of the following symptoms:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Restlessness or decreased activity that is noticeable to others
- Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
- Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
For a doctor to make a diagnosis of depression, these symptoms must have lasted at least 2 weeks, and be troublesome enough to cause a person distress or interfere with work, social life, or daily functioning. You should see your doctor to find out the possible cause of these symptoms.
Sometimes, in addition to the symptoms of depression, many depressed people may also complain of physical problems. For example, someone might have chronic aches and pains that just can't be explained, such as persistent headaches, backaches, or stomachaches. Depressed people may also experience digestive problems such as dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and, less commonly, diarrhea. Being constantly worried, anxious, or irritable are also possible hidden signs of depression.
The exact cause of depression is not clear. No one is sure why some people get depressed and others do not. Sometimes, depression seems to happen because of a stressful event. Sometimes it seems to happen for no reason at all.
Genes may play a role. People whose blood relatives have had depression are more likely to have it, too. However, not everyone who has a relative with depression is going to develop it.
Today, it is widely recognized that depression is a medical condition that may be associated with an imbalance in the delicate chemistry of the brain. If this imbalance occurs, it can affect the way people feel and the way they see the world. It is thought not having enough of a brain chemical called serotonin may play a role in depression.
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