Clinical Depression Could Turn Your Healthy Life Into A Nightmare!

Sometimes all of us will feel blue for few days for some reasons and reason it out depression to others .There is a marked difference between feeling blue for some days and experiencing the actual depression. The later will intervene in your work and personal life to a great extent. Learn more about clinical depression from the article.This article cover

• What are the symptoms of clinical depression?
• Do we go "down" sometimes?
• What causes clinical depression?
• How is clinical depression diagnosed?

There is a marked difference between simply feeling "blue" or "down" for a limited period and actually having clinical depression symptoms. Major depression is a physical and mental condition that effects the individual's personal and professional life for more than two weeks.

At any give time approximately sixteen percent of people in the United States will exhibit signs of clinical depression and the condition is the number one cause of disability in the nation. The World Health Organization has gathered statistics which indicate depression will be the second leading cause of global disability by the year 2020. Clinical depression is, for all practical purposes, an equal opportunity condition that can effect anyone.

What Are The Symptoms of Clinical Depression?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) closely links a clinical depression diagnosis with a careful evaluation of a stepped pattern of symptoms. One of two major symptoms must first be present, either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure. In the presence of either of these states, the individual must then have at least four of the following symptoms.

Sadness and fear with an intermittent inability to experience emotion, the loss of interest or pleasure in an activity or pastime that was previously a source of considerable engagement., and marked weight gain or weight loss are all indicators.

Other danger signals are a change in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep), restlessness, slowed movements, and mental or physical fatigue. The individual may experience feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, or decreased self esteem.

Depression causes difficulty in concentration and muddled thinking with memory lapses and potentially thoughts of self-mutilation or even suicide. It is not uncommon for these individuals to abuse alcohol, drugs (or both), and to engage in excessive behaviors such as an eating disorder or a sexual addiction.

In children additional symptoms of depression might include a pattern of nightmares, decreased appetite, and problems in school with learning or discipline that were not previously present. Children may also become withdrawn or exhibit uncharacteristic social aggression.

Do We Go "Down" Sometimes?

So what is clinical depression? Don't we all get depressed? Of course we do. Every human being feels sad at some point in our lives. Life is a balance of highs and lows. Simple sadness, however, is a transitory event, one from which we heal or out of which we can be lifted by a good time or a cleansing talk with a friend of spiritual counselor. Clinical depression settles in with a heavy weight and lasts more than two weeks. It significantly alters our ability to do our jobs, to enjoy the society of others, and to function in the family setting.

What Causes Clinical Depression?

There are many theorized causes for clinical depression. A tendency for depression can be a family trait or the result of physiological imbalances, in particular neurotransmitters in the brain. Some people allow low self-esteem and self-defeating behaviors to get out of hand and to manifest as a more serious depressive condition.

Clinical depression symptoms can also be caused by early life experiences and major trauma. The loss of a job, a financial reversal, the loss of a loved one or spouse, sexual abuse, or divorce are all major, life altering events that present significant challenges in coping.

Certain diseases like hepatitis manifest with severe depression as do mononucleosis, hyperthyroidism, and brain injury caused by a physical blow or a stroke. The abuse of either drugs, alcohol, or both can trigger depressive incidents as can simply living with another individual who is depressed.

Regardless of the factors in a person's personal or professional life or the physical triggers that may be present to cause clinical depression, help is available. No one should have to suffer through long term depression unassisted.

Continue to: How is Clinical Depression Diagnosed

Related Articles

Seven Symptoms That You Are Getting Into A Depression
You are Unable to Recognize Signs of Anxiety? Try Anxiety Screening Tests!
Try Psychotherapy Before Your Mild Depression Gets Serious!
Your Nervous Child Might Be Combating Anxiety Disorder on His Own!
Unable to Enjoy Life? Could it be Dysthymia?
Postpartum Depression - No Case of Baby Blues?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Harassed by Unwanted Thoughts?
Recognizing Common Types of Phobias

Bookmark this Page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us