|
The word 'depression' is often used to describe the feelings of sadness which all of us experience at some stage of our lives. It is also a term used to describe a form of mental illness called clinical depression. Because depression is so common, it is important to understand the difference between unhappiness or sadness in daily life and the symptoms of clinical depression. When faced with stress, such as the loss of a loved one, relationship breakdown or great disappointment or frustration, most people will feel unhappy or sad. These are emotional reactions which are appropriate to the situation and will usually last only a limited time. These reactions are not regarded as clinical depression, but are a part of everyday life. The term 'clinical depression' describes not just one illness but a group of illnesses characterised by excessive or long-term depressed mood which affects the person's life. Clinical depression is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety. Whatever the symptoms and causes of depression, treatment is very effective. What are the main types of depressive illness? Adjustment disorder with depressed moodPeople with this illness are reacting to distressing situations in their lives (e.g. the failure of a close relationship or loss of a job) but to a greater degree than is usual. This depression is more intense than the unhappiness experienced in daily life, it lasts longer and the symptoms often include anxiety, poor sleep and loss of appetite. The time which this form of depression lasts may vary from weeks to years. It usually goes away when the cause is removed or when the person finds a new way to cope with the stress. Many people require intensive professional help and treatment to overcome this type of depression. Post-natal depression The so-called baby blues affect about half of all new mothers. They feel mildly depressed, anxious, tense or unwell, and may have difficulty sleeping even though they are tired and lethargic most of the time. This type of depression may last only hours or for a few days, then disappear. However, in about 10 per cent of mothers this feeling of sadness develops into a serious disorder called post-natal depression. Mothers with this illness find it increasingly difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life. They can experience anxiety, fear, despondency and sadness. Some mothers have panic attacks or become tense and irritable. There may be a change in appetite and sleep patterns. A severe, but rare form of post-natal depression is called puerperal psychosis. The woman is unable to cope with her everyday life and can be disturbed in her thinking and behaviour. Depressive episode This is, in general, a more severe form of clinical depression. It can come on without apparent cause, although in some cases a distressing event might trigger the condition. The cause is not well understood but is believed to be associated with a chemical imbalance in the central parts of the brain. A depressive episode can develop in people who have coped well with life, who are good at their work and happy in family and social relationships. They become low-spirited, lose their enjoyment of life and suffer disturbed sleep patterns. People experiencing a depressive episode lose their appetite, lack concentration and energy and may lose weight. Feelings of guilt are also common. Sometimes their feelings of hopelessness and despair can lead to thoughts of suicide. The most serious form of this type of depression is called psychotic depression. During this illness, the person loses touch with reality, may stop eating and drinking and may hear voices saying they are wicked or worthless and deserve to be punished. Others develop false beliefs (delusions) that they have committed bad deeds in the past and deserve to be punished, or that they have a terminal illness such as cancer, despite there being no medical evidence. A depressive episode or a psychotic depression are serious and painful illnesses with real risks to the person's life and well-being. Professional assessment and treatment is always necessary and in severe cases, hospitalisation may be required initially. Bipolar mood disorder (previously called manic depression) A person with bipolar mood disorder experiences depressive episodes alternating with periods of mania involving extreme happiness, over-activity, rapid speech, a total lack of inhibition and, in more serious instances, delusions of grandeur. Sometimes only periods of mania occur, without depressive episodes. For more information on bipolar mood disorder, read the Mental Health Information brochure What is bipolar mood disorder?
|
