Identified as “a state of deep sadness, a feeling of emptiness, and a loss of interest and motivation, even for something you used to enjoy.” Depression is a mental disorder. Depression can develop into something more than a change in mental state, and it impairs any individual’s thoughts, behavior, body and well-being.

Depression must be treated and identified correctly. In this article we highlight some common and treatable cases of depression.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression is more than being sad. People with depression may experience some symptoms, such as a lack of interest and pleasure in activities of daily living, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or excessive sleep, lack of energy, lack of concentration, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Within the clinical term of depression, it is possible to say that this mental disorder is characterized by mild, moderate and severe depressive episodes. Its degree of categorization is directly related to three factors:

• the frequency of so-called depressive episodes
• the symptoms presented
• the duration of symptoms and episodes

Depression can happen to anyone, but early diagnosis can help with treatment and recovery. As one of the goals of VillaRamadas Clinic is the correct treatment of depression, we present you with some indicators so that you can help your closest circle to recognize this problem, if it exists.

UNIPOLAR MOOD DISORDERS vs BIPOLAR MOOD DISORDERS

When we talk about unipolar mood disorders, we are talking about depression itself. On the other hand, we have bipolar mood disorders, which includes bipolar disorder (type I or type II). Within the Unipolar Mood Disorders, we have the Major Depressive Episode, which can be single or recurrent; and Dysthymic Disorder. In Bipolar Mood Disorders, we have Bipolar I and II.v

Major depression

Major depression usually has at least five symptoms of depression, so sadness or loss of interest in activities of daily living has to be one of those symptoms. In turn, these must be present daily and for more than 2 consecutive weeks.

Dysthymic Disorder (or Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Dysthymia is what we call chronic depression. You must have 2 or more symptoms during a period of two years for adults and one year for children and adolescents. It is the most frequent in treatment.

Bipolar depression

Also interspersing depressive episodes with normal mood phases, bipolar depression also includes the so-called ‘manic phases’ in the symptomatic picture. Mania, which is not synonymous with joy, is reflected in episodes of impulsiveness and excessive euphoric mood; these episodes are associated with cases of hyperactivity, restlessness and little need for sleep.

There are two types of bipolar disorder, they can be distinguished according to the mania present in the mental disorder:

• Type I – extremely severe manic phases;
• Type II – milder manic phases, sometimes leading to the diagnosis being confused with major depression (recurrent depressive disorder).

OTHER TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Some forms of depression may be slightly different, or may develop under unique circumstances, such as postpartum depression or seasonal depression.

Postpartum depression

Much like anxiety to major depression, postpartum depression has impact in terms of sadness, irritability, fatigue, change in sleep, and loss of interest in daily activities. In many cases, this type of depression can be detected even during the period of pregnancy, and should never be mistaken as a result of the woman’s hormonal changes.

Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Depression is characterized by the onset of depression, usually during winter, when natural sunlight is less frequent. However, although more rare, it can also happen in the spring and summer seasons for some people. Seasonal changes can lead to mood swings, leading to a loss of interest in activities of daily living, insomnia, a significant decrease in social interactions, lack of concentration, among other symptoms. The causes may be related to a disturbance in the circadian rhythm and a possible decrease in serotonin and melatonin.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF DEPRESSION

Based on some symptoms mentioned in the previous points, it is possible to detect whether there is really a clinical picture of depression or not. However, correct identification must be performed by a professional.

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Fortunately, depression is treatable. If you identify with any of the types of depression listed above, or if you know someone who may be experiencing depression, please contact us. At VillaRamadas we have the tools to help you restore balance to your mental health.