Definition
A mood disorder in which the person has suffered one or more intense episodes of depression. This condition is also characterized by the presence of various symptoms which last for more than a 2 week period and will include 5 or more specific symptoms during this timeframe (DSM 5).
Symptoms
An individual suffering from this condition may display various symptoms such as feelings of sadness, emptiness, loneliness and also question the relevance of their own existence. There may also be a loss of appetite, not only for food but also for activities which previously brought enjoyment or pleasure. In children and adolescents this condition may be displayed by anger and frustration. (DMS 5). Unexplained fatigue and lack of drive are …show more content…
There is sometimes a loss of appetite that even hunger pangs can’t arouse. A depressed person will often isolate or themselves from close friends and loved ones while they contend with feelings of hopelessness that they cannot seem to overcome.
Who Is Afflicted
Major Depression does not discriminate. It can affect adults, adolescents, children, male and female. This condition also afflicts the wealthy as well as the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the novice and the teacher. Major Depressive Disorder may appear at any age but the likelihood of onset markedly increases in puberty (DMS 5).
In some cases major depression is found to be hereditary. In this case biological factors play a major role. There have been findings that people that have a particular gene may be more likely to become depressed when stressed. For identical twins if one twin is depressed the other has a 67% chance of suffering from depression as well. In fraternal twins the probability drops to 19% (Gateways to Mind and Behavior, Dennis Coon and John O. Mitterer, Halmai et …show more content…
Lab tests are required as well so that any physical underlying issues may be addressed or ruled out as a cause and so to make sure that there are no adverse interactions with prescribed medications. There may at times be a push back from those suffering from depression, their care givers and even family members. Because there are some that equate being depressed with being “crazy” they are reluctant to seek help for fear of being
A mood disorder in which the person has suffered one or more intense episodes of depression. This condition is also characterized by the presence of various symptoms which last for more than a 2 week period and will include 5 or more specific symptoms during this timeframe (DSM 5).
Symptoms
An individual suffering from this condition may display various symptoms such as feelings of sadness, emptiness, loneliness and also question the relevance of their own existence. There may also be a loss of appetite, not only for food but also for activities which previously brought enjoyment or pleasure. In children and adolescents this condition may be displayed by anger and frustration. (DMS 5). Unexplained fatigue and lack of drive are …show more content…
There is sometimes a loss of appetite that even hunger pangs can’t arouse. A depressed person will often isolate or themselves from close friends and loved ones while they contend with feelings of hopelessness that they cannot seem to overcome.
Who Is Afflicted
Major Depression does not discriminate. It can affect adults, adolescents, children, male and female. This condition also afflicts the wealthy as well as the poor, the educated and the uneducated, the novice and the teacher. Major Depressive Disorder may appear at any age but the likelihood of onset markedly increases in puberty (DMS 5).
In some cases major depression is found to be hereditary. In this case biological factors play a major role. There have been findings that people that have a particular gene may be more likely to become depressed when stressed. For identical twins if one twin is depressed the other has a 67% chance of suffering from depression as well. In fraternal twins the probability drops to 19% (Gateways to Mind and Behavior, Dennis Coon and John O. Mitterer, Halmai et …show more content…
Lab tests are required as well so that any physical underlying issues may be addressed or ruled out as a cause and so to make sure that there are no adverse interactions with prescribed medications. There may at times be a push back from those suffering from depression, their care givers and even family members. Because there are some that equate being depressed with being “crazy” they are reluctant to seek help for fear of being