Depression is considered a serious mental illness (or mental health condition) and a brain disorder, not typically classified as a "disease" in the same way as an infection, though it is a real, treatable medical illness affecting brain function. It's a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, stemming from complex biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, impacting daily life significantly.
Depression is a disorder of the brain. It is a serious mental illness that is more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days. For more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.
Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) categorizes depression under the class of depressive disorders. Depression is also classed as a mental illness and a mental health condition, but not as a disease.
Yes. Severe depression that affects your ability to work qualifies as a disability for STD, LTD, CPP-D, DTC, and provincial assistance.
They're wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in making brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins and folate may be linked to depression.
Causes - Depression in adults
Symptoms associated with depression include joint pain, limb pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, psychomotor activity changes, and appetite changes. In the primary care setting, a high percentage of patients with depression present exclusively with physical symptoms. Simon et al.
Clinical depression is the more-severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.
The VA rates depression at 100 percent disabling in very rare circumstances involving gross impairment of thought processes or communication, inappropriate behavior, and other factors. Otherwise, the VA will rate the condition from 0 to 70 percent disabling based on the severity and extent of the symptoms.
Here are the five key stages of depression.
Depression is a disorder of the brain, a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being and can cause alteration in sympathetic activity of the body, thus affecting heart rate variability (HRV).
New evidence shows that people who maintain a range of healthy habits, from good sleep to physical activity to strong social connections, are significantly less likely to experience depression.
Emotional and cognitive (thinking) symptoms include a depressed mood, lack of interest or motivation in things you typically enjoy, problems making decisions, irritability, excessive worrying, memory problems and excessive guilt.
The predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating, and protective factors framework, referred to as the “4Ps,” is used in medicine for organizing contributing factors in a clinical case and to communicate illness and risks with patients (22) (see Table 1).
The studies vary, but Kristinsson says all show that patients with MDD have both structural and functional brain differences. “The amount of atrophy, or shrinkage, in the hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex is related to the severity and length of the episode of depression.”
Considerable evidence links the “Big Five” personality traits (neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and openness) with depression.
5 foods that help fight depression
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities. Fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling slowed down. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression. Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression. Medication: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
Stage 4: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
During this stage, thoughts of self-harm or suicide can emerge. It's a critical point where immediate help from mental health professionals is necessary.
Depression is sometimes referred to as a silent killer
It's more than just sadness or having bad day. It's a crippling and sometimes life- threatening illness that can pull people into despair and change their entire outlook on life.
Research suggests that depression doesn't spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.
Adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in the body's response to stress. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in response to stress, helping you cope with challenging situations. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.