10 August 2011

Definitions Of Depression

What is Clinical Depression?
    Clinical Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, and unipolar depression) is classified as a mood disorder by the DSM-IV-TR (a clinical reference manual for mental disorders).  This is an abbreviated definition of a Major Depressive Episode from the DSM-IV-TR: At least 5 of symptoms from the list below must have been met for at least a two week period and one of the symptoms must have been either 1) depressed mood or 2) loss of interest in pleasure.

1) Depressed mood the majority of the time.

2) Loss of interest in pleasure.

3) Significant weight loss or weight gain.

4) Significant increase or decrease in sleep.

5) Psychomotor agitation or retardation.

6) Fatigue.

7) Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.

8) Diminished ability to think or concentrate.

9) Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

     The symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.  The presence of two or more Major Depressive Episodes would constitute Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent (clinical depression).

  • What is the difference between Clinical Depression and Situational Depression?
     Situational depression is more commonly known as sadness related to an unfortunate  event or situation that may occur in everyday life.  Situational depression is normally temporary or short term and has little to no interference with one's normal life and daily functioning.  However, situational depression can lead to a more severe case of clinical depression if it is not treated or dealt with in a healthy and timely manner.

     Clinical depression is characterized by overwhelming feelings of loss, hopelessness, helplessness and despair that is more long term (at least 2 weeks or more) and interferes with one's normal life and everyday functioning.  Pyschological treatment is strongly recommended for clinical depression.  Pyschiatric treatment in the form of psychotropic drugs may be needed in some cases.



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2 comments:

  1. This is so helpful! Psychotherapy is often used to refer to the entire gamut of treatments available for the management of emotional and behavioral conditions. psychotherapy ma

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  2. Thanks for sharing such a nice information about the depression and its various aspects. I really like the information which is shared in your post. Depression Counseling is one of the common services preferred by the people. There are several ways in treating depression, like depression counseling, keeping healthy eating habit, and exercise.
    Counselling Croydon

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