Depression and Anxiety

Depression

Depression (pronounced: /dɪˈprɛʃ(ə)n/) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.

Etymology

The term "depression" comes from the Latin depressio, which means "pressing down".

Symptoms

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Related Terms

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Psychotic Depression
• Postpartum Depression
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
• Situational Depression
• Atypical Depression

Anxiety

Anxiety (pronounced: /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/) is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder.

Etymology

The term "anxiety" is derived from the Latin word anxietas, which means "to vex or trouble".

Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms can include:

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry

Related Terms

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Phobia
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Separation Anxiety Disorder

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Depression and Anxiety
• Wikipedia's article - Depression and Anxiety

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