Melancholic depression
Melancholic Depression
Melancholic depression (pronunciation: /ˌmelənˈkälik dɪˈpreSH(ə)n/) is a subtype of MDD characterized by a loss of pleasure in most or all activities, a failure of reactivity to pleasurable stimuli, a quality of depressed mood more pronounced than that of grief or loss, a worsening of symptoms in the morning hours, early morning waking, psychomotor retardation, excessive weight loss (not to be confused with anorexia nervosa), or excessive guilt.
Etymology
The term "melancholic depression" comes from the Greek words "melas" (black) and "chole" (bile). The Greeks believed that an excess of black bile in the body led to a melancholic temperament, which was characterized by depression, pessimism, and irritability.
Symptoms
Melancholic depression is characterized by a number of symptoms, including:
- Anhedonia: A loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Psychomotor retardation or agitation: Slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movements or, conversely, an inability to sit still.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
- Significant weight loss or gain: This is not due to dieting or a physical health condition.
- Fatigue or loss of energy: Feeling tired nearly every day.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt: These feelings are not related to being mildly self-critical or guilty about something in particular.
- Cognitive impairment: Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation: Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt.
Treatment
Treatment for melancholic depression often involves a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used.
See Also
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Dysthymia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Melancholic depression
- Wikipedia's article - Melancholic depression
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