Depressive disorder
Depressive Disorder
Depressive disorder (pronounced: /dɪˈprɛsɪv dɪsˈɔːdər/), also known as clinical depression or simply depression, is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home.
Etymology
The term "depressive" is derived from the Latin word "deprimere", which means "to press down". The term "disorder" comes from the Latin word "disordinare", which means "to throw into disorder". The term "depressive disorder" thus refers to a condition that presses down one's mood and throws one's life into disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depressive disorder 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: A more severe form of depressive disorder that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities, along with suicidal thoughts.
- Dysthymia: A chronic form of depression where a person's moods are regularly low, but symptoms are not as severe as with major depressive disorder.
- Bipolar disorder: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
- Seasonal affective disorder: A type of depression that's related to changes in seasons.
Treatment
Treatment for depressive disorder often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depressive disorder. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help a person manage symptoms and cope with the disorder. Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, ensuring a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs, can also help manage depressive disorder.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Depressive disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Depressive disorder
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