Involutional melancholia
Involutional melancholia
Involutional melancholia (pronounced: in-vuh-loo-shuh-nl mel-uh-koh-lee-uh) is a historical term referring to a specific type of depression that was believed to be particularly common among those in the involutional years (middle age to later life). The term is rarely used in modern psychiatric terminology, but was characterized by symptoms such as intense anxiety and agitation.
Etymology
The term "involutional melancholia" comes from the Latin involutio meaning "a rolling up" and the Greek melancholia meaning "black bile". The term was used to describe a state of depression with melancholic features occurring in middle-aged to elderly individuals.
Symptoms
Involutional melancholia was believed to be characterized by symptoms such as intense anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and a strong fear of insanity. Other symptoms could include paranoia, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of involutional melancholia was typically based on the patient's age and the presence of the characteristic symptoms. Treatment often involved psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication.
Related Terms
- Depression: A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.
- Anxiety: A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.
- Insomnia: A sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
- Paranoia: An instinct or thought process believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of delusion and irrationality.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Involutional melancholia
- Wikipedia's article - Involutional melancholia
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