About Depression
What is Depression? What is its prevalence? How can I tell if my
patient is being affected by depression? Before diagnosing depression
we recommend a review of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
(DSM-IV), the official classification system of the American Psychiatric Association.
The DSM-IV identifies three main types of mood disorders: major depressive disorder, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.
Not all people who are depressed, dysthymic or manic experience all of
the symptoms. The experience of depression is different for different
people. Some people experience just a few symptoms and others many. The
severity of symptoms also varies with individuals, and over time.
It is important to note that mood disorders are among the most
prevalent of all psychiatric illnesses. The prevalence of major
depressive disorder is approximately 5% worldwide. At any given time
approximately 19.5 million Americans suffer for major depression and 2
million from bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of depression include:
- A persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- A persistent loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, guilt, and pessimism
- Appetite loss and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Sleep disturbance (e.g., insomnia, early-morning awakening, or sleeping too much)
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment,
(e.g., headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, and chronic pain).
In the next section we will discuss the differences and similarities
of Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymia, and Bipolar Disorder.