Depression

Depression

Depression is a mood state characterised by persistently low mood. Most people have periods where they feel low such as the passing of a relative or pet –low mood becomes a concern when it does not fade over time or occurs in the absence of a trigger. Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Loss of interest/enjoyment in previously enjoyable activities
  • Decreased (hypophagia) or increased (hyperphagia) appetite
  • Sleeping too little (insomnia) or too much (hypersomnia)
  • Fatigue/loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating

 

Depression is the primary characteristic of several clinically diagnosable conditions, including:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD): characterised by clinically significant depression symptoms for a minimum of two weeks
  • Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia): characterised by depression lasting at least two years –typically of a lower severity than MDD
  • Bipolar disorders: characterised by depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes (i.e., periods of low and abnormally elevated mood)