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Depression and Mood Disorders (www.webmd.com)

Types of Depression:

 

  • Major Depressive Disorder:

    • Characterized by a combination of moderate to severe symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities.

 

  • Dysthymic Disorder

    • A chronic, low-grade depression, characterized by a long-term (two years or more) depressed mood.

 

  • Bi-Polar Disorder:

    • A type of mood disorder with severe changes in affect, including having periods of euphoric elatedness contrasted with periods of severe major depression. These cycles may occur rapidly or over several months.

 

  • Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)

    • A type of depression that occurs during particular seasons of the year.

 

  • Postpartum Depression:

    • Postpartum depression seems to be brought on by the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. Any woman can get postpartum depression in the months after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

 

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

  • Fatigue and decreased energy

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

  • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

  • Irritability, restlessness

  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

  • Overeating or appetite loss

  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

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