Most of us will end up with a case of the blues during our lifetime; this is a normal reaction to rapidly changing life events. Clinical depression however is a deeper more persistent problem that does not go away after a few days and is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and despair. There are two basic types of depression disorders, major or unipolar depression, and manic or bipolar depression. While both depression disorders include the same depressive state, bipolar depression also has a manic phase which is characterized by heightened elation and reduced inhibitions.
What is Major or Unipolar Depression?
Of the two depression disorders major depression is the most common. Major depression is characterized by a near constant state of sadness and depressed mood, which persists past a few weeks. Depression disorders differ from mood cycles in that they do not necessarily have a specific cause, and they do not go away when the cause is resolved. An old saying states that time heals all wounds, but in the case of depression disorders the healing process must often be helped along with the appropriate professional help. When a person has been coping with a lengthy bout of depression, and is unable to feel better for any period of time, a trip to the doctor is likely to end up with the diagnosis of clinical depression.
Major Depression Symptoms
While depression disorders vary somewhat, all clinical depressions are characterized by certain symptoms. The following symptoms are the main symptoms a doctor will search for when attempting to diagnose depression disorders. Doctors will look for at least five of these symptoms which the patient has been struggling with for two weeks or more.
• Feelings of intense Sadness
• A very low frustration level and becoming irritable easily
• The inability to have fun or enjoy hobbies
• A lack of interest in sex
• The inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Unable to concentrate
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Thoughts of suicide or death
Depression disorders are different for different people, the unipolar depression may also include symptoms such as confusion, slowed thinking, or impaired memory. There might be crying spells that have no apparent reason, unexplained pain, and agitation and restlessness. Anxiety might be so high that the person complains that their nerves are "shot" and term used to describe the agitation and sense of heightened awareness that occurs during anxiety and depression.
What is Manic or Bipolar Depression?
Of the two depression disorders, bipolar disorder is the most difficult to control. This is because the manic phase brings such a sense of euphoria that most people simply do not want to believe there is anything wrong with them. When they do understand that they are suffering from depression disorders, they feel so good that they do not want to come back down from the high they are one. For this reason when people suffer from this type of depression disorder they often refuse medication. Depending on the severity of the depression disorders, they may need to be hospitalized until they are a stable.
Bipolar depression is characterized by two phases. A depressive phase and a manic phase. There is no set time or cycle for these phases, and they can last for hours, days, or weeks.
Bipolar Depression Symptoms
Like other depression disorders, bipolar depression has many of the symptoms of clinical depression during the depressive phase. During the manic phase the symptoms of this depression disorder are quite different.
• High almost unimaginable levels of energy
• Inability or lack of desire to sleep
• Rapid talking and activity
• Increased excitement or irritability
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Racing thoughts
• Poor judgment and out of control and impulsive behavior
Depression Disorders Can Be Treated
There are a number of treatments available for depression disorders once they have been properly diagnosed. Psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and in the most serious cases medication can help people to get their lives back on track and help them to overcome the depression disorders which have taken control over their lives.
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