Depression

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday living.

Prevalence: In a given year, depression affects 9.5% of the US population (almost 30 million people). Of these, 45% are severe. It has been found that 20.8% of people have been or will be affected with depression sometime during their lifetime (almost 52 million people). With an average age-of-onset at 30 years.

• Women are 50% more likely than men to experience depression during their lifetime.

• Non-Hispanic blacks are 40% less likely, and Hispanics are 20% less likely, than non-Hispanic whites to experience depression during their lifetime.

For children and adolescents (age 13 to 18) research shows that lifetime prevalence is 14% with 4.7% diagnosed as severe.

Types of Depression: The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) identify nine types of depression.

• Major Depressive Episode

• Manic episode

• Mixed Episode

• Hypomanic episode

• Major Depression Disorder

• Dsthymic Disorder

• Bipolar I Disorder

• Bipolar II Disorder

• Cyclothymic Disorder

Symptoms: Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that ny problem or situation can be solved in a positive way. Symptoms of depression can include:

• Agitation, restlessness, and irritability

• Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss

• Very difficult to concentrate

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

• Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt/shame

• Becoming withdrawn or isolated

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed

• Thoughts of death or suicide

• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping

Depress on can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness. If depression is severe there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.

Depression Assessment: This self-assessment is provided for your general information and is designed for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace "traditional" mental health therapy/counseling. If you have questions or concerns about your physical and/or mental health ... contact your family physician and/or mental health professional in your area. In case of a life-threatening emergency ... dial 911 for assistance.

Depression Assessment

 

 

Sources:

National Institute of Mental Health retrieved August 20, 2011 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/statistics/index.shtml

PubMed Health retrieved August 20, 2011 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/