Depression is often defined as a psycho-pathological feeling of persistent sadness for 2 weeks or more. Depression also points at a slowing of vital functions. Depression is characterized by slow speech. If you are looking for treatment related information go over to my article on mental dysfunction treatment (which is the treatment prescribed for depression patients) so that you can get a good grasp of how to handle such patients.

Depression as WHO sees it.

Recent studies conducted by World Health Organization [WHO] says after 15 years among the most common disorder of the world, depression would be having the second rank. Yes, the second most common disease of the world. Each and every individual is at the risk of this disease.

What is masked depression?

It means masking depression which is actually a mental illness, with physical illness. Among 20 to 25% people consulting a physician are having depression. But they come with vague symptoms like pain, burning sensation, tiredness, and fatigue Etc. they are not to be blamed for that. The reason is that they do perceive their mental illness as physical illness. So for a correct diagnosis it is very important to know the exact features of the disease

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The characteristics of depression- 2 main features and 15 sub features are given below.

1. They remain irritable most of the day or almost every day. Depression itself is feeling sad throughout the day for not less than 2 weeks.
2. They remain introvert . They won’t participate in any entertainments. They show less interest or pleasure in most of the activities that’s happening around them. They usually show a lack of interest in any of the activities happening in most of the days, sometimes nearly every day.

[A PERSON TO BE IDENTIFIED AS DEPRESSIVE PATIENT HE OR SHE HAS TO HAVE EITHER ‘ONE’ OR ‘BOTH’ OF THE CHARACTERISTICS LISTED ABOVE and a few of the characters listed below.]

Sub features

1. Lack of sleep or excessive sleep. Getting up at odd times.
2. Shying away from friends and family.
3. Poor personal hygiene.
4. Complain of vague physical symptoms like pain, burning sensation, tiredness etc.
5. Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
6. They will be highly anxious.
7. Recurrent attempts of suicide
8. Brooding upon unwanted guilt
9. Feeling one self to be useless. Grades oneself to be not worthy for anything. He will be rating himself as hopeless, helpless.
10. Frustrated in the way life is going.
11. Lack of concentration.
12. Noticeable weight loss or gain.
13. Showing an increased or decreased appetite.
14. Fatigue. Easily getting exhausted.
15. Excessive use of alcohol and drugs

Severe cases report

1. Hallucinations
2. Delusions

Who all can get depression?

Anyone can get depressed. One may get depression irrespective of cast, creed, race, age, sex barrier. But there are slight difference in certain ratios regarding gender and age group.

Most susceptible age group

Young adults to adults are more susceptible. People between 30 to 40 years are more prone for this.

Gender comparison

Females are seen to have a higher ratio.

Males        8 to 11%

Females    12 to 21%

The reason could be the hormonal variations a woman is subjected to

Is there any influence on economic status?

A higher incidence is reported in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Reasons for being affected by depression

Depression is usually triggered by personal tragedies.

1. Chemical changes in brain.
2. Defective neurotransmitter activities.
3. Genetic predispositions.
4. A shocking experience in life.
5. Witnessing a shocking experience
6. Death of loved ones
7. Financial crisis
8. Job loss.
9. Use of alcohol or drugs.
10. Diseases like cancer, stroke, Parkinson’s, thyroid hormone variation.
11. Strong medications.
12. Physical body changes
13. Impaired hearing and vision.
14. Diabetic medications.
15. Recent surgeries.
16. Soon after delivery.
17. Soon after surgeries.
18. Menstruation related hormone variation.
19. Pre menopause.
20. Menopause.

The last 5 /6 reasons given below explains why women more susceptible for this incidence. Here is an excellent depression guide I would like to recommend to you for fast,accurate and tension free depression relief.

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