Depression


Updated July 2006

Feelings of sadness, often accompanied by loss of interest in life as a whole and reduced energy.

Sadness is an expected reaction to adversity or personal misfortune and may last for a considerable time. Depression exists when feelings of unhappiness intensify and daily life becomes difficult. In some cases, the disorder lifts spontaneously after days or weeks. Other people may need professional help and support. In severe cases of depression, hospital admission may be necessary to protect a person from neglect or self-harm.

A typical sign of depression is a feeling of sadness, even misery, that is worse in the morning and lasts for most of the day. Other common symptoms include:
  • loss of interest in and enjoyment of work and leisure activities
  • diminished energy levels
  • poor concentration
  • reduced self-esteem
  • feelings of guilt
  • tearfulness
  • inability to make decisions
  • early waking and inability to resume sleep
  • loss of hope for the future
  • recurrent thoughts of death
  • weight loss or increase in weight
  • decreased sex drive
In an older person other symptoms may occur, including confusion, forgetfulness, and personality changes, that may be mistakenly attributed to dementia. Neglect of personal hygiene and diet in an older persons may also be an indication of underlying depression. Sometimes, depressive illness manifests itself as a physical symptom, such as tiredness or may cause associated physical problems such as constipation or headache.

In cases of mild depression, symptoms may disappear spontaneously with support from those close relatives and friends. If treatment is needed, this is usually very effective.

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