Depression
Depression
Depression
Depression is when a person is in a state of severe despair and hopelessness. If you think that you
may be suffering with depression, you could take a depression test; which will give you an
overview of the situation. If you feel that you are in a state of depression, you need to consult your
doctor and not suffer on your own or even wait until it renders you helpless and you don’t even feel
like seeking help. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established a classification and
A depressive episode: some of the typical symptoms of a depression appear for the first
Dysthymic disorder: the symptoms of the depression are less severe, but occur over a
disastrous or even tragic event in your life. The symptoms may be less severe than with a
recurrent depression.
Bipolar mood disorder: this disorder is characterised by intense emotional states and
mood episodes which may include symptoms of both euphoria and depression. The person
may in one moment feel depressed and shortly thereafter be in a state of extreme self-
Depression is usually characterised by a lasting state of despair. Symptoms may include sadness,
Many people affected by depression may also feel a state of hopelessness, of emptiness, which, in
extreme situations, may manifest itself in suicidal tendencies. Severely depressive people might
In a depression, there are always changes taking place in the cerebral neurotransmitter systems.
Being susceptible to depression might depend on genetic disposition. Although depressions are not
directly passed on from one generation to the other, there are specific genetic traits which may
increase the risk of having depression. Apart from a genetic disposition, negative thoughts can also
contribute to developing a state of depression. During depression, the way one considers his own
abilities, the environment or the perspectives for the future are usually very bleak and pessimistic.
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Traumatic experiences or radical changes, for example the loss of a partner through death or
separation, or a severe illness, are common reasons for a depression. Long-lasting burdens, such
as a conflict situation in the family or at work, can also trigger a depression. Although the
symptoms are usually easy to identify, the causes are not always apparent.
Depression due to old age occurs frequently, often because of a deteriorating state of health.
Aging people may not be able to go about their daily duties without having to face constraints and
begin to lose gradually their autonomy. This situation can lead ultimately to depression.
A thorough consultation with the doctor will allow to establish a diagnostic for depression. The
patient explains his situation, describing his feelings, state of mind and complaints. Through
specific questions, the doctor will try to identify if the patient is suffering from depression.
Psychological tests may be also used to complete the diagnostic. Medical imaging or blood tests
are sometimes done, in order to rule out an organic origin to the depression.
Because aging people are particularly susceptible to organic illnesses and to depression, it is very
important to keep those two distinct from each other, in order to avoid that a depression remains
undiagnosed.
The treatment of a depression is as complex as the illness itself. The aim of all the measures taken
is to improve the mood of the patient and to contribute to a lasting improvement of the life quality.
In the case of a very severe depression, or if the ambulant treatment is not bringing the expected
results, a stationary treatment in a psychiatric hospital may be the next thing to take into
consideration. This would also be the case if the patient represents a danger to himself or to others
At first, a depression will be treated through psychotherapy, in which the psychotherapist adjusts
the measures in order to best fit the needs of the patient. Various goals are set, such as re-
establishing the contact to other people, focusing on positive experiences, or changing one's
attitudes in order to weaken negative thoughts and reinforce optimism. Furthermore, the patient
will learn about strategies which can help him to deal with difficult situations. Sport, or other
A medical treatment may be necessary to treat a severe depression. Specific medications, such as
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Depression as a long-lasting constraint
If a patient suffers chronically and is significantly limited in regards to his quality of life, a
verification with the invalidity insurance (or the relevant office in other countries) may allow to
check if a pension can be given. In any case, such a request must be discussed with the treating
doctor.
Self-loathing. ...
Reckless behavior.
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