Depression may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, or restlessness. It is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being.
Subjective cognitive complaints appear in older depressed people, but they can also be indicative of the onset of a dementing disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Depressed mood can be the result of a number of infectious diseases and physiological problems. For example, , which can be caused by two different viral infections, often results in symptoms that mimic a depressive psychiatric disorder; and depression is often one of the early symptoms of hypothyroidism (reduced activity of the thyroid gland). For a discussion of non-psychiatric medical illnesses that can cause depressed mood.
Depressed people may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, or suffer cognitive impairments (difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions). They may contemplate or attempt suicide. Their weight may change dramatically.
Cognitive testing and brain imaging can help distinguish depression from dementia. A CT scan can exclude brain pathology in those with psychotic, rapid-onset or otherwise unusual symptoms. Investigations are not generally repeated for a subsequent episode unless there is a medical indication.
For more information look at http://www.AnxietyDepressionHealth.org. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may be present. Depression can cause pervasive problems in an individual's life through its (often unconscious) changes to behavior expecting poor social performance, and ultimately pushing people away.
Adverse affective reactions to medications or alcohol misuse are often ruled out, as well. These are some of the cosnquneces of aiddtcion. Testosterone levels may be evaluated to diagnose hypogonadism, a cause of depression in men.
A doctor generally performs a medical examination and selected investigations to rule out other causes of symptoms. These include blood tests measuring TSH and thyroxin to exclude hypothyroidism; basic electrolytes and serum calcium to rule out a metabolic disturbance; and a full blood count including ESR to rule out a systemic infection or chronic disease.
Depression can cause pervasive problems in an individual's life through its (often unconscious) changes to behavior expecting poor social performance, and ultimately pushing people away. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may be present.
Depression is associated with changes in substances in the brain neurotransmitters that help nerve cells communicate, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. The levels of these neurotransmitters can be influenced by a number of things, many of which are outside a person's direct control. For more information look at http://www.CognitiveTherapyGuide.org
External causes may include, among other things, physical illnesses, genetics, personality, substance abuse, diet, hormonal changes, medications, aging, brain injuries, seasonal/light cycle changes, and social circumstances (e.g. lack of social support) - or any combination of these factors.
A full patient medical history, physical assessment, and thorough evaluation of symptoms helps determine the cause of the depression. Standardized questionnaires can be helpful such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Beck Depression Inventory.
A CT scan can exclude brain pathology in those with psychotic, rapid-onset or otherwise unusual symptoms. Investigations are not generally repeated for a subsequent episode unless there is a medical indication. Cognitive testing and brain imaging can help distinguish depression from dementia.
Depression can cause pervasive problems in an individual's life through its (often unconscious) changes to behavior expecting poor social performance, and ultimately pushing people away. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, loss of energy, or aches, pains or digestive problems that are resistant to treatment may be present.