Depression is not exactly the same
In people’s minds, depression is depression and low emotion. He or she is happy to lie in bed, has no interest in daily life, and spends the day looking sad and moping. Although people with depression experience the above symptoms, the degree of expression varies, from mild to severe, and some attack others. According to the World Health Organization, depression is essentially a mental health psychiatric epidemic. According to surveys, more than 350,000,000 people worldwide suffer from depression. It affects one’s ability to take care of oneself, in addition to other risks such as alcoholism, eating disorders, panic attacks or anxiety.
But how can depression be detected? What kinds of depression are there?
First of all, the most common symptoms of depression are not just feeling depressed and demoralized. There are nine other symptoms that produce low mood, loss of hobbies (e.g., running, swimming), and doing something embarrassing and ugly. However, these symptoms are not taken seriously, and do not go to the hospital in time.
① Loss of hope in life and a deep sense of helplessness.
② Loss of interest in anything, even though some hobbies have brought pleasure to you.
③ Feeling exhausted and lethargic.
④ Sudden gaining weight or sudden loss of weight.
⑤ drowsiness or insomnia.
(6) Feeling guilty and having a sense of guilt.
(7) Difficulty concentrating and memory difficulties.
(8) Thoughts of death or suicide; sometimes physical discomfort (e.g., headache, muscle pain), but hospital tests do not reveal any problems.
⑨ Avoiding society, not wanting to work, not making friends.
If any of the above symptoms appear for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Classification of depression
The manifestations of depressive symptoms vary. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies depression into the following three main categories: major depression, persistent depression, and bipolar disorder. Mental health practitioners generally base their diagnosis on this manual.
Major depressive episode (single and recurrent episodes)
In major depressive disorder, five of these symptoms must occur within a two-week period. Ivankovich says, “At a minimum, there is a depressed mood, lack of interest in things, and a feeling of bitterness. In addition, the ability to take care of oneself in life decreases.” Although postpartum depression is not technically included in the DSM-V as a physical illness, psychiatrists include it as a psychosomatic illness.
Dissociative mood disorder
Unexplained and repeated temper outbursts are a mood disorder. Although “the intensity or duration of the outbursts varies”. For example, something as simple as breaking a glass or an unintentional remark by a friend can trigger a tantrum. Such an event is noteworthy when it occurs on average more than three times a week for a year.
Persistent depression (psychotic depression)
”Persistent” is the key word here. This type of depression is low mood most of the time, but lasts for a long time, at least two years.
Premenstrual anxiety disorder (PMDD)
Most women are aware of the cyclical discomfort that occurs before menstruation and produces changes in mood and behavior (known as premenstrual syndrome “PMS”), but premenstrual anxiety disorder (PMDD) is a more serious condition. Its appearance is associated with multiple factors of mood (e.g., impatience, stress, apprehension), Ivankovich said.
Substance abuse triggers depression
Substance abuse and certain medications such as taking corticosteroids and interferons cause depressive disorders.
Illness-induced depression
Some illnesses such as chronic pain and cancer can induce depression. Despite the appearance of disruption of normal activities, medical examination does not reveal a mental disorder. Therefore, medical diagnosis is not associated with depression.
Depression with atypical symptoms
Sometimes disorders are not covered by the DSM, for example, there are individuals with symptoms similar to those of major depressive disorder, but with only three symptoms over a two-week period instead of five. Although the symptoms do not meet the conditions in the catalog, the doctor should then examine them in detail and in depth.
DSM off-catalog depression
If a depressed mood affects the quality of life but does not exactly fit any of the DSM types, the doctor can still confirm the presence of depression based on the symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder 1 and Bipolar Disorder 2
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating depression and mania, with depressed mood being an important symptom. The transition from paranoia and mild mania to depression, with paranoia usually lasting seven days and depression lasting two weeks. The difference between bipolar disorder 1 and bipolar disorder 2 is that bipolar disorder 2 does not have manic episodes, but only “mild mania.” Bipolar disorder 1 patients must be taken to a doctor for treatment of severe manic episodes. Depressed patients sometimes have insidious conditions that should be noted. Society generally believes that it is best to try to prevent suicidal behavior from occurring. Psychological disorders are also diseases and can be devastating. Treatment should not be delayed.