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Clinical depression, a serious mental health disorder, is characterized by intense sadness, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, agitation, and loss of interest in relationships. It affects 16% of the population and is often treated with medication and psychotherapy. Untreated depression can lead to alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide. Manic depression, or bipolar disorder, involves extreme euphoria in addition to sadness.
While nearly everyone experiences feelings of sadness on occasion, the term clinical depression is used to describe a much more serious mental health disorder. Also known as major depressive disorder, this is a condition characterized by a period of intense sadness and symptoms such as a change in appetite, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, agitation, or loss of interest in maintaining relationships with friends and family . Many people suffering from depression also show signs of anxiety and panic disorders.
Clinical depression affects approximately 16% of the population and occurs among people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. Most cases are first diagnosed during the patient’s 20s, although this condition occurs among adolescents and the elderly. More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but some researchers believe this may simply be attributed to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment for their condition.
The exact cause of clinical depression is unknown, although the condition appears to have a genetic component. Traumatic events like poverty, job loss, sexual abuse, or the death of a loved one can increase symptoms of depression, but researchers aren’t sure if these stressful experiences actually cause the condition. Illness and poor diet are also thought to exacerbate depression in some individuals, but more studies are needed before accurate conclusions can be drawn.
Clinical depression is often treated with antidepressant medications such as Prozac®, Paxil®, Zoloft®, Wellbutrin®, Lexapro® or Effexor®. Psychotherapy is also often recommended in many cases. While there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that exercise, vitamins and herbal supplements may also be helpful in treating depression, these alternative therapies should not be used as a substitute for qualified medical care.
If left untreated, clinical depression increases the risk of alcoholism and drug abuse. Untreated depression can also make it harder for people with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes to manage their health care. In very severe cases, untreated depression can lead to suicide.
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is sometimes confused with clinical depression. While both conditions involve feelings of sadness, a person suffering from manic depression will have alternate episodes of extreme euphoria. These erratic emotional changes present an entirely different set of challenges for patients in need of care.
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