Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness. It is different than normal sadness or grief from the loss of a loved one because it is persistent and severe. Clinical depression has many related symptoms; sleeplessness or insomnia, eating disorders, withdrawal and inactivity, self-punishment, and loss of pleasure. People who are depressed usually stop doing those things which they take pleasures in doing.
Surveys show that approximately twenty percent of the people suffer from depression at any one time and that about one in four people will suffer from depression over the course of their lifetime. Depression strikes men and women of all ages and of all races, but most studies indicate that women are more prone to this affliction.
There are two major forms of depression. One is called depressive disorder. This is identified by episodes of depression. The episodes can be short or long but are usually brought about by a single incident in a person's life such as the sudden demise of a loved one. The other kind is called bipolar or manic depressive illness, which is recognized by alternationg depressed and manic episodes. This an actual brain disfunction. In the major depression or the depressed phase of bipolar illness, a depressed mood predominates, even though the patient may not be aware of feeling sad. Typically, he or she looses all interests in activities. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, not able to concentrate or to make decisions, loss of appetite or greatly increased appetite, slowed thinking and decreased energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, deminished sexual interest (Might explain why I dont like anyone right now. o_o) and recurrent thoughts of suicide and death (Huzzah~!) and sometimes even leading to actual suicides or suicidal attempts. In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, the patient's behaviour is bizarre and sometimes obnoxious. A person in such a state would be hyperactive and have lots of energy (So this is what made my stamina rise), would be talkative (Chatty!) having racing thoughts, and a diminished need for sleep (So you say. z___z) As can be seen, it is very hard to recognize the disorder in this state. Both depressive and bipolar disorders run in families. (Oh? My parents are such happy people, I'd never thought of that.)
The depressive disorders are among the most treatable in psychiatry. (I love psychology.) The usual treatment in modern practice involves the administration of antidepressant and supportive psychotherapy. (Well arent someone glad I can take pills. xD) The three main types of antidepressant are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's), tricyclic antidepressant (TCA's), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's). (~_~ Oy..) SSRI's and TCA's prevent brain cells from reabsorbing excess neurotransmitters after the chemicals have delivered their messages. SSRI's block the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter called serotenin. SSRI's include the most widely prescribed antidepressant, fluoxetine (Prozac). TCA's, such as the drug amitriptyline (for example, Elavil), block the reabsorption of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOI's, which include the drug pheneizine (Nardil), inactivate a protein that breaks down excess neurotransmitters. (Wow, so many hard words. ~_~)
Most antidepressants are taken by mouth, and all require the prescription of a doctor. The drugs may cause various side effects. For example, SSRI's can cause increased anxiety, poor sleep (.__. Now I've got the answer to my questions!), nausea, and loss of sexual interest. TCA's can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), irregular heartbeat, and constipation. MAOI's may combine with certain foods or drugs to create life threatening hypertension (high blood pressure).
First off, wow! O_O Now, did we all learn something? ._.;
Yup.. I'm just insane about these stuff, cant help it.
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