Types of Depression
Article by lisa alloju
‘Depression’ is described by some people as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of worry about future problems. Some depressed people feel lifeless, empty and bored. A person having depression could be noticed easily as he might have loss of interest in daily activities, loss of appetite or eating a lot. There could also be a significant weight gain or loss. Sleeping pattern gets very bad, either the person sleeps too much or too little. He might get agitated at everything and feels sluggish. He looses his focus easily and has unexplained aches and pains.
There are different types of depression. These are classified by their prevailing features duration and harshness of symptoms. Most of the depressions are defined by the DSM – Diagnostic and Statistical and Manual of Mental disorder. American Psychiatric Association Publication describes and lays down the standard criteria for different types of psychiatric disorders. ‘Major Depressive Disorder’ is a disorder as it has symptoms which last for most of the day, and sometimes every day. The symptoms are depressed mood, and a decrease in interest or pleasure in all the activities. ‘Dysthymic disorder’ is also referred to a state where the person is suffering for at least 2 years which has symptoms like low self-esteem, low energy or fatigue. ‘Manic depression’ is now popularly known as’ Bipolar disorder’ is a kind of depression which includes periods of mania. Here, the person suffering from this Manic depression get into inflated self-esteem or self importance, talks more than usual, and gets into excessive involvement of any activity which can be over spending, careless sexual activity.
Major depressive disorder is considered to be a kind of main depression. The symptoms can last for most of the day, and sometimes two weeks. The symptoms could be depressed mood, obvious decrease interest in all the activities. There could be significant weight loss or weight gain and sometimes increase in appetite. The person could find difficulty in sleeping or sleep throughout the day. The person could have loss of energy and feel worthless or guilty. He could find difficult in thinking and concentrating. In some of the worst cases the person might even think of attempting suicide. The other depression is ‘Manic depression’ now popularly known as Bipolar disorder. This state of depression makes a person to have an inflated self -esteem or self importance, talks more than usual and sometimes you compel him to talk. He gets easily distracted, and one can find him spending excessively and also get into careless sexual activity and also do some wrong business investments.
One can seek treatment from mental health professionals and that should be done early. Family and friends of the person suffering could help him get over the depression and bring him back to normal.
Dr. lisa alloju
Dr. Lisa Alloju obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas Christian University in 1993 and completed medical school at The University of Texas Health Centre – Forth Worth in 1997. She did her Psychiatry residency Training at John Peter Smith Hospital, Forth Worth from 1999-2002.
During her residency she was the Assistant Chief Psychiatry resident and was the recipient of the “Pfizer- Resident of the Year” award. After a successful residency she has worked in the John peter Smith Psychiatric emergency centre and other inpatient /outpatient psychiatric and partial hospitalization or treatment centers. Dr. Alloju’s specialties include treating addictions and eating disorder problems. Dr.Alloju has been invited to speak on many health care forums.
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dr lisa alloju
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