There are however key symptoms that should be present (more than feeling low) in order for a person to qualify for the diagnosis of depression.
These include persistent lowering of mood, tearfulness, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy and diminished activity with unexplained tiredness. Disturbance of sleep, reduction in appetite and weight loss (5% or more of body weight in the past month), pessimism about the future, poor concentration and self esteem with or without guilt and ideas of self harm can occur when depression becomes more serious. Such states are sometimes referred to as 'clinical depression'.
A variability of mood over a day with a tendency to feel worse in the first half of the day is often considered a telling sign of depression. A slowing down of thoughts, physical mobility and speech will become noticeable to people who are close to the sufferer and to the trained eye.
Irritability, short-temperedness, feelings of anxiety, forgetfulness and reduced desire for sex are also symptoms of depression. This disorder is extremely common. Whilst 7-12% of men are thought to suffer from diagnosable depression in their lifetime, the statistic for women can be as high as 20-30%. If a woman has suffered from post-natal depression, it substantially increases her lifetime risk of suffering depression at a future time unrelated to childbirth.
Social theories about a woman's role in society and family, and men's expectations about women, can also be relevant. It is also true that women are by and large more open and honest about expressing their feelings than men.
Treatment Options
The old adage of 'a problem shared is a problem halved' is true. Therefore a sympathetic listener can be very helpful to a person suffering from depression.
When depressive symptoms have progressed beyond a level, it is then difficult to control symptoms through talking with family and friends above. A particular form of counselling called Cognitive Therapy is very helpful. There is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Analytical Therapy though CAT and such techniques in this treatment. There is today confirmed evidence that these are recommended with the treatment of many forms of depression. A professionally trained person is usually the best person to see for Cognitive Therapy.
Dr Jeremy Royds believe that it is best always to commence treatment with thorough and comprehensive assessment.
There are a group of people who suffer from depression and for whom counselling therapy alone is insufficient. Although use of medicines in depression is avoided by many, there is a growing and unequivocal evidence that a combination of appropriate modern antidepressants and the correct form of counselling yields the best benefits.
In Dr Jeremy Royds we have vast experience in treating depressive illnesses. |
