Depression
Alternative Names:
Manic depression, Hypomanic depression, Dysthymia, Manic-depressive disease
Definition:
Depression is an overwhelming condition that affects the mood, body and thoughts of a patient suffering from the illness. Depression is not merely a bad mood but is a serious illness that a patient cannot simply decide to overcome.
Symptoms:
Loss of feelings of happiness, loss of interest in activities, loss of appetite, excessive weight loss or weight gain, social withdrawal, feeling of guilt and helplessness, insomnia, low energy, difficulty concentrating, headaches, pessimistic feelings
Exams/Testing:
If depression is suspected, a doctor may request certain tests to be sure the condition is not associated with cancer or thyroid disease since treating the illness itself may help alleviate the feelings of depression. (Hyperthyroidism is the most common condition associated with depression.)
Outlook/Prognosis:
The majority of patients suffering depression respond favorably to treatment, though some patients may experience repeated episodes of depression that require additional treatment.
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