Depression (major depressive disorder) – Symptoms and causes

One of the most common illnesses that affect adults and children alike is depression. It is a mood disorder, which can result in loss of interest. One of the most common depression symptomsis a feeling of sadness. Well, it is also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder.

It results in different physical and emotional problems. In addition to this, it affects the way you think, feel and behave. You might often feel like your life is not worth it. Plus, doing normal everyday activities can be troubling. This illness is not just a weakness that will be gone in a minute or within a day.

You will need to treat yourself for a longer time. Many people who suffer from depression are treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Well, many feel better after the treatment. Read on to know more about the symptoms and causes.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Sometimes, depression occurs only once in a lifetime. Additionally, many people with depression tend to have multiple episodes. The symptoms can occur every day if people with depression have these episodes. Some of the symptoms include a feeling of hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, and tearfulness.

You might get irritated and frustrated, even in small matters. You might have angry outbursts too. You might lose interest in your day-to-day activities or hobbies. In addition to this, you might lose interest in sports and sex. You might feel like sleeping a lot. You can also have insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Lack of energy and tiredness are some other symptoms. You might have to put in extra effort for the smallest of tasks. Increased cravings for food, weight gain, reduced appetite, and weight loss are also symptoms of depression. You might even experience restlessness, anxiety, and agitation.

Fixating on the past, self-blame, feeling worthless, or guilt are more symptoms. You might also have trouble thinking, making decisions, concentrating, and remembering a few things. If an individual is depressed, it means that the individual can get frequent thoughts of death, which can lead to suicide or a suicide attempt.

You might even have back pain or headache. Many people with depression can have serious and noticeable problems. The problems include feeling unhappy or miserable in work, school, or relationships.

What are the symptoms of depression in children and teens?

Some signs and symptoms for children and teens are similar to that of adults. Well, there can be a few differences. When it comes to young children, they can feel sad and irritated. They can also be clingy and worry all day. Young children might experience aches and pain.

They can be underweight and might refuse to go to school. When it comes to teenagers, the symptoms include feeling worthless and negative, irritability and sadness. Anger, being extremely sensitive, using drugs or alcohol, avoiding social activities are some symptoms of depression. More symptoms include loss of interest in activities, self-harm, sleeping, or eating too much.

What are the symptoms of depression in older adults?

Always remember to take depression seriously. Sometimes, it is untreated and undiagnosed in older adults. Depression symptoms can include personality changes, physical pain, memory difficulties, sleep problems, fatigue, and loss of appetite. More symptoms include suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, and self-harm.

What are the causes of depression?

The exact cause of depression is not known, but there might be various factors involved. Below listed are some of them.

1. Biological differences: When people have depression, their brain goes through a lot of changes. Although the reason for the changes is uncertain, it might help identify the cause of this illness.
2. Brain chemistry: Your brain has some chemicals that play a role in depression. It is called neurotransmitters. Changes in their function can affect the mood and lead to depression.
3. Hormones: Hormonal changes can cause and trigger depression. In addition to this, it can result in postpartum (depression just after delivery) and a number of conditions.
4. Inherited traits: If any of your blood relatives have depression, researchers believe that you can also have the condition.