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q=Major+depression

Major depression

Also called: clinical depression

A mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of
interest.

Very common

More than 10 million cases per year (India)

Treatable by a medical professional
Medium-term: resolves within months
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging not required
Causes may include chemical imbalance in the brain and stressful life
events, such as the loss of a loved one.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterises

major depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical
conditions. These include inability to sleep or concentrate on tasks.
Changes in appetite, decreased energy level and thoughts of suicide are
also seen.

The mainstay of treatment is talk therapy with a trained psychologist or

psychiatrist. Medications (for example citalopram and paroxetine) that act
on the chemical imbalance in the brain are also useful treatments for
major depression.

Ages affected
0-2
3-5
6-13
14-18
19-40
41-60
60+

14 April 2016

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www.google.co.in/search?q=Major+depression

Symptoms
Requires a medical diagnosis

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterises

major depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical
conditions. These include inability to sleep or concentrate on tasks.
Changes in appetite, decreased energy level and thoughts of suicide are
also seen.

People may experience:

Pain areas: in the back

Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, inability to

feel pleasure, loneliness, loss of interest, mood swings, panic attack,
sadness, or emotional distress
Behavioural: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, self-harm, or social
isolation

Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep

Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness

Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity and thought, or

thoughts of suicide
Psychological: depression or repeatedly going over thoughts

Also common: constipation, drug abuse, headache, poor appetite, or

weight loss
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but
doesn't apply to everyone. This information isn't medical advice, so make sure that you
contact a health care provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a
medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

14 April 2016

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