Depressive Disorders

Depressive Disorders

Depression is one of the most widely prevalent and recognised mental disorders. It covers a variety of negative moods and behavioural changes. The term depression can refer either to a symptom or to a full disorder. In everyday life, we often use the word to describe normal feelings after a significant loss — for example, the break-up of a relationship or the failure to attain an important goal. But clinical depression is different from these ordinary low moods.

Major depressive disorder is defined as a period of depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. This core feature must be accompanied by other symptoms, which may include:

• Change in body weight (significant loss or gain)
• Constant sleep problems (insomnia or hypersomnia)
• Tiredness or loss of energy
• Inability to think clearly or concentrate
• Agitation or, alternatively, greatly slowed behaviour
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness

Factors Predisposing towards Depression

Several risk factors make a person more vulnerable to developing major depression and other depressive disorders.

Genetic make-up (heredity) is an important risk factor. A family history of depression increases one's own risk.

Age also plays a role, but the pattern differs between men and women. Women are particularly at risk during young adulthood, whereas for men the risk is highest in early middle age.

Gender itself is a significant factor. Women are more likely than men to report a depressive disorder.

Negative life events — such as the death of a loved one, divorce, financial loss, or chronic stress — increase the risk. …