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Types of Depression

Types of Depression

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Study: Physicians' Empathy Can Ease Caregivers' Depression PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Without doctors' intervention, CareGivers to patients with a lot of physical needs were significantly more likely to be depressed, forced to take out loans to pay for health costs and deal with patients considering euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. Empathy Can Ease Caregivers' Depression

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Mild (the blues) is most common type. Usually brief, doesn't interfere with normal activities. Significant events such as holidays, anniversaries, a new job, a move, as well as boredom and frustration can produce a "down" mood. Treatment usually not needed,and a change of situation, pace, etc. will usually brighten a "blue" mood.

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Moderate (feeling hopeless) has similar symptoms but more intense and longer lasting. An unhappy event such as loss of a loved one,career setback, etc. is usually the cause. Daily activities are harder to cope with, but usually still possible. Suicide may be a danger--may seem like the only "solution" as pain increases. Professional help may be necessary.

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Severe (separation from reality) Loss of interest in outside world, and serious prolonged behavior changes are characteristic. Deep inner imbalances are usually the cause. Sometimes another disorder such as schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug addiction may be related to depression. Physical symptoms become obvious. Person may suffer delusions that his/her body is changing. Professional treatment is necessary.

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SYMPTOMS of DEPRESSION:
A broad range may be experienced, including these:
  • Changes in behavior and attitude
  • General slowing down, neglect of responsibilities, and appearance, loss of appetite, agitation, pointless over-activity
  • Poor memory, inability to concentrate
  • Irritability, complaints about matters that used to be taken in stride
  • Different feelings and perceptions
  • Emotional flatness or emptiness, inability to find pleasure in anything, hopelessness
  • Loss of sexual desire, of warm feelings for family and friends
  • Exaggerated self-blame, guilt or loss of self-esteem, sometimes leading to suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Physical complaints with no organic cause
  • Sleep disturbances such as early morning wakefulness, sleeping too much, insomnia.
  • Chronic fatigue, lack of energy
  • Unexplained headaches, backaches, etc
  • Digestive upsets, stomach pain, nausea, indigestion, changes in bowel habits

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    Everyone experiences some or all of these symptoms at some time...but when symptoms are SEVERE and LASTING, so that pain and problems outweigh pleasure much of the time, it's time to get professional help. Depression can be triggered by many illnesses that affect older people such as cancer, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's

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    If you know a CareGiver that is depressed, click here to seek guidance on CareGiver depression.
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