Mood Disorders and Treatments

depressed male with head resting on handsDepression is called the “common cold” of mental health because it constitutes the leading cause of disability among people ages fifteen to forty-four. About nine percent of people are thought to suffer from the symptoms, and about three percent have severe symptoms. Additionally, more people miss work from depression than from any other illness. Out of all attempted suicides in 2013, depression was the cause in more than two-thirds of the cases.

With regard to gender differences associated with depression, women are more susceptible to this mood disorder due to hormonal changes. In fact, one out of every four females will suffer from depression in her lifetime. Women are also more likely to seek help than men.

Moreover, hereditary factors cause depression to run in families, making some people genetically more vulnerable than others. Environmental factors can also cause depression. For example, a serious loss or difficulty can trigger the disorder, as well as stressors at school, home, or work. In addition to the biological explanations for depression like genetics and brain chemistry, psychologists see a link between how depressed people think and feel about themselves. Often someone with depression believes life will never get better, everything negative is entirely self inflicted, or that he or she is a bad person. Researchers theorize that these cognitive factors also affect brain chemistry, thus making a simple explanation of depression impossible.

Symptoms of Depression

Below lists the most common symptoms of depression. Not everyone experiences each symptom, and severity differs among individuals.

  • Decreased or increased appetite
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Persistent sad, negative, or hollow mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Hopelessness and pessimism
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies previously enjoyed
  • Fatigue and loss of energy
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Low self-esteem

Types of Depression

types of depressionDepression comes in many different forms, and each depressive disorder has a unique set of symptoms. Take a moment to learn more about various types of depression. Click the player to begin.

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Mood Disorders and Treatments Review

slef-check iconmood disorders and treatments reviewNow that you have learned a bit about mood disorders, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player to get started.