HEALTH TIME
DEPRESSION
Most people experience emotions of being unhappy, feeling sad, and disappointed
once in a while. These feelings are normal in most situations (e.g. failing
an exam, experiencing a break-up of a love affair, loss of work and so
forth). This may affect a persons appetite and sleeping pattern. The
above mentioned feelings and reactions could all be symptoms of depression.
In most situations these emotions cease during a reasonable amount of
time. However, if a state of sadness and unhappiness continues for a
prolonged period of time, and it affects a person's personal, social
and occupational activities, a diagnosis of depression should be considered.
A study by WHO (World Health Organization) from 1996, showed that mental
illness accounts for 15.4 percent of total disability in developed countries.
Disability due to psychiatric illness was greater than cancer, respiratory
diseases and infectious diseases, only exceeded by cardiovascular diseases.
It is predicted that depression will become the second leading cause
of disability worldwide by year 2020.
There are various forms of depressions. Seasonal depression is typical
during the winter months due to light deprivation which affect the body's
biological rhythm. Postpartum depression is depression soon after childbirth,
which affect about 10% of women. The occurrence of major depression in
children and adolescents are 15 – 20% which is quite similar to
the adult population.
The age of onset of a depression is between age 20 to 40. Studies have
shown that women have higher risk than men in getting a depression. Having
a close family member with depression increases the risk. Separated and
divorced people are of higher risk. Not having a social network and therefore
lack of social support is also associated with increased risk. Suicide
is committed by 15% of the persons who have a depression.
Symptoms of depression are (from ICD – International Classification
of Disease):
·
Depressed mood
·
Loss of interest and enjoyment
·
Reduced energy, being easily fatigued, diminished
·
Reduced concentration and attention on a task
·
Reduced confidence and self-esteem
·
Marked tiredness on slight effort
·
Feeling of guilt and unworthiness
·
Bleak and pessimistic views of the future
·
Ideas or acts of self-destruction or suicide
·
Disturbed sleep
·
Diminished appetite and libido
·
Unexplained physical symptoms
The severity of the depression will dictate the treatment, and whether
it will be treated by a primary care physician or by a specialist in
psychology or psychiatry. Treatment is non-pharmaceutical with psychotherapy
or with antidepressant medication or a combination of the two.
If you or someone close to you experience the above mentioned symptoms
for more than a few weeks, if there are no plausible explanations for
the symptoms or if it affects social and work activity, you should consult
a doctor or encourage your close one to do so.
Other articles related to mood swings due to the grey winter
season:
*
Januar loch (German)
* Seasonal Affective Disorder - Winter depression
* 12 Winter depression Busters
* Winter Blues in Switzerland
MARIANNE
EFSKIND Occupation: intern in public health and family medicine in Vik. |
 |
mamizeits Dr. Marianne
Do you have a question about health?
Take this oportunity to send us your question and Dr. Marianne
will answer.
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