Depression Symptoms - According to the DSM IV the symptoms of depression are the following:

* Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). (In children and adolescents, this may be characterized as an irritable mood.)
* Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day
* Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
* Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day
* Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day
* Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
* Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day
* Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day
* Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

The symptoms of depression may vary from one person to the next and the level it effects a person must be taken into consideration

Causes Of Depression

Their is not one known cause for depression but several factors that a person may have that will indicate a depressive state or episode. They include genetics, situational stressors, biological factors, poor coping skills and more than not a combination of different factors


Depression Treatment
(A) Medication - Anti depressants such as Effexor, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Paxil and a long list of others tend to be the medications that doctors will try first in order to treat depression
(B) Therapy - Therapy is very helpful when dealing with depression and reducing the chances of the depression being reoccurring. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped a bunch of people
(C) ECT - Electro Convulsive Therapy or what use to be referred to as shock treatments is still used on a regular basis in cases of severe depression but it does come with a number of risks so the topic of ECT should be completely explored before beginning treatments
(D) Changes to diet and exercise - This is the easiest treatment and can make the world of difference. I tend to use diet and exercise for a way to keep my weight in check from the symptoms of the medication that I take.
(E) Hospitalization - This is only used in severe depression where the person may be a risk to themselves or others. There are a number of different laws which vary from country to country on what it takes to get someone involuntarily committed to a mental health facility.

Types Of Depression
(A) Major Depressive Disorder
(B) Dysthymia
(C) Seasonal Affective Disorder
(D) Postpartum Depression