Causes, Effects and Types of Depression Essay

Depression

Depression is defined as a mental state typically involving the feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, and great sadness (Psychology- Principles in Psychology, 2003). Many doctors who have patients who show signs of these symptoms may ask for a psychical examination of the patient, a psychiatric evaluation, and in some cases even lab tests (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018). There are many causes of depression, these causes can range from abuse, certain medications, conflict, death or a loss, genetics, major events, personal problems, serious illness, or even substance abuse (WebMD LLC, 2018). Along with many causes of depression, there are also many types of depression. The types are major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic disorder, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, situational depression, and atypical depression (WebMD LLC, 2018). Causes, Effects and Types of Depression Essay Paper

Depression can sometimes be obvious to people around you or it can be disguised and hidden from outside viewers. To be diagnosed with depression, one must have five or more of the following symptoms present for at least two weeks, including either a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The apparent symptoms used to diagnose depression include depressed mood, lack of interest and pleasure in activities otherwise meant to be enjoyable, significant weight loss or weight gain when not dieting, increase or decrease in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day, cognitive delays, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and even thoughts of suicide (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Depression can be caused by many ways as stated before. In some cases, abuse of a person can lead to depression. People who receive any kind of emotion, physical, or sexual abuse can have an increased chance to developing clinical depression later in their life (WebMD LLC, 2018). Traumatic events in one’s life such as a death of a loved one or even a serious illness being diagnosed can lead to the development of depression (WebMD LLC, 2018). Causes, Effects and Types of Depression Essay Paper