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DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder wherein the patient has a pervasive sad mood or loss of interest in most activities for at least 2 weeks.

It can cause significant distress and impairment. It is also a chronic, episodic and relapsing syndrome.

Treatment can be by psychotherapy alone, pharmacotherapy alone or psychotherapy combined with pharmacological therapy.

Depression Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Patients may not present with depressive mood; somatic complaints may predominate
Depression should be suspected in patients who present with physical symptoms (eg fatigue, gastrointestinal distress or back pain) which cannot be explained or in those who present with pain, anxiety or substance abuse
Presence of depressed mood or diminished interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia), feeling of fatigue or lack of energy (anergia), significant loss of motivation (avolition) are essential in diagnosing depression
Diagnosis may be easier in patients who are more aware of their moods or functioning