1) Are there different types of depression?
2) How does unipolar depression differ from bipolar disorder?
3) Who gets depression?
4) Can children experience depression?
5) What about depression in the elderly?
6) Are there any special concerns for women?
7) Are there any special concerns for men?
Is there a relationship between depression and other illnesses?
9) How do I help my friend or family member who is depressed?
1) Are there different types of depression?
There are two major types of depression: unipolar depression and bipolar depression.
Unipolar depression does not include any abnormal episodes of mood elevation. Bipolar depression is a form of depression where patients experience periods of abnormal mood elevation.
There are two common types of unipolar depression: major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.
People who have Major Depressive Disorder have had at least one major depressive episode – five or more symptoms for at least two weeks. For some people depression may be recurrent, which means they may experience episodes as often as once a month, once a year, or several times throughout their lives. For others, depression may be chronic, which means that many symptoms have persisted for more than two years.
Dysthymic Disorder is a chronic, mild to moderate type of depression. People with dysthymia usually suffer from fewer symptoms of depression, but their depression is chronic. People with dysthymia may often be unaware of their
illness, especially if their work and social functioning is not as impaired as in those with Major Depression.
2) How does unipolar depression differ from bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a treatable illness where aperson’s mood alternates between states of depression and periods of mania and/or hypomania. Mania and hypomania are a state of abnormal mood elevation characterized by impaired judgement, irrational, or reckless behavior. During times of mania or hypomania, patients may also experience a decreased need for sleep, rapid speech and thoughts, difficulty concentrating, irritability. Consulting with your doctor in order to make the distinction between Unipolar nd Bipolar disorder is essential because the treatment for each of these disorders may vary.
3) Who gets depression?
People of all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes get depression. Although it can occur at any age, depression frequently develops between the ages of 15 and 44. If you have depression, you are not alone.
Approximately 15 million adult Americans experience depression every day.
4) Can children experience depression?
As many as one in 33 children and one in ten adolescents may experience some form of depression. If you suspect your child may be suffering from depression, consult your pediatrician. Some warning signs of childhood depression may include frequent absences from school, social isolation and reckless behavior.
5) What about depression in the elderly?
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Of the 32 million Americans over the age of 65, nearly five million experience serious symptoms of depression and one million suffer from a major depressive disorder. Elderly people with untreated depression are more likely to experience a worsening of co-existing medical illnesses (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease). Untreated depression is the most common psychiatric disorder and a leading cause of suicide in the elderly.
6) Are there any special concerns for women?
Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression. Up to one in four women may experience depression in their lifetime. Hormonal and life changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, the postpartum period and menopause may also contribute to, or trigger, depression in some cases. In fact, as many as one in ten mothers may develop depression during the postpartum period. It is extremely important to diagnose and treat postpartum depression, as untreated postpartum depression may affect the mother-child relationship and, in severe cases, place the infant or mother’s life at risk. .
7) Are there any special concerns for men?
Although men are somewhat less likely to suffer from depression than women, three to five million men in the United States are affected by the illness.
Men are less likely to admit to or seek help for depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it. Depression in men is often masked by workaholic behavior, or by alcohol or drug abuse. Depression may often present as irritability or anger in men.
Is there a relationship between depression and other illnesses?
Depression often co-exists with other mental or physical illnesses. Substance abuse, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders and eating disorders are common conditions that are associated with depression. common conditions that associated with depression. Recent studies have noted that when depression is successfully treated, the prognosis for conditions such as heart disease, AIDS, cancer, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes is substantially improved.
9) How do I help my friend or family member who is depressed?
Sometimes, people who are depressed may not recognize symptoms of depression in themselves. The most important thing to do for someone whom may be depressed is to help them arrange for a consultation with their doctor. This may involve helping the person to find a doctor and make their first appointment. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the person’s doctor.
Most importantly, never promise confidentiality if someone tells you he or she is having thoughts of suicide. If suicidal thoughts are brought to your attention by someone, contact their doctor or dial 911 immediately.
This website is for educational purposes only. We do not provide referrals through this website. If you are interested in a referral, please contact your doctor. We can answer general questions about the nature or treatment of depression. However, in the absence of a formal evaluation, we are unable to render a medical opinion on the treatment of any particular individual. For this reason, we cannot respond to specific questions pertaining to your health. Please direct such questions to your doctor. In case of emergency, please contact your doctor or call 911.