Depression is a disease that affects mood, generating deep and persistent sadness, and negatively affecting the way people feel, think and act.
It causes both psychological and physical symptoms, which are not always easily recognized. Thus, to identify a person with depression, according to the guidelines of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), it is necessary to observe the following signs and symptoms:
- Depressed mood, and / or
- Loss of interest or pleasure for day to day activities that are persistent and arise on all or almost every day.
In addition, the person must present at least 3 or 4 of other possible symptoms, such as:
- Weight gain or gain accentuated without being on a diet;
- Increased or decreased appetite;
- Insomnia or excessive sleep;
- Stirring or slowing down;
- Fatigue and loss of energy;
- Feeling of worthlessness or excessive or inadequate guilt;
- Indecisiveness or decreased ability to think or concentrate;
- Recurring thoughts of death, willingness to die, as well as attempted or planned suicide.
In depression, these symptoms should be present in the last 2 weeks, and should not be justified by other causes, such as other psychiatric syndromes, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, for example, or due to physical illness. To better recognize the signs of a depressed person, check out the symptoms of depression.
Thus, if this disease is suspected, the best way to confirm it is by consulting with the general practitioner or psychiatrist for a thorough evaluation that can confirm depression and guide appropriate treatment, including the use of antidepressants and the conduct of psychotherapy sessions.
How to recognize depression at different stages of life
1. Depression in childhood
Depression in children may be harder to recognize because they can not always clearly demonstrate their feelings. Some of the signs listed include unwillingness to play, bed wetting, frequent complaints of tiredness, or learning difficulties, for example.
If there are symptoms of sadness or changes in behavior in the child, it is important that there is an evaluation of the pediatrician or child psychiatrist, who may assess the picture more specifically, and confirm if there is really depression or other type of change, such as anxiety or hyperactivity, for example. Check your pediatrician's guidelines for identifying the symptoms and what to do if you suspect that you have child depression.
2. Depression in adolescence
Changes in behavior and mood are common in adolescence, as it is a phase of important hormonal changes, in addition to being a period in which greater charges and doubts begin to appear. However, it is important to know how to recognize signs that can indicate depression, as this situation can have serious consequences for the adolescent's life, such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse and even suicide.
Some signs that indicate depression at this stage can be sadness, constant irritability, memory failures, lack of self-esteem and feeling of worthlessness, however it is very important the medical evaluation to confirm the causes of these symptoms. Understand more about the symptoms of depression in adolescence and what to do if you suspect.
3. Depression in pregnancy or postpartum
Depression in pregnancy or postpartum may arise in people predisposed to this disease, since it is a time of many charges, doubts and uncertainties.
It is also important to remember that the mood swings in this period are normal, which result from changes in the hormonal levels that the woman presents. However, if depressed mood is persistent and lasts for more than 2 weeks, the woman should talk to her obstetrician or psychiatrist to assess the situation and see if she may be depressed.
Understand more about what causes, how to identify and the consequences of depression in pregnancy and postpartum depression, with obstetrical guidelines.
4. Depression in the elderly
Depression in the elderly may also show signs that are harder to recognize as many people may find that apathy or an unwillingness to perform activities are "common age", which is not true.
Whenever the elderly present behavioral or mood changes, it is advisable to consult with the geriatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist, as they may not only indicate depression but may also be signs of other dangerous diseases such as dementia, hypothyroidism or parkinsonism, for example.
In addition, depression should be treated as soon as it is identified, as it can have serious consequences for the health of the elderly, such as loss of autonomy to perform activities, memory alterations, social isolation, and favoring the worsening of diseases. To treat depression in the elderly, the doctor may indicate use of antidepressant medications such as Citalopram, Sertraline or Nortriptyline, for example, as well as psychotherapy.
The family also plays a key role in helping to stimulate the well-being of the elderly by partnering with them, proposing activities of social interaction and encouragement of physical activity, important factors for preventing and treating depression. Check out the benefits of practicing physical activity in seniors.
