Introduction To DEPRESSION (Uni-Polar Disorder) & Anxiety
(description, effects - causes)
Depression (suffering from Uni-polar Disorder):
(description, effects - causes)
Depression (suffering from Uni-polar Disorder):
- Is a persistent and pervasive mood disorder; a mental or emotional state; an
affective disorder; and often considered a clinical, psychological or psychiatric
disorder (neurotic or psychotic) lasting two weeks or more. - Is described differently by people who experience it.
- Is a common condition ("normal") - and treatable.
- Is not what in everyday language refers to as “depression” which describes any
downturn in mood, which may be relatively transitory and perhaps due to something
trivial. Depression persists!
- Has symptoms that prevent a person from leading a normal life.
- In many ways depression resembles the grief and mourning that follow bereavement,
there are often feelings of low self esteem, guilt and self-reproach, withdrawal
from interpersonal contact and physical symptoms such as eating and sleep
disturbances (see below). - Depression ranges from normal feelings of the blues to major depression (types of
depression include: major depression, bipolar depression, dysthymia, and seasonal
depression (seasonal affective disorder – S.A.D.).
- Depression can also be experienced in other disorders, such as bipolar disorder
(manic-depressive disorder).
Depression - Is not just a temporary or situational sadness – it is persistent and
pervasive.
Symptoms, Signs and Characteristics of Clinical Depression:
Note: Not everyone with depression will have all of these symptoms or even experience
them at the same level.
pervasive.
- Depression may be the cause of a daily, unrelenting headache that peaks in the
morning and late after- noon. It is often accompanied by a complications of their
migraines. - People with chronic pain syndromes are often markedly depressed.
Symptoms, Signs and Characteristics of Clinical Depression:
Note: Not everyone with depression will have all of these symptoms or even experience
them at the same level.
- However, if a person has four or more of these symptoms, and nothing can make
them go away, - or if they last more than two weeks, a doctor, mental health counsellor, or
psychiatrist should be consulted.
Anxiety Disorders affect millions of people age 18 years and older; it results in
fearfulness and uncertainty.
It is different from the relatively mild,
brief anxiety caused by a single stressful event.
Anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get worse if they are not treated.
fearfulness and uncertainty.
It is different from the relatively mild,
brief anxiety caused by a single stressful event.
Anxiety disorders last at least 6 months and can get worse if they are not treated.
The Major Dimensions/Characteristics & Symptoms of Behavior
in Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) are:
Affective (Feelings/Emotions - emotional symptoms):
in Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) are:
Affective (Feelings/Emotions - emotional symptoms):
- Depression (dysphoria); sadness and misery; fatigue.
- Persistent feelings of "emptiness" or sadness.
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, and/or guilty
- - with irritability, increased crying, anxiety and panic attacks.
- Substance abuse.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- altered mood and activities, such as:
- a despondent lack of activity, low mood, helplessness, hopelessness and dejection.
- difficulties with (or loss of) concentration and thinking.
- feelings of apathy and anxiety (more below).
- lack of emotional expression, and of motivation.
- feelings of guilt (especially inappropriate guilt), and/or self-blame.
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideas & plans - or attempts at suicide.
Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) : Motivational Symptoms;
Depression/Uni-Polar: Cognitive (Mental/Intellectual) Symptoms;
Depression/Uni-Polar: Interpersonal (Social) Symptoms;
Biological/Physical Symptoms: reduction of the functional activity of the body, such as:
Depression/Uni-Polar: Motor Symptoms;
Depression: Self-Care Symptoms;
For Anxiety Disorder - see below
- Reduced motivation; lack of interest in most activities; lack of pleasure from most activities.
- Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
- Change in eating and sleeping patterns (too much OR too little).
Depression/Uni-Polar: Cognitive (Mental/Intellectual) Symptoms;
- Problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making;
- generally negative self-evaluations and guilt;
- hopelessness; delusions and hallucinations only in severe cases.
- Lack of self-worth (worthlessness), and a pessimistic sense of inadequacy (esteem problems).
- Diminished, or loss of, interest or pleasure in nearly all things.
Depression/Uni-Polar: Interpersonal (Social) Symptoms;
- General difficulties in interpersonal situations.
- Reduced desire for social activities (time with friends etc);
- social withdrawal.
Biological/Physical Symptoms: reduction of the functional activity of the body, such as:
- Decreased sexual interests - disturbances of sexual function.
- Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment.
- poor appetite or weight loss (or gain), anorexia
- sleep disturbances, insomnia or hypersomnia (waking early or late)
- constipation.
- Fatigue and loss of energy (and motivation)
- physical symptoms such as slow movement and speech.
Depression/Uni-Polar: Motor Symptoms;
- Psychomotor retardation – generally "slow" behavior; psychomotor agitation – generally
Depression: Self-Care Symptoms;
- reduced self-care; decrease in personal hygiene; decrease in meeting basic responsibilities.
For Anxiety Disorder - see below
ANXIETY DISORDER - details
SPECIFIC PHOBIA: this is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger, such as
closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and injuries involving
blood. These phobias aren't just extreme fear; they are irrational fear of a particular thing.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) - also known as the "free-floating anxiety disorder": these
people go through the day filled with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing
to provoke it. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health issues, money, family
problems, or difficulties at work. Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.
Panic disorder is a real illness that can be successfully treated. It is characterized by sudden attacks of
terror. It is usually accompanied by a pounding heart, sweatiness, weakness, faintness, or dizziness. When
these attacks occur, people with panic disorder may flush or feel chilled; their hands may tingle or feel
numb; and they may experience nausea, chest pain, or smothering sensations. Panic attacks usually produce
a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom, or a fear of losing control.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): these people have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and
use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. Most of the time, the rituals end
up controlling them. Healthy people also have rituals; the difference is that people with OCD perform
their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): this disorder develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved
physical harm or the threat of physical harm, including physical assault and rape. The person who develops
PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person
may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers.
Social phobia: this is also known as the social anxiety disorder. Its characteristics include: when people
become overwhelmingly anxious and excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with
social phobia have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of
doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation.
Agoraphobia (fear of crowds - and going out in public) - any situation involving the feeling that one is in a
place it would be hard to escape from.
For more detail see the article on Anxiety Disorders
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada - 2008
SPECIFIC PHOBIA: this is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger, such as
closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and injuries involving
blood. These phobias aren't just extreme fear; they are irrational fear of a particular thing.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) - also known as the "free-floating anxiety disorder": these
people go through the day filled with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing
to provoke it. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health issues, money, family
problems, or difficulties at work. Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.
Panic disorder is a real illness that can be successfully treated. It is characterized by sudden attacks of
terror. It is usually accompanied by a pounding heart, sweatiness, weakness, faintness, or dizziness. When
these attacks occur, people with panic disorder may flush or feel chilled; their hands may tingle or feel
numb; and they may experience nausea, chest pain, or smothering sensations. Panic attacks usually produce
a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom, or a fear of losing control.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): these people have persistent, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and
use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. Most of the time, the rituals end
up controlling them. Healthy people also have rituals; the difference is that people with OCD perform
their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): this disorder develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved
physical harm or the threat of physical harm, including physical assault and rape. The person who develops
PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person
may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers.
Social phobia: this is also known as the social anxiety disorder. Its characteristics include: when people
become overwhelmingly anxious and excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with
social phobia have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of
doing things that will embarrass them. They can worry for days or weeks before a dreaded situation.
Agoraphobia (fear of crowds - and going out in public) - any situation involving the feeling that one is in a
place it would be hard to escape from.
For more detail see the article on Anxiety Disorders
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada - 2008
| Depression Questionnaire: To assess yourself - - take the quiz - follow instructions carefully - click QUIZ |
Causes Of DEPRESSION/Uni-Polar Disorder
PHYSICAL: Genetic/Psychological
Some professionals talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression.
This suggests that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes.
However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have
psychological components as well.
is primarily a psychological disorder.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
A variety of psychological factors appear to play a role in vulnerability to these severe forms of
depression.
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (Learned Behaviour)
Psychologists often describe social learning factors as being significant in the development of
depression, as well as other psychological problems.
OTHER (1): INDECISION
OTHER (2): ANGER
It is widely recognized that some forms of depression are actually anger that is "masked" or suppressed.
CONCLUSION (this section on depression)
Very often, a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors are involved in the
development of depressive disorders, as well as other psychological problems.
When you feel "depressed", and don't know where to turn, talk to someone who can help - see your doctor
- and get a referral to a psychologist or coach/counsellor.
PHYSICAL: Genetic/Psychological
Some professionals talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression.
This suggests that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes.
However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have
psychological components as well.
- In fact, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression usually disappear when you complete
therapy for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. - This suggests that the imbalance is the body's physical response to psychological depression,
rather than the other way around. - Some types of depression do seem to run in families, suggesting a biological vulnerability. This
seems to be the case with bipolar depression and, to a lesser degree, severe major depression. - Studies of families, in which members of each generation develop bipolar disorder, found that
those with bipolar disorder have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who are not
diagnosed. - However, the reverse is not true. Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes this
vulnerability to bipolar disorder develops the disorder. - Additional factors, such as stress and other psychological factors, are involved in its onset as well.
- Likewise, major depression also seems to occur, generation after generation, in some families, but
not with a frequency that suggests clear biological causes. Additionally, it also occurs in people who
have no family history of depression.
is primarily a psychological disorder.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
A variety of psychological factors appear to play a role in vulnerability to these severe forms of
depression.
- Most likely, psychological factors are completely responsible for other forms of mild and moderate
depression, especially reactive depression. - During treatment, Reactive depression is usually diagnosed as an adjustment disorder.
- People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism,
or who are readily overwhelmed by stress are more prone to depression.
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (Learned Behaviour)
Psychologists often describe social learning factors as being significant in the development of
depression, as well as other psychological problems.
- People learn both adaptive and maladaptive ways of managing stress and responding to life
problems within their family, educational, social and work environments. - These environmental factors influence psychological development, and the way people try to
resolve problems when they occur. - Social learning factors also explain why psychological problems appear to occur more often in family
members, from generation to generation. - If a child grows up in a pessimistic environment, in which discouragement is common and
encouragement is rare, that child will develop a vulnerability to depression as well. - A serious loss, chronic illness, relationship problems, work stress, family crisis, financial setback,
or any unwelcome life change can trigger a depressive episode.
OTHER (1): INDECISION
- One frequently overlooked cause or factor is related to the psychological one: it is when a person
is faced with having to make a decision, or choice between two or more things/people - and not
liking either of the choices. It is when they avoid the choice or defer it, that the problem arises -
for some reason, human emotional-mental functions do not handle indecision well - especially if on a
prolonged basis - and the condition we know as depression often results. - Hopelessness (having given up, or lost, hope.
- Also, certain events & holidays, such as Christmas can bring on a temporary depression. So will
bereavement and loss.
OTHER (2): ANGER
It is widely recognized that some forms of depression are actually anger that is "masked" or suppressed.
CONCLUSION (this section on depression)
Very often, a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors are involved in the
development of depressive disorders, as well as other psychological problems.
When you feel "depressed", and don't know where to turn, talk to someone who can help - see your doctor
- and get a referral to a psychologist or coach/counsellor.
DEPRESSION / Uni-Polar Disorder in Children, the Elderly, Women & Men
Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men
Depression / Uni-Polar Disorder in Men
Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, millions of men are affected by the
illness.
Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women: although depression is
associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a
high death rate.
Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) in Women
Women experience depression about twice as often as men
- Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women-particularly
such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-
menopause, and menopause. - Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single
parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents.
- A recent NIMH study showed that in the case of severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), women
with a preexisting vulnerability to PMS experienced relief from mood and physical symptoms when
their sex hormones were suppressed. Shortly after the hormones were re-introduced, they again
developed symptoms of PMS. Women without a history of PMS reported no effects of the hormonal
manipulation.
- Many women are also particularly vulnerable after the birth of a baby. The hormonal and physical
changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can be factors that lead to postpartum
depression in some women. - While transient "blues" are common in new mothers, a full-blown depressive episode is not a normal
occurrence and requires active intervention.
Depression / Uni-Polar Disorder in Men
Although men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, millions of men are affected by the
illness.
- Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it.
- The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it.
- In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.
Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women: although depression is
associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a
high death rate.
- Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working
excessively long hours. - Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable,
angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men. - Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help.
- Encouragement and support from concerned family members can make a difference.
- In the workplace, employee assistance professionals or work-site mental health programs can be of
assistance in helping men understand and accept depression as a real illness that needs treatment.
Some people think that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. It is not - most older people feel
satisfied with their lives.
Depression / Uni-Polar Disorder in Children
The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the
parent may die.
satisfied with their lives.
- Often, when depression develops, it may be dismissed as a normal part of aging.
- When he or she does go to the doctor, the symptoms described are usually physical, for the older
person is often reluctant to discuss feelings of hopelessness, sadness, loss of interest in normally
pleasurable activities, or extremely prolonged grief after a loss. - Depressive symptoms in older people are often missed.
- Doctors recognize that some symptoms may be side effects of medication the older person is
taking for a physical problem, or they may be caused by a co-occurring illness.
Depression / Uni-Polar Disorder in Children
The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the
parent may die.
- Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood.
- Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell
whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. - Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher
mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." - In such a case, if a visit to doctor rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest
that the child be evaluated by a professional who specializes in the treatment of children.
| If you feel you are suffering from depression - or Anxiety - call your doctor, please. |
Depression and Anxiety: Uni-Polar Disorder and Chaos
Symptoms of Depression/Uni-Polar Disorder can include (outline only):
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Irritability, nervousness, anxiety
- Decreased energy (on edge, “edgy”), feeling persistently fatigued
- Sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness
- Withdrawal from social and family activities, and frequently episodes of absence from place
of employment - Decreased sexual desire and activity
- Suicidal thoughts, talk of suicide or planning for suicide attempt
- Disturbance in eating or sleep habits, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (mind and
thoughts go into hyper-speed), or sleeping excessively
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There are several types of Anxiety Disorders:
- in this case it simply means that the connection isn't yet clear.
Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms involve excessive,
irrational fear and dread. More on this below.
- social phobia (or social anxiety disorder),
- specific phobias, and
- generalized anxiety disorder - also called "free--floating anxiety" (GAD).
- in this case it simply means that the connection isn't yet clear.
Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms involve excessive,
irrational fear and dread. More on this below.
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