Introduction To DEPRESSION (Uni-Polar Disorder) & Anxiety (description, effects - causes)
Depression (suffering from Uni-polar Disorder):
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.
- 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
sleep disturbance in the form of frequent and early waking. Migraine patients with frequent attacks often have depression as one of the
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 DISORDER
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.
There are several types of Anxiety Disorders:
Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms involve excessive, irrational fear and dread.
More on this below.
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.
There are several types of Anxiety Disorders:
- panic disorder,
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
- social phobia (or social anxiety disorder),
- specific phobias, and
- generalized anxiety disorder - also called "free--floating anxiety" (GAD).
Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms involve excessive, irrational fear and dread.
Description in Detail
The Major Dimensions/Characteristics & Symptoms of Behavior in Depression (Uni-Polar Disorder) are:
Affective (Feelings/Emotions - emotional symptoms):
The Major Dimensions/Characteristics & Symptoms of Behavior 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 CAUSES of Depression - 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"hyperactive" behavior.
Depression: Self-Care Symptoms;
- reduced self-care; decrease in personal hygiene; decrease in meeting basic responsibilities.
For CAUSES of Depression - 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
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
| 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.
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/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.
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/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.
Depression / Uni-Polar Disorder in the Elderly
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.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada - 2008
Some people think that it is normal for the elderly to feel depressed. It is not - most older people feel 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.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada - 2008
| If you feel you are suffering from depression - or Anxiety - call your doctor, please. |
| Get help through counselling/coaching here - just write or call (with no obligation). |
Depression and Anxiety - Uni-Polar Disorder & Chaos
Symptoms of Depression/Uni-Polar Disorder can include (outline only):
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Apathetic, indifferent, or flat emotional behaviour
- 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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