depression


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Depression Psychwatch.Com. News Items			SYMPTOMS Commom complaints include: pain including headaches, abdominal pain & body aches low energy, excessive tiredness, reduced libido anhedonia or reduced capacity to experience pleasure or enjoyment mood of apathy, irritability or sadness weight loss or gain sleep disturbance Contributing factors family history relative's suicide attempt prior episodes substance abuse recent stressor or loss Other signals feelings of worthlessness or guilt impaired concentration & attention span psychomotor agitation sadness most of the day Degrees below Zero Severe - interveres with daily functioning Moderate - impairs person from doing things they need to do Mild - Takes extra effort to do things they need to do CAUSES Endogenous - internal, biochemical medication reaction; illness, hormonal, blood sugar serotonin insufficiency Exogenous - external, life stressors loss of loved one or lowered self esteem TREATMENT Medication - especially when severe and endogenous there are many types of anti-depressants, some are energizers while some are sedating Psychotherapy - Often used in mild to moderate conditions and in conjuction with medication for severe conditions Approximately 50% of patients improve with medications and 50% impove with psychotherapy; combined treatment is recommeded for moderate and severe conditions