Depressive Disorders

Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders* are characterize by a persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, decreased energy, and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Symptoms may be different for children and adolescents with possible mood changes characterized with irritability as apposed to sadness. Depression is unlike the normal periods of sadness or mood changes one might experience. Depression significantly affects a person's thoughts, behaviors, activities, and mood.

Depression can affect a persons ability to live their lives as they normally had, and effect their personal, social, and professional world.

According to the 2007 Annual Report from the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, depressive disorders are the second most commonly diagnosed disorders in Utah public mental health centers for individuals 17 years old and under.

Major Depressive Disorder 

Major depression* is characterized by a disabling depressed mood most of the day and nearly every day, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, and other general depressive symptoms for a period of at least 2 weeks. Major depressive episodes may be experienced as single episodes or as repetitive episodes. 

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Symptoms may include:

•      Sad, anxious or empty mood
•      Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
•      Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
•      Lost of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
•      Decreased energy, fatigue,
•      Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
•      Restlessness and irritability
•      Sleeplessness or sleeping too much
•      Change in appetite, unintended weight loss or gain
•      Bodily symptoms not caused by physical illness or injury
•      Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.

Dysthymia 

Dysthymia* is characterized by long term and consistent depressive symptoms lasting for at  least two years, with children and adolescent symptoms lasting at least one year. Symptoms are generally less disabling,  however, still effect a persons ability to function “normally” and feel healthy. General symptoms are a depressed mood most of the day, for more days than not, and lasting for at least 1 or 2 years. Recession of depressive symptoms may exist, however, they are short periods with the consistent return of the depressive symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

•       Depressed mood
•       Poor appetite or over eating
•       Insomnia or hypersomnia
•       Low energy or fatigue
•       Low self-esteem
•       Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
•       Feelings of hopelessness

RELATED LINKS:

1.      Treatment
   
2.      Current Research
   
3.      Mood Disorders
   
4.      Depression - National Institute of Mental Health
   
5.      The Storm in My Head - Kids and Mood Disorders (Bipolar and Depression)
   
6.      Major Depression in children and adolescents - SAMHSA fact sheet
7.      Nationwide Report Estimates 1 in 12 Adolescents Experienced Major Depression in Past Year
   

* - As defined by the DSM-IV,the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National

      Alliance on Mental Health.