Depression

Depression is a mood state characterised by persistently low mood. Most people have periods where they feel low such as the passing of a relative or pet –low mood becomes a concern when it does not fade over time or occurs in the absence of a trigger. Other signs and symptoms include

• Loss of interest/enjoyment in previously enjoyable activities
• Decreased (hypophagia) or increased (hyperphagia) appetite
• Sleeping too little (insomnia) or too much (hypersomnia)
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating

Depression is the primary characteristic of several clinically diagnosable conditions, including

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) characterised by clinically significant depression symptoms for a minimum of two weeks
• Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia) characterised by depression lasting at least two years –typically of a lower severity than MDD
• Bipolar disorders characterised by depressive and manic/hypomanic episodes (i.e., periods of low and abnormally elevated mood)