Depression

A Depression could be actually paraphrased as the sickness of the soul. It shows itself in form of feeling low and de-motivated and can bring forward physical ailing. A depression could lead to a total social retreat disabling the person to go after every day tasks. In England 20 % of women and 14% of men suffer from some form of depression, whereas 2 % suffer from a pure depression and 8% from a mixture of anxiety and depression. The lifetime rate of depression is 8 per cent for men and 12 per cent for women; these figures are constantly growing.

There are two main types of depression:

• Unipolar depression is the inconsistent form of depression. The patient suffers from depression continuously or only periodically; low mood and physical ailing vary. The mild form of this depression is called dysthymia.
• Bipolar depression is characterized by periods of extended low moods being then replaced by unnaturally over-positive upheavals. (Mania; mild form: hypomania) The mild version of bipolar depression is called cyclothymia.

The typical symptoms of depression are lethargy and de-motivation as well as low energy and activity. The feeling of joy and gratification are next to non-existent, whereas the sense of guilt and of no value is strong. The ability to concentrate is replaced by unrest and worries. Patients have trouble sleeping, low appetite and a decreased sexuality.

Severe cases of depression can also lead to hallucinations, delusional ideas and torpidity.