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How to Recognize Depression

Depression is a common problem that affects just about everyone to some degree sometime in their life. It is second only to high blood pressure as the most common chronic health problem encountered in medicine. Estimates are that at least one patient in 10 visiting a doctor is suffering from depression. Unfortunately, most cases are unrecognized.

If depression becomes severe and sustained (major depression), it can have a debilitating effect on the whole person. It can disrupt normal life process such as eating, sleeping, activity level, and the ability to concentrate and accomplish tasks. If unrelieved, it leads to lost productivity, functional decline, and increased mortality.

In a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression (along with other mental health problems) was the leading cause of lost work time worldwide. In the United States, depression is a leading cause of disability, second only to heart disease.

Causes

Depression can be caused by a variety of factors:

Genetic tendencies

Hormonal and chemical changes in the body

Excessive stress, conflict, abuse

Loss of loved ones, isolation, tragedy

Illness, pain, neurological problems

Recognizing Depression

The following two questions provide a quick way to screen for the presence of depression.
	1.	During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
		Yes No
	2.	During the past month, have you often been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
		Yes No
If you answered "No" to both questions, you probably aren't bothered with depression.
If you answered "Yes" to either question, take the accompanying "Depression Self Assessment" below for further insight.

Depression Self-Assessment

Check all items below that describe how you have been feeling recently.
	1.	During the past two weeks, have you often (nearly every day) been bothered by:
		Feeling down, depressed or hopeless? A loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed doing? An unintentional, marked change in your weight or appetite (loss of appetite or overeating)? Sleep disturbance, either too much or too little? Feeling restless and irritable or lethargic? A lack of energy or fatigue? Feeling worthless or excessively guilty? Difficulty concentrating or thinking? Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide?
	2.	Have your feelings in the past month caused you significant distress, or impaired your ability to function socially or at work (or school)?
		Yes No

Scoring Your Results

If you marked five or more items in question #1 above (including the first two questions), and you marked "Yes" on question #2, you are likely suffering from depression.
If you marked more than one but fewer than five, and you marked "Yes" on question #2, you may be experiencing minor depression. See your doctor for a more thorough assessment and personal guidance.

Treatment

The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Unfortunately, many people ignore their symptoms and are hesitant to seek help. If you think you might be suffering from depression, see your doctor. He or she can help you find an appropriate treatment.

Medications can help correct chemical imbalances in the brain and reduce stress.

Counseling with a trained mental health counselor such as a psychologist or psychiatrist can help significantly.

Medication plus counseling and support can help you deal with life problems, crises, alcohol/drug dependencies, and other problems often associated with depression.

Complementary Approaches

Self-help books may further help you understand and incorporate effective mental health elements into your life.

Support groups and classes led by qualified leaders in depression management can help.

Identifying exaggerated negative or self critical thoughts can encourage more realistic and self-accepting attitudes.

Breaking current life problems into smaller components and identifying specific steps can help you address the problems.

Regular physical activity, such as regular brisk walking, has been shown in many studies to be effective in helping prevent and resolve mental depression.

Doing relaxing and enjoyable activities daily can help lift depression.

Certain herbal remedies such as Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) appear to be affective with mild depression.

Sources:

1. Whooley M A, et al. Managing depression in medical outpatients. New England Journal of Medicine; 343(26):1942-50.

2. JAMA patient page. Depression. Journal of the American Medical Association; 284(12):1606.

Written by: Don Hall, DrPH, CHES

Date Published: April 12,2001 Date Reviewed: July 30,2008

Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.