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What Are the Symptoms of Depression? Depression is an illness of the mind that can make you feel hopeless or sad. It can also make you feel empty. It can cause you to lose interest in the things you once enjoyed. In severe cases it can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. A doctor will diagnose depression based on symptoms and your medical history. They may prescribe tests in order to rule out other conditions which resemble depression. Changes in mood Mood swings are a sign of depression. This is particularly true when they interfere in everyday activities and relationships. They can also cause fatigue and a change of appetite. It is essential to talk to a doctor if you experience these symptoms. They might suggest therapy or medication. There are many kinds of mood disorders. The severity and length of the episodes differ. Some people have only one episode of depression during their lives, while others experience several. Both genders are affected in different ways by mood disorders. Women are more likely to experience depressive episodes than men. A diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder requires an underlying depression or manic episodes that last more than two weeks. These episodes should be followed by periods of normality. When you are experiencing a depression you'll experience extreme sadness or emptiness. During a manic episode, you'll experience feelings of extreme intensity or anger. During these episodes, it can be difficult to sleep or think clearly. In certain cases, you might have hallucinations or delusions. Alongside mood swings, depression may cause feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Some people may have suicidal ideas or plans, while others will feel that they aren't able to carry on living. Other symptoms of depression include difficulty sleeping, a loss of enthusiasm for hobbies and other activities and an increase in appetite. If you observe these symptoms in someone you know, it's vital to reach out to them and offer your assistance. You can also try keeping a journal of your mood to track changes in your mood. This will assist you and your physician better understand the symptoms, and pinpoint any triggers. Many resources are available to help you manage your symptoms. They include support groups, self-help and online services. It's important to seek help immediately if you are experiencing a depressive disorder. You can talk to your GP who will refer you to a mental health professional when needed. In the UK, this will usually be your local community mental health team (CMHT). Some doctors may also prescribe a specific medication, such as lithium, to help manage depression and mania. The following are some ways to lower your risk: Depression is an extremely serious mood disorder that affects your mood, how you feel, think and behave. It can be mild, temporary or even severe. It can cause issues with your relationships and work, and it can make it difficult to manage your day. If you have symptoms of depression, speak to your doctor. They can assist you in choosing the most effective treatment. You may have to try several different methods before you can find the one that is effective for you. It is important to inform your doctor about how long the symptoms have lasted and how often they are occurring. They can also inquire if any of your symptoms are similar to those caused by certain medical or pharmaceutical conditions, such as thyroid problems or viral infections. The most common symptom of depression is feeling sad or low. It is also possible to experience a lack of pleasure or interest in all activities, and feel depressed and hopeless, guilt-ridden or depressed. You may have trouble getting your attention or sleeping and your appetite may change. You might also experience suicidal thoughts or feelings of emptyness or despair. The symptoms of depression may be different for women and men and also by the age. Children can show signs of depression when they don't want to attend school or act angry. They may also cling to their parents. People with depression symptoms in their 50s, 60s or older are more likely to resort to alcohol and drugs to deal with their feelings than those who are younger. There are many possible causes of depression, including genetics and brain chemistry, significant life changes, stress, and other illnesses. Menstrual hormone changes during the cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can all cause depression. People who have an ancestral history of depression are at higher risk for the condition. Depression can be treated. Most people who seek treatment will improve with either psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or a combination of both. If you've been suffering from depression symptoms for more than two weeks, you should consult your doctor for a diagnosis. They will be looking for information about your symptoms, any family history of depression and any other bodily or mental ailments you might have. They may also request tests in the lab to rule out medical conditions. Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is characterized by extreme mood swings. These episodes can lead to hypermania or mania, which are known as mania, as well as depression-like episodes that are usually deeper than normal depression. These episodes can affect sleep, energy levels, activity levels, judgment and behavior. Bipolar disorder may also cause feelings of guilt and anger and feelings of restlessness. During a manic period you might feel happy, energized and productive. You could talk a lot and sleep only a little, all while your thoughts are racing. It can be difficult to think clearly. This can lead to impulsive behaviors, such as spending money on unnecessary things or quitting your job with no notice. In a depression-related episode you might feel gloomy or sad and lose interest in many activities. You may also be prone to suicidal thoughts. If you think you are having a manic or depressive episode, it is important to see your GP as soon as possible. Your GP will ask about your symptoms as well as your health history. They will conduct physical examinations and tests for blood to look for any medical conditions that may affect your mood. If they suspect bipolar, they will refer you to a local NHS community mental team (CMHT). The medications prescribed to treat bipolar disorder can cause side effects, so it's important to speak with your physician about these. Following the exact dosage prescribed can help to prevent manic and depressive episodes. Do not stop taking your medication unless your physician has instructed you to. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can offer support, education and coping strategies to people who suffer from bipolar disorder. It can also help those suffering from depression that is associated with bipolar disorder. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, and interpersonal therapy. There are also self-help groups offering assistance and information to those suffering from bipolar disorder and their families. They can provide assistance and information between episodes, as well as assist people in recognizing early symptoms. Treatment During an episode of bipolar depression, it is possible to feel extremely sad or hopeless. Other symptoms include changes in appetite or difficulty sleeping. You may also feel extreme irritability, or guilt. Iampsychiatry and thoughts may be present in extreme depression. Your mental health professional can teach you coping techniques and develop a treatment plan to help you deal these symptoms. You can boost your mood by taking medications. Many people with bipolar disorder are successful with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine and sertraline. These drugs may not be appropriate for all. Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you, depending on your medical history and symptoms. Even in good times, it's important to keep taking your medication. If you stop taking your medications abruptly, your symptoms are most likely to return. Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is also important in treating your bipolar depression. Psychotherapy can help you learn to recognize warning signs of a looming mood episode. It can teach you and your loved ones how to manage your illness. Psychotherapy can be performed as a group or individually with others who suffer from bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorders may have episodes of mania or high-energy moods. These episodes can be caused by hallucinations or delusions, which are false beliefs or perceptions that aren't true. If you suffer from a manic attack that has these signs, it's considered as a serious illness and you should visit the emergency room as soon as possible. If you've had previously experienced mania, a psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants to help prevent future manias. They might also give you an antipsychotic medicine like quetiapine or aripiprazole, to reduce the chance of developing a manic episode. They might also recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can ease severe depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive treatment which uses an electromagnet to send electrical impulses directly into the brain. It has been proven to treat depression that is resistant to medication, but it's not a necessity for general anesthesia.