Depression (physiology)

Depression (pronounced /dɪˈprɛʃən/) is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being^[1].

Etymology

The term "depression" comes from the Latin depressio, which means "pressing down". It was first used in the 14th century to describe a state of being physically pressed down. By the 17th century, it was used to refer to a state of being mentally or spiritually low^[2].

Symptoms

People with depression may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

Anhedonia: Loss of interest or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy
Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time
Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Appetite changes: Eating too much or too little
Concentration problems: Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of death or suicide

Causes

Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors^[3]. It can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, Parkinson's disease, and heart disease.

Treatment

Treatment for depression may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. In some cases, other treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used.

Related Terms

Major depressive disorder: A more severe form of depression that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
Dysthymia: A chronic form of depression that lasts for at least two years.
Seasonal affective disorder: A type of depression that's related to changes in seasons.
Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after giving birth.
Bipolar disorder: A disorder characterized by periods of depression and periods of mania.

References

↑ American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 160–168. ISBN 978-0-89042-555-8.
↑ Online Etymology Dictionary
↑ National Institute of Mental Health

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Depression (physiology)
Wikipedia's article - Depression (physiology)

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[1] American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 160–168. ISBN 978-0-89042-555-8.

[2] Online Etymology Dictionary

[3] National Institute of Mental Health

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Depression (physiology)