Severe Depression: An Overview



What is Severe Depression?

Severe depression is a mental disorder characterized by abnormally low moods that persist for at least two weeks. Severe depression prevents an individual from functioning normally. Some people may only experience one episode of severe depression, but more often people experience recurring episodes throughout their lifetime.

Severe depression is also known as clinical depression, major depression, or unipolar depression. As its name suggests, it tends to be more severe than other milder forms of depression such as dysthymia.

Who Does Severe Depression Effect?

According to the World Health Organization, depression affects approximately 121 million people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability. Depression can affect men and women, children and adolescents of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, women are twice as likely as men to experience severe depression.

Causes of Severe Depression

There is no single, known factor responsible for depression. In most cases, severe depression is likely the result of a combination of risk factors, including:
Severe Depression Symptoms

Severe depression can affect different people in different ways. As a result, depression symptoms can vary among individuals. Nevertheless, some of the most common depression symptoms include:
Treatment for Severe Depression

Those suffering with severe depression can't just "buck up" and feel better. They usually require long-term treatment to help treat their chronic medical disorder. Severe depression treatment may involve one or more of the following methods:
Severe Depression Test

If you have been experiencing some of the depression symptoms listed above for at least two weeks, this could be an indication that you are going through an episode of severe depression. It's important to consult your physician immediately. If left unchecked, severe depression can worsen and more time and more rigorous treatment will be required to treat your condition.

Resources

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff. (n.d.) Understanding Depression. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff Web site: http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/Depressive_Illness/depressive_ill_understanding.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Definition. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Symptoms. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Staff. (n.d.) What is depression? Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Web site: http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Mental_Illnesses_What_is_Depression.htm.

World Health Organization Staff. (n.d.) Depression. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the World Health Organization Web site: http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/.