Unipolar depression is a severe form of depression. It also goes by the terms of clinical depression and major-depressive disorder. It is a severe illness with disabling effects. It affects 10 million Americans every year. Depression affects more women than men.
Unipolar depression causes a person to be disinterested in normal activities and to feel unhappy. Normal activities like sleeping and eating too are affected. It is a chronic disease that recurs at least once in their lifetime. Such a depression occurs across all age groups and no socio-economic background is exempt. However, it occurs more commonly in those between 25 and 44 years of age.
What causes unipolar depression? In some people it is spontaneous and independent of any specific event. In other it arises from trauma or severe shock. Some scientists also believe genetics are involved.
How would you recognize this disease in a person? The checklist below possibly indicates someone suffering from unipolar depression.
- A lack of interest in the simple pleasures of life
- Irritable and always sad
- Drastic changes in your eating and sleeping habits
- Loss of appetite and do not any kind of food
- Can't sleep and constantly tense
- Unable to concentrate or think clearly
- Feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Guilty feelings for no reason.
These intense feelings may result in severe headaches and other chronic pain which may not respond to any form of treatment.
People suffering from this type of depression may exhibit one or a few of these symptoms.
Possible treatment options that a doctor may prescribe include:
- Antidepressant drugs
- Cognitive therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Lifestyle modification like diet, exercise and smoking cessation.
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