What is Depression

Sadness, feeling down, having a loss of internet or pleasure in daily activities-these are symptoms familiar to all of us. But, if they persist and affect our life substantially, it may be depression.

According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.6 percent

of people over the age of 12 have depression in any 2 weeks. This is substantial and shows and the scale of the issue.

According to the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO), depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. They estimate that 350 million people are affected by depression, globally.

Fast facts on depression:

• Depression seems to be more common among women than men.
• Symptoms include a lack of joy and a reduced interest in things that used to bring a person happiness.
• Life events, such as bereavement, produce mood changes that can usually be distinguished from the features of depression.
• The causes of depression are not fully understood but are likely to be a complex combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors.

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistently low mood and a feeling of sadness and loss of the internet. it is a persistent problem, not a passing one, lasting on average 6 to 8 months.

The diagnosis of depression starts with a consultation with a doctor or mental health specialist. It is important to seek the help of a health professional to rule out different causes of depression, ensure an accurate differential diagnosis and secures safe and effective treatment.   

As for the most visits to the doctors, there may be a physical examination to check for physical causes and coexisting conditions. Question will also be asked - "taking a history" - to establish the sympthms, their time course, and so on.

Some questionnaires help doctors to access the severity of depression. The Hamilton depression rating scale, for example, has 21 questions, with resulting scores describing the severity of the condition. The Hamilton scale is one of the most widely used assessment instruments in the world for clinicians rating depression.