Depression Symptoms

Until a while ago, depression was regarded as a woman’s problem, but that has now changed, as over 5 million men in the US are diagnosed with depression each year. While the depression symptoms in men are almost the same as depression symptoms in women, it has been seen that men express their feelings and therefore the symptoms in a different manner. Some of the most common depression symptoms in women include loss of interest in most activities, appetite changes, apathy, fatigue, sleeping problems, sadness and feeling worthless. On the other hand, men may mask such symptoms wither other emotions. Some of the common depression symptoms in men include aggressiveness, irritability, hostility, and so on.

Depression symptoms in teenagers could be a lot more severe, as compared to adults. Some of the most common depression symptoms in teenagers include sadness, irritability, anger, appetite fluctuations, delayed thinking, feeling of guilt or worthlessness, unexplained physical aches, anxiety, insomnia or excess sleeping, restlessness, agitation, fatigue, tiredness, lack of concentration and crying for no reason.

There are certain depression symptoms in children, too, which can warn parents that they could keep a watch out for any serious trouble. Some of the commonly seen depression symptoms in children include anger, irritability, withdrawal, appetite changes, crying, vocal outbursts, lack of energy, fatigue, concentration difficulties, abnormal sleep patterns and unexplained aches and pains.

Depression Medication

Fortunately, there are several ways in which depression can be checked, treated and controlled. Most patients are first given the depression medication list, as they may require a combination of medicines for relieving the symptoms of depression. Some of the drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as also serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are included in the depression medication list. At times depression medication like over the counter stimulants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medication and antipsychotic medication may also be recommended in combination with prescription medicines.

Unfortunately, there are certain depression medication side effects that people should be aware of and consider carefully, before deciding the treatment approach to be adopted. Some of the most commonly seen depression medication side effects include excess weight gain, acne, libido loss, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, disruption of sleep, constipation, urinary retention, pain in the abdomen, nausea, drowsiness, acidity, mouth dryness and blurred vision problems. Some of these side effects could actually lead to renewed feelings of depression in a person, which is why many people believe that depression medication is not very effective.

Depression Treatment

Depression can be a lot more serious than most people imagine and therefore, it is absolutely essential to follow the right depression treatment guidelines, without any delay. There are several different types of prescription and over the counter medicines, which can be included in a depression treatment plan. However, it could take a while to find the right combination of medication that works for a person, which is why the actual treatment does not usually start immediately. In addition to medication, depression treatment options also include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Most people prefer to opt for depression natural treatment, because there are fewer side effects associated with it. This includes getting an adequate amount of sleep, avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, exercising every day and following a healthy diet. Patients may also be advised to take certain herbs, such as St. John’s wort or Sam-e, for dealing with depression. Other simple lifestyle changes which simplify a patient’s life can also help deal with depression, thereby gradually reducing it, before eradicating it completely.

Depression Diet

It is not uncommon for people to reach out for “comfort foods” when they are down and depressed. Some of the most common depression diet recipes focus on cakes, chocolate, cookies, ice cream and other foods that are high in sugar. However, indulging in high amounts of such food can bring on loads of guilt later on, thereby worsening the depression. Hence, it is important to follow a proper depression diet treatment plan, which mainly includes those foods that can reduce depression. Foods that are generally a part of the depression diet plan include sweet potatoes, pepper, pumpkin, collards, grapefruit, cantaloupe, apricots, oranges, spinach, broccoli, berries, carrots and peaches. Lean meat, without its skin is also good in a depression diet.

Depression Test

A majority of the people have felt depressed at some point or the other in life. However, in case the depression becomes a chronic problem, affecting a person’s physical and mental health, then depression could also be described as a medical illness. People who are undergoing major depression could have trouble performing their day to day tasks and may feel that life is not worth living. People who may be suffering from depression are required to undergo a depression test as soon as possible. There are separate depression test for teenagers, children and adults, to help diagnose the condition accurately.

Depression Test for Teenagers:

Teen depression is a very common, yet serious condition affecting thousands of girls and boys. Hence, depression test for teenage girls and boys are very important, as the method of treatment adopted will depend on the outcome of the test. Most of the questions in the depression test for teenagers focus around the teen’s moods, hobbies, preferences, behavior, physical activities, communication pattern, interaction levels and academic performances.

Depression Test for Adults:

Depression is very common in adults too and it could affect men and women for several different reasons. Hence, it is possible for a patient to access a depression test for men or women online, to know they could be suffering from depression. However, the results of such a depression test for adults is not always accurate. Therefore, it is best to consult a health care provider, who can make the patients give a proper and customized depression test for women or men. The questions may focus around, moods, activities, weight changes, sleeping patterns, emotions and so on.

Depression Test for Children:

Unfortunately, it is possible for children too, to suffer from depression in today’s world, because of several different factors. In order to determine if a child is suffering from depression or not, he or she may be asked to sit through a depression test for children, where questions about their moods and feelings in the last one week are the center of focus.

Submitted on January 16, 2014