Depression

Introduction

Depression, as a mental health disorder, defined as persistent feelings of sadness that interfere with daily functioning. Depression is a continuum of mood disorders that include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. A related disorder, bipolar disorder, includes mood swings that cycle from depressive to maniac states. Females outnumber males in major depressive disorders at a ratio of 2:1 during a woman's childbearing years. However, both prior to puberty and after menopause, rates of depressive disorders between males and females are similar. Approximately 6-17 percent of women suffer a major depressive episode (MDE) at least once in their life. MDEs diagnosed by the occurrence of at least five of the depressive symptoms listed above occurring in a two-week period. One of the symptoms must include depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities. In addition, the symptoms should occur nearly every day. Depression, even when treated, holds a high likelihood of recurrence. Over 80 percent of people suffering from depression have more than one episode. In addition, approximately half of individuals who suffer from an MDE will experience a reoccurring episode within two years (Kessler, 31)

Discussion

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe, and not all women experience the same depressive symptoms. Symptoms can consist of persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and/or being “empty” as well as feelings of hopelessness guilt, and being worthless. Women may also feel irritable and restless or may lose interest in their normal activities and hobbies. There can also be a loss of interest in sex as well as feelings of fatigue. Some women report difficulty in mental tasks, such as concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions. Depression can occur with either loss of appetite or increased eating patterns. It may also be associated with persistent aches and pains as well as headaches or digestive problems that are not alleviated by treatment. Depression may also be associated with suicidal thoughts or attempts at suicide. Depression, along with stress and anxiety, can lead to self-medication and negative coping mechanisms such as drug and alcohol abuse. In fact, depression and drug abuse are often Co morbid conditions. The stress mothers face in their daily lives—mothering, domestic responsibilities, and paid work—can have a critical impact on their ability to cope, and can leave them feeling overwhelmed and guilty. This distress puts mothers at risk for depression (Belle, 14).

Types of Depressive Disorders

Dysthymia is a chronic mood disorder. It considered less severe than MDEs, as it presents with similar but less severe symptoms. Dysthymia is defined by some duration of two years or longer. Diagnosis, as with MDE, includes experiencing depressed mood for most of the day on a nearly daily basis. However, with dysthymia, two of the depressive symptoms listed above must also occur for diagnosis to be made, as opposed to the five required by MDE. While people who suffer from dysthymia are highly likely to experience MDE, diagnosis of dysthymia requires its absence in the first two ...