Research Paper on Depression

Abstract

This research paper aims to discuss the problem of depression in general and describes how men, women, teenagers and children are affected by this severe disease. Moreover, it also discusses the causes of depression in detail and throws light on the symptoms and types of depression as well.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion5

Causes of Depression5

Symptoms and Types Of Depression7

Depression and Men8

Depression and Women10

Depression and Children11

Suicide and Depression13

Conclusions13

References14

Depression

Introduction

As a mental health disorder, depression is defined as constant feelings of sorrow and unhappiness that interfere with every day functioning. It is perpetuity of mood disorders that incorporate major dysthymic disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, psychotic depression and depressive disorder. An interrelated disorder, bipolar disorder, includes intense mood swings that rotate from depressive states to maniac states. Females are more affected by major depressive disorders than men at a ratio of 2:1 all through a woman's parturiency and birthing years. But, both before puberty and later than menopause, the rates of depressive disorders among females and males are similar (Gotlib & Hammen, 2002). The signs or indications of depression can vary from mild to severe, and not every woman witness the same depressive indications or symptoms. The common symptoms of depressions are constant feelings of anxiety, sadness, guilt, hopelessness and feelings of being empty as well as worthless. Women may also feel restless and irritable or may also lose interest in their routine hobbies and activities. A loss of interest in sex is also noticed by majority of women suffering from depression. Some women also report obscurity in brain tasks, like making decisions, concentrating or remembering details. Depression can come about with either increased eating patterns or loss of appetite. It may also be linked with persistent pains and aches as well as digestive or headaches problems that are not relieved by treatment. Depression may also be connected with suicidal attempts or thoughts for suicide. Together with anxiety and stress, depression can lead to negative surviving mechanisms like alcohol and drugs abuse and self medication. In reality, drug abuse and depression are commonly comorbid conditions.

Discussion

Depression is currently the most frequently identified psychiatric problem in the United States. It is a disease that affects a person's emotional, physical and psychological functioning. Unlike regular approach of loss, moods shifting, or sadness, this disease is constant and can hinder the manner an individual sleeps and eats and thinks regarding himself. Depression can distress individuals belonging to any race, age, economic and ethnic group. Approximately 9.9 percent of adults, around 8 percent of teenagers, and 2.5 percent of kids are affected by depression in a given year in the U.S. Almost two times women as compare to men get into depression every year (O'Hara & Swain, 1996).

Causes of Depression

The severe psychological disease known as depression can be a consequence of genetical based reasons, and akin to other infirmities, just occurs. Depression may arise after a breakup in a close relationship, divorce in the family, loss of a loved one, difficulties at home or financial ...