Depression is a condition that affects mood, generates deep and persistent sadness and negatively affects the way people feel, think and act.
It causes both psychological and physical symptoms, which are not always easily recognizable. Thus, to identify a person who has depression, according to the guidelines of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), it is necessary to observe the following signs and symptoms:
In addition, the person must have at least 3 or 4 other possible symptoms, such as:
In depression, these symptoms must be present in the last 2 weeks, and should not be justified by other causes, such as other psychiatric syndromes, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, for example, or by a physical illness. To better recognize the signs of a depressed person, look for symptoms of depression.
Thus, in the face of suspicion of this disease, the best way to confirm it is to consult the family doctor or the psychiatrist, so that a thorough assessment can be made that can confirm depression and guide appropriate treatment, including the use of antidepressants. and organize psychotherapy sessions.
Depression in children can be harder to recognize because they are not always able to clearly demonstrate their feelings. Some of the signs presented include a lack of desire to play, night enuresis, frequent complaints of fatigue, aggressiveness or learning difficulties, for example.
If there are symptoms of sadness or behavioral changes in the child, it is important that the assessment is made by the pediatrician, psychologist or child psychiatrist, who will be able to more specifically assess the clinical situation and confirm whether there really is depression or some other type of change, such as anxiety. hyperactivity, for example. Refer to your pediatrician’s guidelines to identify symptoms and what to do if childhood depression is suspected.
Behavioral and mood swings are common in adolescence, as it is a phase of major hormonal changes, as well as a period in which greater demands and doubts begin to arise. However, it is important to recognize signs that can indicate depression, as depression can have serious consequences on the adolescent’s life, such as drug and alcohol abuse and even suicide.
Signs of depression at this stage may include sadness, constant irritability, memory problems, low self-esteem, and a feeling of futility. However, a medical evaluation is very important to confirm the causes of these symptoms. To better understand the symptoms of depression in adolescence and what to do if you suspect them.
Depression during pregnancy or postpartum can occur in people predisposed to this disease, as this is a period of many requests, doubts and uncertainties.
It is also important to remember that mood swings during this period are normal and are the result of changes in a woman’s hormone levels. However, if the depressive mood is persistent and lasts longer than 2 weeks, the woman should talk to her obstetrician, psychologist or psychiatrist to assess the situation and see if she may be depressed.
Learn more about the causes, identification, and consequences of depression during pregnancy.
Depression in the elderly can also show signs that are harder to recognize, as many people may find that apathy or refusal to do activities is “common for age,” which is not true.
Whenever the eldest person has behavioral or mood changes, it is advisable to consult the geriatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist, as they may not only indicate depression, but may also be signs of other dangerous diseases, such as dementia, hypothyroidism or Parkinson’s disease. Like what.
In addition, depression should be treated as soon as it is identified, as it can have serious consequences on the health of older adults, such as loss of autonomy for activities, changes in memory, social isolation and promoting the aggravation of diseases. To treat depression in the elderly, your doctor may recommend the use of antidepressant medications, such as Citalopram, Sertraline or Nortriptyline, for example, as well as psychotherapy.
The family also plays a key role in helping to boost the well-being of older adults, accompany them, provide social interaction activities and encourage physical activity, important factors in the prevention and treatment of depression. Discover the benefits of physical activity in old age.