CONNECT
SHOUT OUT BOARDS

YOUR ROOM
FIND OUT

HELP ME HEATHER

FAST FACTS

PLAY

gURL GAMES

QUIZZES

MORE PLAY
SHOW OFF

COMIX

PHOTOS

EXPLORE

BODY IMAGE

SEX

REACT

MOST POPULAR VIDEOS

SOUND CHECKS

 
image image image

image
image image image image image
image
image
What it is: Feelings of depression that persist for at least two weeks and interfere with the ability to function--not just feeling "blue." One of the most common mental illnesses, depression tends to run in families and can strike at any age. Depressive disorder is any form of depression serious enough to require treatment. There are several forms of depression, including bipolar, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), unipolar, and dysthymic disorder (neurotic depression), and they can overlap with one another.
Symptoms:
  • frequent sadness or crying
  • feelings of hopelessness
  • lack of energy, feelings of fatigue and "burnout"
  • feelings of worthlessness and of inappropriate guilt
  • lessened pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
  • persistent boredom
  • social isolation and poor communication
  • recurring suicidal thoughts, wishing to die, or attempting suicide
  • increased irritability, anger, or hostility
  • physical symptoms like frequent complaints of headaches and stomachaches
  • inability to concentrate or indecisiveness
  • change in appetite and unexplained significant weight loss or gain
  • change in sleeping patterns
Treatment: One of the most treatable mental illnesses; between 80 and 90% of all depressed people respond to treatment, which consists of psychotherapy or antidepressants (tricyclics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, monoaminine oxidase inhibitors, and lithium), or both. The usual treatment for SAD is light therapy.
image

© gURL.com 1999-2000



 
ADVERTISEMENT