Depression and HIV What is depression? In the language of clinical psychology, depression is a syndrome, a cluster of emotional, physical and behavioral symptoms characterized by sadness, low self esteem, loss of pleasure, and, sometimes, difficulty functioning. If these problems persist over a period of time, cause real suffering, and interfere with the business and pleasure of daily life, you may have a clinical depression.In everyday conversation, people say they are depressed when they are feeling unhappy, down, blue, sad, or hopeless. Almost everyone has experienced these emotions, and if you have HIV disease, you may have reason to be anxious or depressed at times. These feelings are just one part of everyday life for most people. However, if the feelings are overwhelming or persistent, you may benefit from psychological evaluation and treatment. Depression of this type can be effectively reduced or even eliminated with (often relatively simple) treatment. Professional intervention in serious depression can reduce suffering and improve the quality of life.One of the most serious symptoms of depression is suicidal thoughts and the desire to take one’s own life. People who are suicidal often feel no way out of their current circumstances, that nothing will ever change for the better and that the world may be a better place without them. If you or someone you love is feeling this way, it should be taken very seriously, and help should be sought immediately. What is the psychiatric definition? In the United States today, psychological symptoms are organized into diagnostic categories written by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and currently known as DSM IV criteria. These categories are pragmatic constructs and do not capture the richness of mental and emotional life. However, they are useful in determining whether medication might reduce your symptoms and, if so, which medications should be tried. One broad category is mood disorders. There are several sub-categories of mood disorders described by the APA. The most common are major depression and dysthymia (a chronic, but less intense form of depression) . Bipolar disorder is another sub-category and is characterized by symptoms that can include an elated, euphoric or irritable mood; increased energy and talking; distractibility; racing thoughts; decreased need for sleep and poor judgment. Bipolar disorder can also produce depressive symptoms similar to those of major depression. The depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder are essentially the same as for major depression. This lesson deals primarily with major depression. Criteria for Major Depression Feeling depressed (down, sad, blue, hopeless) most of the day and almost every day. It can evolve gradually over a few weeks or suddenly after great stress. OR Loss of interest and pleasure in things that are usually interesting and pleasurable; this can be partial or complete. Some people may not be able to feel better no matter what the circumstances; others may periodically respond to positive things by feeling better.This leads to; -Loss of appetite and/or weight loss without dieting or medical cause, or increase in appetite and/or undesired weight gain. - Insomnia (waking up early and not being able to fall back asleep; difficulty falling asleep), or sleeping too much. -Being slowed down physically or mentally. You and other people notice that it takes you longer than usual to accomplish activities. -Being agitated (restless, can’t sit still, pacing, wringing hands, rubbing head). -Fatigue; loss of energy. -Feeling excessively guilty or worthless. -Difficulty in concentrating. Feeling that your thinking is slowed down.Increased difficulty in making small decisions. -Persistent thoughts about death and/or suicide. For more on other side effects call 0702962854
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 07:43:37 +0000
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