Psychiatric Condition – Clinical Depression

Feeling down or sad once in a while is normal, but if you are constantly in a state of unhappiness, 

then you may be suffering from clinical depression. The condition is treatable with medication and therapy. Depression can be medically defined as a mood disorder accompanied by feelings of loss, sadness, dejection, and anger. Depression can play havoc in your life and disrupt daily activities. 

Depression Symptoms 

Men-related signs of depression 

• Mood – Sudden mood changes such as aggressiveness, impatience, irritability, or anger
• Emotion – Emotional feelings of dejection, sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness 
• Behavior – Behavioral changes like lack of interest in any activity, feeling tired without any reason, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, indulging in risky activities
• Sexual – Lack of sexual desire and poor sexual performance
• Cognitive – Reduced cognitive abilities like lack of concentration, delayed communicative responses, difficulty in completing regular tasks
• Physical – Physical changes including headache, fatigue, body pains, and poor digestion

Women-related Depression Signs 

• Mood – Irritability 
• Emotion – Sad and hopeless feelings 
• Behavior – Loss of interest in daily activities, withdrawal from social communication
• Cognitive – Always thinking and slow response to verbal communications
• Sexual – Lack of sexual desire 
• Sleep – Insomnia, lack of quality sleep, or always feeling sleepy 

Children-related Signs of Depression

• Mood – Anger, mood swings, or persistent crying 
• Emotion – Incompetent feeling, despair, and feeling sad 
• Behavior – Avoiding friends and refusing to study or go to school
• Cognitive – Poor school performance and lack of concentration
• Sleep – Difficulty in falling asleep or always feeling sleepy
• Physical – Lack of interest in playing or studying, digestion issues, weight gain, or weight loss 

Depression Causes 

The common causes of depression may include a family history of depression and anxiety or mood disorders, childhood trauma, poor brain activity, chronic medical issues, and substance abuse. 

Depression Test 

Diagnosis can only be made on basis of your symptoms and a detailed psychological assessment. There are no tangible tests to detect this mental health condition. Psychologists may ask queries about your lifestyle, daily work pattern, behavior, moods, appetite, thoughts, and sleeping habits. A healthcare provider in the UAE can also suggest blood work and physical examination to know possible triggers for a depressed state of mind. 

Types of Depression

Categorized as major depression, PDD or persistent depressive disorder, medical psychotic depression, bipolar disorder, SAD or seasonal affective disorder, PDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression,  and specific situational depression. 

Treatment for Depression

Depression is a mental disorder that can be treated with medications, psychotherapy (group, individual, or family sessions), light therapy, alternative therapies such as acupuncture and herbal supplements, exercise, taking self-care, and staying away from alcohol and drugs. 

Depression Medications 

Anti-anxiety pills, antidepressant pills, and antipsychotic medicines. The medicines may have potential side effects. 

At DoctorUna, we help you stay healthy by connecting you with the best doctors and therapists in Dubai near you. Access the most-reviewed psychologist in Dubai, DoctorUna offers easy, transparent, and trusted medical services for all Dubai and UAE residents. Bid adieu to clinical depression, request for an appointment today!