by Dr. Deborah Bauers

Created on: March 13, 2008   Last Updated: April 24, 2008

Almost everyone has suffered with feelings of sadness at some time in life and described themselves as "struggling with depression." While life's circumstances can sometimes lead to feeling temporarily down in the dumps these symptoms often resolve themselves without treatment.

However, if you have struggled with persistent feelings of despondency for a sustained period of time, you may be at risk for "clinical depression." This more serious condition is characterized by the following symptoms:

*depressed mood with feelings of hopelessness or despair
*loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
*change in appetite with significant weight fluctuation
*change in sleep pattern resulting in inability to sleep or sleeping to much
*decreased concentration and difficulty making decisions
*increased irritability
*decreased energy

A diagnosis of clinical depression is given when an individual has experienced at least five of the symptoms identified in the DSM IV TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for at least two continuous weeks with at least one of them being depressed mood or loss of pleasure.

When depression exists along with fluctuations in mood the diagnosis of "bipolar disorder" or "manic depression" is given. Manic depression is the more familiar term for this debilitating mental illness that is characterized by extreme highs and lows. Those who suffer with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for attempted suicide because of the erratic behavior often associated with this illness.

Other forms of mental illness that carry symptoms of depression may include dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, post-partum depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder. Correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment of each of these conditions.

Clinical depression may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive and behavioral therapies have proven effective in helping suffers identify faulty belief systems that lead to negative thinking and improve their ability to cope with stress. Antidepressants are the most common depression medication used to treat clinical depression. These prescription drugs work on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to restore chemical imbalance. Individuals who are treated with an antidepressant can often experience relief of the most severe symptoms of depression within three to six weeks of initial treatment. While medications can restore

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