A depressed person almost always feels sad. It becomes difficult to feel any pleasure in life and the person can even become suicidal. Other symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and guilt, loss of interest in normal activities, reduced sex drive, changes in eating habits, insomnia, restlessness and poor concentration. Another form of the disorder is manic-depression in which a person demonstrates both periods of depression and periods of euphoria. There are biological and psychological changes in both types.
Depressed people have unusual brain chemistry patterns.
And, some forms run in families. On the psychological side, depression tends to show up in people who have low self-esteem and a pessimistic outlook. An episode of depression is often triggered by a serious loss, a chronic illness, or a financial problem. The treatment usually involves both anti-depression medications and psychotherapy and is very effective. This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.