In Bipolar Disorder a patient experiences mood swings of uncontrollable mania alternating with episodes of severe depression. Persons of all ages can suffer from depression, including adults, children and the elderly. Estimates also suggest that 3-6 million children suffer from depression although the disorder may be vastly under identified and undertreated, especially when symptoms overlap with other disorders, such as hyperactivity, school problems or somatic concerns. Depression in children may be indicated by symptoms similar to those seen in adults, such as hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. Some symptoms are more characteristic of childhood depression such as excessive dependency on adults, difficulties in school, behavioral problems, listlessness, bed-wetting, fatigue and bodily complaints.
Some data suggests that depression in older adults is also grossly underestimated.
Symptoms of depression in the elderly are frequently incorrectly diagnosed as senility and other disorders associated with advanced age because of symptoms such as memory loss, confused thinking or apathy. Additionally, inconsistent sleeping patterns and reduced appetite, often occurring in this age group independent of depression, may in fact be signs of depression. A significant number of patients respond to a combination of antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy. Research demonstrates that the most effective psychotherapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is a structured approach, which is based on the premise that people's emotions and behaviors are determined by how they view their world and interpret their experiences.