Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for depression, occurring alone or in combination with other problems. Considerations Most depression is a reaction to an unhappy event. It is natural to have some depression after a loss such as the death of a relative, or after a major disappointment at home or at work. Depression is more prevalent in women than men and is especially common among adolescents.
Mild depression comes and goes and is characterized by downheartedness, sadness, and dejection.
Noticeably disturbed thought processes, poor communication and socialization, and sensory dysfunction indicate moderate depression. People with severe depression are withdrawn, without expression, indifferent toward their surroundings, and may show signs of delusional thinking and limited physical activity . If depression disrupts work and family life for more than 2 weeks. If your primary health care provider can't be reached, many communities have telephone hotlines for such situations. If there is no such service nearby, call the nearest emergency room or health-care facility.