Symptoms Of Depression - Different Types
Someone, not knowing much about depression could generally think that the ultimate symptom of depression, is feeling depressed, however, there are a variety of symptoms, depending on the age or the gender of the patient, and the type of depression he/she is suffering from. While feeling depressed is of course the most significant symptom of depression, it is also important to know that other symptoms can accompany it as well, and that a teenage female for example will not be experiencing the same symptoms as a middle-aged male.
Depression In Women
Usual symptoms of depression are of course not applicable to everybody, and especially not to women suffering from depression. They will of course experience such typical symptoms as change the in sleeping pattern and diet, the feeling of helplessness, lack of energy and concentration. However, women are more prone to experience seasonal affective disorder more frequently than men, which is depression in colder, winter months, when there are also lower levels of sunlight. Women are also more likely to experience symptoms of atypical depression. In an atypical depression, as opposed to sleeping less, losing weight and eating less, the person will oversleep, gain weight and eat more. So, if you were thinking that for example, excessive sleeping cannot be a typical symptom of depression, it can still point to the presence of the disorder.
Depression In The Elderly and Older Adults
Older people have to face increasingly more changes, as illnesses, or the death of a spouse for example, and these could lead to depression. However, depression is not normal even in the face of serious changes, thus it is always important to recognize the symptoms of depression in the elderly and then find ways to help them. The symptoms of depression are not always typical, older people suffering from depression for example may not even feel sad or depressed. Physical symptoms of depression seem to be predominant, if a person is complaining for example about headaches or other pains getting worse, it may easily be a symptom of depression. Elderly people with depression are also more likely to exhibit signs of irritation or anxiety, or they may complain obsessively about something.
A Special Case - Manic Depression
A unique case of depression is manic depression, which has its own set of typical symptoms that are easy to recognize if someone is aware of them. Manic depressive people will experience cycling mood changes, with episodes of mania alternating with depression. Mood changes are usually gradual, both the manic and depressive mood lasting for several weeks. In the depressed phase, the person will exhibit the typical symptoms of depression, while the manic episode can be characterized by hyperactivity, acting on sudden impulses, or rapid speech.
