Depression & Other Mood Disorders

Depression and other mood disorders are serious illnesses that are very common. The key symptoms are continuous feelings of sadness or loss of interest. In addition, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, poor focus, and thoughts of self-worth or guilt are also common. In any event, leaving this unchecked has serious consequences, with suicide being the worst-case scenario.

Approximately one in four persons will have a depressive disorder in their lifetime. With this in mind, the presentation of depression changes over your lifespan. Therefore, a complete medical and psychological examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. For instance, depression amongst the senior citizen usually appears as agitation, impatience, anxiety, and memory issues.

Depression can happen as a reaction to stress, due to an underlying medical problem, or even "out of the blue". It frequently lasts months without treatment and negatively affects your physical and mental health.