Depression is categorized as being a mental health disorder.

So, if you think of it, in one way, it is a disease because it is a condition that does require medical attention and treatment before it manages to get worse. Therefore, with this said, it is a disease of sorts. If it isn’t treated properly, it can manifest itself into a lot of symptoms that can wreak havoc on one’s life.

There is no denying the fact that those who have serious depression are ill. Depression symptoms can often be very severe in some cases. Some patients who suffer from severe depression have to end up being hospitalized for it.

Depression is not a disease you play with. It is one that you seek treatment because it can advance and become deadly in some instances. It is every inch debilitating and a challenge to have to live with from day to day. So, with this said, if most definitely does qualify as a disease.

What are the symptoms of severe depression?

Some of the severe physical symptoms that are connected with severe depression include the following: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, insomnia, and chronic pain. These are just a few of the many symptoms that accompany major depression.

Some of the other key symptoms include marked sadness, reduced interest in the activities that one used to find satisfying, concentration problems, weight gain or loss, feelings of guilt, and constant thoughts about death.

What exactly causes depression?

Depression is something that is known by many names. Some of these names do include major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. However, no matter what you call it, it is a medical problem that causes a huge amount of sadness and lack of interest in life in general.

Depression can be caused by many different reasons. Sometimes, it occurs just because it can be in your family genes to carry it and other medical problems. These forms of medical problems can be passed down from generation to generation. People who take drugs or drink lots of alcohol are also said to have a great chance of developing or having depression.

Also, people who are afflicted with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Parkinson’s Disease also stand a greater chance of having depression. Depression is not discriminating and can happen to almost anyone.

Does major depression often go unnoticed and untreated in some cases?

Major depression can definitely go unnoticed, as well as untreated, in many cases. This is because those who have it, as well as those who come in contact with them such as family and friends, don’t notice the signs of it.

Sometimes, it occurs because sufferers don’t address the issue. There could be a lot of reasons why this happens. However, it is dangerous to leave it unnoticed and untreated for a long time. The symptoms will only worsen and so will the condition itself.

What is Dysthymia?

Dysthymia is sometimes referred to as being neurotic depression, dysthymic depression, or chronic depression. It is mainly a mood disorder that exhibits some of the very same cognitive and physical type problems, as those which do belong to depression itself.

However, its symptoms are not as severe, but a lot more long-lasting in duration than regular depression. Dysthymia is not as acute or as severe as major depressive disorder. However, it still is something that does require treatment, and it can last up to two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. Some people will have it for years without even knowing that they have it.

Does depression lead to behaviors associated with other chronic diseases?

Depression is indeed linked to behaviors that are associated with other chronic diseases. Some of these other chronic diseases include Vitamin D deficiency, anxiety, cancer, fibromyalgia, alcoholism, smoking, fatigue, and stress.

Some other diseases or risks for diseases are also strongly linked with depression on the average. Physical inactivity, which often leads to obesity, also increases one’s chances of getting depression and sleep disturbance.

Conclusion

Depression does require medical care. Therefore, it is every inch a real disease, if you look at it from a medical perspective. No one wants to be depressed, but it happens, and life is part of the reason why it does.

Things occur in our lives to bring on lots of stress, sadness, and misery at times. People respond to their surroundings and events in their lives. Depression can take on many forms, but it is what it is and that is a real medical condition that needs attention.


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