Symptoms of depression

Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

The symptoms of depression almost always include persistent low mood throughout most of the day, and patients generally lack interest or pleasure in all activities. Patients may exhibit psychomotor agitation or retardation, and experience fatigue, weakness, and feelings of inadequacy. They may feel that their lives are worthless and meaningless, have feelings of self-reproach or guilt, and suffer from poor concentration and indecisiveness. Recurrent thoughts or behaviors of suicide may occur, and some patients may even make specific plans for suicide. Therefore, these are the primary symptoms of depression. Some patients may present primarily with physical symptoms, such as dizziness, headaches, palpitations, frequent or urgent urination, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is important to conduct relevant examinations to avoid misdiagnosis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What causes depression?

The causes of depression are not yet clear, and it may be closely related to multiple factors such as biological, psychological, and social factors. Firstly, from a biological perspective, depression may involve genetics, biochemical factors, and endocrine factors, especially closely related to the secretion of serotonin and norepinephrine. Secondly, psychological factors. The psychological characteristics and personality traits of patients, especially before the onset of depression, are closely related. Particularly, individuals with a depressive disposition are often more likely to develop depression. Thirdly, social environmental factors. Particularly, encountering major negative life events is often an important contributing factor to clinical depressive episodes. Therefore, the onset of depression is not caused by a single factor, but likely the result of multifactorial interactions, ultimately leading to the disease onset.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Can mild depression cause dizziness?

Patients with mild depression may also experience symptoms of dizziness. These patients often come to see a doctor primarily for physical symptoms, manifesting discomforts such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, palpitations, chest tightness, heart palpitations, vomiting, sweating, and difficulty breathing, among other related symptoms. These are also symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, which are relatively common. Thus, the emotional and cognitive symptoms in these patients are often mild, while the physical symptoms are comparatively severe. Particularly, disturbances in sleep, fatigue, and diminished appetite are amongst the more prominently severe symptoms. When patients seek medical help, they often present with the aforementioned symptoms as their main complaints, and if not carefully questioned, misdiagnosis can easily occur. Therefore, for physical symptoms of depression, it is important to observe carefully as the physical manifestations are closely related to emotional changes. Attention should be given to observe and administer antidepressant therapy, which can achieve good therapeutic effects.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Pang Ji Cheng
Psychiatry and Psychology
1min 5sec home-news-image

How to alleviate mild depression?

Mild depression can be managed clinically through self-adjustment and psychotherapy. Self-adjustment includes exercise, shifting focus, or verbal expression. Exercise is a very effective and quick way to alleviate depression by stimulating the brain to release endorphins, which have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects. Additionally, diverting attention to activities of particular interest can enhance pleasure and motivate improvements. Furthermore, expressing one's depressive feelings through speech can also alleviate symptoms of mild depression. Moreover, psychotherapy mainly involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to continuously improve or correct irrational cognitive patterns and rebuild the cognitive system to effectively treat depression. This is a common approach in treating depression; medication adjustments, such as the use of new antidepressants, are also viable options. (Please follow professional medical advice before using any medication and do not self-medicate.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
38sec home-news-image

How long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum depression can generally be cured within a year in 70% of women. In families where such cases occur, it is important to pay attention, communicate more with the patient, and provide sufficient care and guidance. Additionally, timely psychological and pharmacological treatments should be administered to boost the patient's confidence and self-worth. It is also necessary to use antidepressant medications under a doctor's guidance that do not enter the breast milk, meaning they do not affect breastfeeding.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
57sec home-news-image

How to treat postpartum depression?

When postpartum depression occurs, it is first important to pay attention to women's mental health. Treatment can be approached psychologically, and additionally, medication and physical therapy may be options. Psychological therapy includes supportive psychological treatments, music therapy, and cognitive behavioral adjustments. The main purpose of psychological therapy, especially during acute depressive episodes, is to alleviate symptoms of depression to improve social issues. It is important that family members and husbands provide sufficient psychological support and ensure that the new mother feels secure. Additionally, diet should be considered; consuming foods rich in protein and vitamins can strengthen a woman's body and resistance, and regulate her physical condition. In severe cases, under the guidance of a doctor, medication can also be used for treatment.