- How to recognize depression at different stages of life
- 1. Depression in childhood
- 2. Depression in adolescence
- 3. Depression in pregnancy or postpartum
- 4. Depression in the elderly
Depression is a disease that affects mood, generating deep and persistent sadness, and negatively affecting the way people feel, think and act.
It causes both psychological and physical symptoms, which are not always easily recognized. Thus, to identify a person with depression, according to the guidelines of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), it is necessary to observe the following signs and symptoms:
- Depressed mood, and / or Loss of interest or pleasure for day-to-day activities, which are persistent and appear on all or almost every day.
In addition, the person must have at least 3 or 4 other possible symptoms, such as:
- Marked weight loss or gain without being on a diet; Increased or decreased appetite; Insomnia or excessive sleep; Agitation or sluggishness; Fatigue and loss of energy; Feeling of worthlessness or excessive or inadequate guilt; Indecision or decreased ability to think or concentrate Recurrent thoughts of death, willingness to die, as well as attempted or planned suicide.
In depression, these symptoms must be present in the last 2 weeks, and must not be justified by other causes, such as other psychiatric syndromes, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, for example, or due to physical illness. To better recognize the signs of a depressed person, check out the symptoms of depression.
Thus, if this disease is suspected, the best way to confirm it is to consult with the general practitioner or psychiatrist, so that a thorough evaluation can be made that can confirm the depression and guide an appropriate treatment, which includes the use of antidepressants. and holding psychotherapy sessions.
How to recognize depression at different stages of life
1. Depression in childhood
Depression in children can be more difficult to recognize, as they are not always able to demonstrate their feelings clearly. Some of the signs presented include lack of desire to play, bed wetting, frequent complaints of tiredness, aggression or learning difficulties, for example.
If there are symptoms of sadness or changes in behavior in the child, it is important that there is an evaluation by the pediatrician, psychologist or child psychiatrist, who will be able to more specifically assess the clinical condition, and confirm whether there is really depression or other type of change, such as anxiety or hyperactivity, for example. Check the pediatrician's guidelines to identify symptoms and what to do if childhood depression is suspected.
2. Depression in adolescence
Changes in behavior and mood are common in adolescence, as it is a phase of important hormonal changes, in addition to being a period in which greater demands and doubts begin to appear. However, it is important to know how to recognize signs that may indicate depression, as this situation can have serious consequences for the adolescent's life, such as abuse of drugs, alcohol and even suicide.
Some signs that indicate depression at this stage can be sadness, constant irritability, memory failures, lack of self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. However, medical evaluation is very important to confirm the causes of these symptoms. Understand better about teenage depression symptoms and what to do if you are suspicious.
3. Depression in pregnancy or postpartum
Depression in pregnancy or in the postpartum period can arise in people predisposed to this disease, since it is a period of many demands, doubts and uncertainties.
It is also important to remember that mood swings in this period are normal, which result from changes in the hormonal levels that the woman has. However, if the depressed mood is persistent and lasts for more than 2 weeks, the woman should talk to her obstetrician, psychologist or psychiatrist to assess the situation and see if she may be depressed.
Understand more about what causes it, how to identify and the consequences of pregnancy depression and postpartum depression, with the guidance of the obstetrician.
4. Depression in the elderly
Depression in the elderly may also show signs that are more difficult to recognize, as many people may find that apathy or unwillingness to perform activities is "common for age", which is not true.
Whenever the elderly person has changes in behavior or mood, it is advisable to consult the geriatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist, as they can not only indicate depression, but can also be signs of other dangerous diseases, such as dementia, hypothyroidism or Parkinson's, for example.
In addition, depression should be treated as soon as it is identified, as it can have serious consequences for the health of the elderly, such as loss of autonomy to perform activities, changes in memory, social isolation, in addition to favoring the worsening of diseases. To treat depression in the elderly, the doctor may recommend the use of antidepressant drugs, such as Citalopram, Sertraline or Nortriptyline, for example, as well as psychotherapy.
The family also has a fundamental role in helping to stimulate the well-being of the elderly, keeping them company, proposing social interaction activities and encouraging physical activity, important factors to prevent and treat depression. Check out the benefits of physical activity in old age.
