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Signs Of Depression In Women Test

Difficulty Concentrating Remembering And Making Decisions

9 Depression Symptoms in Women: How to Know Youre Depressed

Depression can interfere with a persons cognitive abilities. They may have trouble focusing or concentrating on personal or professional matters. They may also struggle to make decisions, including small, everyday choices.

People with depression may also find that they cannot remember things as well as they did previously. They may forget appointments or commitments and might not recall things that they said or did recently.

Medications For Depression Treatment

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression and depressive symptoms. These medications can help the way the brain metabolizes chemicals that control mood or stress. There are many types of antidepressants. Doctors and patients should review all possible side effects and weigh the risks before prescribing any medications.

SSRIs

Doctors often begin treatment by prescribing an SSRI. These medicines are considered safer than other depression drugs. SSRIs also cause less side effects than other antidepressants. SSRIs your doctor may prescribe are:

  • Celexa

Rexulti

Addressing Your Mental Health By Identifying The Signs Of Anxiety And Depression

What is stress, and what happens when we arent able to cope well with stress? Stress can present itself after being fired from a job, going through a divorce or losing a loved one. Even getting married, transitioning to a new job or having a baby can cause stress.

Many people look to define stress as either good or bad, when in reality its neither. Stress is an event we view as out of our control and typically occurs outside our daily routines. How we react shapes our ability to cope with these and other similar events in the future. When individuals struggle to cope with stressful situations, depression and anxiety become more noticeable.

According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting more than 40 million adults every year.

The most common anxiety disorders include excessive fear or anxiety of:

  • Specific phobias
  • Natural environment heights, storms, water
  • Blood-injection injury needles, invasive medical procedures
  • Locations airplanes, elevators, enclosed places
  • Social anxiety disorder being around other people
  • Generalized anxiety disorder worry about many things
  • Its common for those struggling with anxiety disorders to also struggle with depression or vice versa. Close to 10 percent of the worlds population suffers from anxiety and depression. However, while anxiety and depressive disorders are highly treatable, only a small percent of affected individuals receive treatment.

    • Genetics

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    Can You Inherit Depression

    Genetic factors do play a role in depression, but so do biological, environmental, and psychological factors.2 Unipolar depression is less likely to be inherited than Bipolar disorder , says Steven Hollon, PhD, of Brentwood, Tennessee, a professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University.

    While depression does tend to run in families, just because a family member has depression does not mean you are going to get it, says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, Professor Emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief in the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital, both in Schenectady, New York. It is not a simple gene thing, he says. And the important thing is not so much why a person has depression but what are we going to do to help them.

    Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs

    What are the physical symptoms of depression

    Misusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can have both immediate and long-term health effects.

    The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.

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    How Many People Are Diagnosed With Depression

    Around 17.3 million US adults have had at least one major depressive episode.2 Some 20% of women and between 10 and 12% of men will experience depression at least once in their life, says says Steven Hollon, PhD, of Brentwood, Tennessee, a professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University.

    Depression is relatively rare during childhood and comparably distributed across the genders, Hollon adds. The rates just explode during adolescence and that is when gender disparities first emerge. And, he adds, Half of all the folks who are going to be diagnosed with major depression at some point will have at least one episode during adolescence.

    Overeating And Weight Gain

    Some people may eat more when they are depressed. Food can become a comfort mechanism for negative feelings or a way to deal with boredom or being alone.

    Depression can make it difficult for people to feel motivated to get outside or exercise. Combined with an increase in food intake, this can lead to weight gain.

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    Major Or Clinical Depression

    Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate and is characterized by severe, relentless symptoms.

    • Left untreated, major depressive disorder typically lasts for about six months.
    • Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder.

    Who Has The Highest Rate Of Depression

    Signs of Depression in Women

    Adult women have a higher rate of depression at any given point in time as compared to adult men . The age group that has the most adults who have had a major depressive episode in the past year is the 18 to 25 age group.4

    Children and teenagers get depressed, too, but it can be tricky to diagnose, says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, Professor Emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief in the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital, both in Schenectady, New York. We know that between 2% and 6% of children experience depression, he says. About 14% of teenagers age 12 to 17 will experience one episode of major depression. And about 9% of teenagers report a major depressive episode in a given year.

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    How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed

    Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be very difficult, as many of its symptoms also occur with other conditions. These conditions can include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . They can also include schizophrenia, especially if you have symptoms of psychosis. Diagnosis in women can also be complicated by reproductive hormones.

    A diagnosis typically involves a physical exam. Your doctor will also assess your medical and family history. With your permission, your doctor may also speak with family members and close friends to gather information about any abnormal behaviors. Before confirming the diagnosis, your doctor must also rule out the effects of other medications or conditions.

    There isnt a known cure for bipolar disorder. The symptoms of the condition are highly treatable, though. Treatment is individualized based on your specific symptoms.

    Mild And Moderate Depression

    These are the most common types. More than simply feeling blue, the symptoms of mild depression can interfere with your daily life, robbing you of joy and motivation. Those symptoms become amplified in moderate depression and can lead to a decline in confidence and self-esteem.

    Recurrent, mild depression

    Dysthymia is a type of chronic low-grade depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood.

    • The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of major depression, but they last a long time .
    • Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of dysthymia, a condition known as double depression.
    • If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like youve always been depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is just the way you are.

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    Receive Treatment For Your Depression

    If you believe you have depression, you are not alone. Since depression is a common condition, experts have developed multiple treatment options to help patients deal with a wide range of symptoms, life experiences, and barriers. The only way to know how to treat your depression is to speak with your doctor.

    If you believe you have depression, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional as soon as possible. Your doctor can evaluate your condition, determine which treatment options are right for you, and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Through this treatment, you can gain the skills and strategies you need to cope with difficult moments and restore your quality of life.

    Peripartum Or Postpartum Depression

    Depression: symptoms, treatment, causes  Medical Society

    Pregnancy can affect your hormones and lead to depressive episodes. When you have major depression during your pregnancy or after delivery, you could be experiencing peripartum depression or postpartum depression .

    With PPD, you might experience extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. This can make it difficult to accomplish daily care tasks for you and a baby.

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    Feeling Depressed Or Suffering From Depression

    We often get mixed up between low mood and unhappiness and depression. The two things are very different. Depression isnt about feeling unhappy, its feeling youll never be happy again, explains Colin Grange, Psychologist and Clinical Director of Lifeworks.

    If youre feeling low, is it starting to interfere with your day to day life? Are you not doing things that you used to do? Are you losing motivation in and enjoyment of life? Are you starting to not enjoy your hobbies? Is everything becoming an effort?

    People suffering from clinical depression often experience a range of symptoms both physical and emotional which can interfere with day to day life. Discovering whether you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms could be an important step towards getting the help you need.

    Quiz: Am I depressed?

    • 5min

    How Do I Know If I Should Make A Referral To A Mental Health Professional

    • A referral is necessary for scores of 13 or more on the EPDS or 15 or more on the PHQ-9.
    • A score of 10 to 12 on the EPDS or 5 – 14 on PHQ-9 is a sign of possible depression and may not require immediate referral use your professional judgement and provide interventions described in the next section.
    • Any positive score on item #10 on the EPDS or #9 on the PHQ-9 requires a referral.
    • Ask specific questions:

    1. Do you have any thoughts of harming yourself?Any person who is thinking about harming themself or others should talk to a mental health professional, regardless of the EPDS score. 2. If she answers yes to thoughts of self-harm in any way, then ask, Do you have a plan to hurt yourself ? If there is any kind of plan of self harm or harm to others, refer to psychiatric emergency services immediately. Assist in arrangements for someone to be with her and for transportation to the emergency room, hospital or clinic

    • If your client thinks she may be depressed or is exhibiting symptoms of depression, extreme anger, or anxiety, refer even if she did not screen positive. A majority of women who are depressed will screen positive on these tools but some may not
    • Offer to help to make the first call to the mental health provider to facilitate access to mental health services

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    Depression Is A Real Medical Condition

    Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy your life. Although researchers are still studying the causes of depression, current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Most people with depression need treatment to feel better.

    Learn More About Depression

    Clinical Depression Signs & Symptoms (& How It’s Diagnosed)

    Depression can make you feel alone but you have lots of company. Major depressive disorder , the clinical term for depression, is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting an estimated 350 million people in all age groups. You should know that depression isnt the same as being sad. Its normal to feel blue or unmotivated from time to time, but depression is more constant. And, it has a real, biological basis.

    Your privacy is important to us. All results are completely anonymous.

    The above quiz is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire . If you think you may be suffering from Depression and/or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, we strongly suggest that you reach out to to a qualified mental health professional. To aid in your search please consider our directory of emergency mental health resources.

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    Risk Factors For Depression

    Depression is caused by a mix of heredity, physical, and mental factors. Environment also plays a role. Depression can set in at any age however, it is most common in adults. Depression looks different in children and teens. Rather than a sad mood, children and teens become highly irritable.

    In middle-age and older adults, depression can follow the development of a serious illness. Older people with cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are at risk for depression. If depression came first, it often worsens after sickness. In some cases, medications taken for physical illnesses can have side effects that lead to depression.

    Other risk factors include:

    • Major life changes

    Signs & Symptoms Of Depression In Women

    Signs of depression in women can vary from men. Women are more than twice as likely to have clinical depression, which is also known as major depressive disorder . An estimated one out of every four women will have a major depressive episode during their lifetime.

    Depression doesnt always look like what we imagine it to be its not always overwhelming sadness and tears. Depression can also look like feeling irritable, numb, or exhausted. Activities that used to be fun just dont bring joy anymore. Or everything just feels way harder than it should be. If that sounds like you, dont hesitate to get screened by a mental health professional.

    Depression can cause feelings of hopelessness and sadness. It can make women feel worthless and helpless. Depression symptoms can be mild, or moderate to severe, and they can vary in severity from episode to episode.

    Some of the major depression symptoms in women can include:

    • Loss of interest in activities that once were pleasurable
    • Loss of interest in sex
    • Feeling sad or empty
    • Suicide attempts

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    Consider The Following Strategies:

    • NCAST Parent Child Interaction Scales
    • Referral to an Infant Mental Health clinician
    • Provide ongoing assessment, support, and intervention that is focused on the infant parent relationship
    • Collaborate with other clinicians to support treatment of maternal and/or infant disorders/delays

    . Developed by the El Paso County Department of Health & Environment Nurse -Family Partnership Program – Adopted by the work of Renquist, J. & Barnekow, K. Wisconsin Infant Mental Health Conference) Reference: J. Kevin Nugent – What newborn babies and their parents would like us to know . 15th Biennial ncast programs Institute

    Getting The Most Out Of Depression Treatment

    Moms who have depression early on may have kids with lower ...

    For recovery from depression, it is critical to follow the treatment plan. Results may vary in the first few weeks, but that is normal. Sticking with your plan and being patient offers the best chance at success. Treatment should never be stopped without consulting a physician. Open lines of communication are important between patients and their therapists and counselors. You should feel you are able to talk freely. You may have to try a few therapists before finding the best fit.

    Remain transparent about what does and does not work throughout the treatment plan. Talking to a therapist about how you feel about therapy sessions, regularly revisiting the overall treatment plan, and allowing changes to be made can help improve overall recovery.

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    Risk Factors That Can Make You More Vulnerable

    Depression most often results from a combination of factors, rather than one single cause. For example, if you went through a divorce, were diagnosed with a serious medical condition, or lost your job, the stress could prompt you to start drinking more, which in turn could cause you to withdraw from family and friends. Those factors combined could then trigger depression.

    The following are examples of risk factors that can make you more susceptible:

    Loneliness and isolation. Theres a strong relationship between loneliness and depression. Not only can lack of social support heighten your risk, but having depression can cause you to withdraw from others, exacerbating feelings of isolation. Having close friends or family to talk to can help you maintain perspective on your issues and avoid having to deal with problems alone.

    . While a network of strong and supportive relationships can be crucial to good mental health, troubled, unhappy, or abusive relationships can have the opposite effect and increase your risk for depression.

    Recent stressful life experiences. Major life changes, such as a bereavement, divorce, unemployment, or financial problems can often bring overwhelming levels of stress and increase your risk of developing depression.

    Chronic illness or pain. Unmanaged pain or being diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, can trigger feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

    About Your Mental Health

  • Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition by a professional ?
  • Yes
  • Have you ever received treatment/support for a mental health problem?
  • Yes
  • Are you receiving treatment/support now?
  • Yes
  • No
  • Think about your mental health test. What are the main things contributing to your mental health problems right now?Choose up to 3.
  • Current events
  • Loneliness or isolation
  • Grief or loss of someone or something
  • Financial problems
  • Do you currently have health insurance?
  • Yes
  • Do you have any of the following general health conditions?Select all that apply.
  • Arthritis or other chronic pain
  • COPD or other lung conditions
  • Movement Disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • If ‘Other’ please specify
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