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  • The National Institute of Mental Health classifies depression as a treatable mental illness. It can affect anyone. Depression is defined as a prolonged state of emotions of sadness, rejection, misery and gloom.

    Severe Depressive Disorder

    Severe depressive disorder is frequent and recurring. This means that a person who has suffered severe depression has a good chance of experiencing such attacks again. Severe or major depression involves excess feelings of sadness and misery that might cause physical pain. Severe depression interferes with a normal daily routine and can adversely affect your attitude, thought process and personality.

    Types of Depression

    Other types of depression include post-partum depression. This type of depression occurs in mothers who have recently given birth. It is characterized by a physical inability to care for the newborn and feelings of sadness and pain.

    SAD & Dysthymia

    Seasonal affective disorders and dysthymic depression usually fall under the category of severe depression. These occur consistently at specific times. Seasonal affective disorder, known as SAD, occurs during seasonal changes.

    Psychotic Depression

    Psychotic depression is a case of severe mental disorder in which a person experiences depression along with a psychotic attack. This includes being removed from reality, paranoia and suicidal feelings accompanied by extreme emotional disturbance.

    Treatments

    Depression is treated with anti-depressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac; citalopram, known as Celexa; and sertraline, marketed as Zoloft. Other treatments include electro-convulsive treatment, or shock therapy, psychoanalysis and light therapy.

    Source:

    National Institute of Mental Health Website: Depression

    About.com: Mental Health

    More Information:

    Information on depression

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