Diagnosis of Depression (continuation)
Some symptoms of depression, such as feelings of guilt or inadequacy, may be apparent only to the
person experiencing them. But these feelings in turn bring about changes in attitudes and behavior
that are noticeable to friends, family, colleagues: a withdrawal from the usual relationships; an
inability to find pleasure in the normal joys of living; overreacting to the minor irritations of
daily life; emotional instability and inexplicable mood swings; impaired concentration; crying spells,
anxiety attacks and an increasing inability to get out of bed in the morning to face the day's responsibilities.
Physical symptoms also may appear--insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances and, in some
cases, a change in appetite or sexual function.
A child of any age may be sending out signals for help in dealing with a depression when he or she
complains of headaches and cramps with no physical cause; refuses to see friends; has raging tantrums
for no reason; neglects schoolwork, and is self-destructive.
A transitory post-partum depression--also known as "after-the-baby blues"--is a common and normal
condition that may affect both parents. However, if the new mother's feelings of helplessness or entrapment
and resentment persist to the point where she keeps losing sleep or is afraid to handle the baby because
she thinks she might harm it, professional help is needed.
Depression may also manifest itself as a reaction--probably biochemical--to such infectious diseases as
hepatitis, mononucleosis and tuberculosis. A number of drugs, particularly central nervous system
depressants, or "downers," especially alcohol and barbiturates among others, also may be responsible
for feelings of depression.
Treatment of Depression
Some people with a genetic tendency to recurrent sieges of mild depression are able to deal with the
problem without medication. They find relief in working at meaningful and productive tasks, in spending
time with friends who enhance their self-esteem or in regularly scheduling strenuous exercise, which
may be alternated with periods of relaxation or medication.
