How does major depression affect behavior?
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Depression is a complex mental health condition that causes a person to have low mood and may leave them feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Show
Depressive symptoms can be a temporary experience in response to grief or trauma. But when the symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, it can be a sign of a serious depressive disorder. The same symptoms can also be a sign of another mental health condition, such as bipolar or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists the following symptoms of depression:
The symptoms vary between individuals and may change over time. For a doctor to diagnose depression, a person must have five or more symptoms that must be present during the same 2-week period.  Image credit: Stephen Kelly, 2018 Research has documented many ways that depression can affect physical health, including the following: Weight gain or lossPeople with depression may experience appetite changes, which can cause unintended weight loss or gain. Medical experts have associated excessive weight gain with many health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. Being underweight can harm the heart, affect fertility, and cause fatigue. Chronic painPeople with depression may experience unexplained aches or pains, including joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, and headaches. A person’s depression symptoms can worsen because of chronic pain. Heart diseaseDepression can reduce a person’s motivation to make positive lifestyle choices. Their risk of heart disease increases when they eat a poor diet and have a sedentary lifestyle. Depression may also be an independent risk factor for heart health problems. According to research published in 2015, one in five people with heart failure or coronary artery disease has depression. InflammationResearch indicates that chronic stress and depression are linked to inflammation and may change the immune system. Other research suggests that depression could be due to chronic inflammation. People with depression are more likely to have inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. However, it is unclear whether depression causes inflammation or chronic inflammation makes someone more vulnerable to depression. More research is necessary to understand the link between the two. Sexual health problemsPeople with depression may have a decreased libido, have trouble becoming aroused, no longer have orgasms, or have less pleasurable orgasms. Some people also experience relationship problems due to depression, which can have an impact on sexual activity. Worsening chronic health conditionsPeople who already have a chronic health condition may find their symptoms are worse if they develop depression. Chronic illnesses may already feel isolating or stressful, and depression may exacerbate these feelings. A person with depression may also struggle to follow the treatment plan for a chronic illness, which can allow the symptoms to get worse. People who experience depression and who have a chronic illness should talk to a doctor about strategies for addressing both conditions. Preserving mental health may improve physical health and make a chronic condition easier to manage. Trouble sleepingPeople with depression may experience insomnia or trouble sleeping. This condition can leave them feeling exhausted, making it difficult to manage both physical and mental health. Doctors link sleep deprivation to a host of health problems. Similarly, research has correlated long-term sleep deprivation with high blood pressure, diabetes, weight-related issues, and some types of cancer. Gastrointestinal problemsPeople with depression often report stomach or digestion problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, or constipation. Some people with depression also have chronic conditions, including IBS. According to research published in 2016, this may be because depression changes the brain’s response to stress by suppressing activity in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Recognizing that depression can cause physical health problems can help a person to seek treatment and make changes to help manage their symptoms. Depression is treatable. A doctor may recommend a combined approach, using medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. With the right support, a person can manage both physical and mental health effects of depression. What are three behavioral changes with depression?Anxiety, panic disorder, or social phobia. Addiction to drugs or alcohol. Self-harm. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Does depression cause major personality changes?The results suggested a possible association of number and length of episodes with increased levels of emotional reliance and introversion, respectively. Conclusions: The findings suggest that self- reported personality traits do not change after a typical episode of major depression.
How does having major depressive disorder affect a person's thoughts behaviors and social interactions?Individuals with more depressive symptoms may experience fewer social interactions because: (1) they may elicit rejection from others as they induce a negative mood in their interaction partners17,18,19 and (2) they are likely to receive less reinforcement from the social environment, which contributes to a feeling of ...
What will happen to a person who is suffering from major depressive disorder?A person with major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression — will experience a persistently low mood for 2 weeks or more and a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy. Individual symptoms may include sleep problems, fatigue or loss of energy, changes in appetite, or difficulty concentrating.
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