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Clinical Depression

Decent Essays

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is the leading cause of disability in America for people ages 15 to 44. Unfortunately, it is still widely misunderstood, which causes people to neglect themselves. There are so many different forms, the most major two being major depressive disorder and dysthymia. Symptoms can vary in the way they manifest themselves, and causes are still widely unknown. Luckily, there are many treatment options available. Understanding depression is the best way to combat it. Major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression. It is also known as clinical depression. In order to be diagnosed, symptoms must be present for two weeks, and occurs twice as often in women as …show more content…

Teenagers become more angry, and start rebelling. In both kids and teens, poor school performance and being more irritable in general are common symptoms. Many delinquents and runaways are just deeply depressed. Even infants can suffer, becoming restless and crying often with a refusal to eat. They begin responding poorly to people, going into a quiet, unhappy state. There are people that suggest that these symptoms are not a result of depression, but laziness. Depression is not something you simply "snap out of", but a real, crippling problem. Unfortunately this harmful myth is very widespread, and only serves to hurt those that suffer, not encourage them. No one can just stop being depressed, and they do not choose to be that way. This kind of thinking is dangerous, as it suggests that the depressed person doesn't need help, possibly causing them to not seek treatment. Like symptoms, there are a variety of causes that can lead to depression. However, the main causes haven't been pinpointed, and are just speculated. Among these, biological factors are thought to be one of the main ones. Physical changes to the brain and hormonal imbalances are some major issues that could play a part biologically. Depression can also be passed genetically throughout your family, with even unborn babies at risk from getting it from their mother while in the

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