Depression has been recognised since antiquity, as evidenced in many ancient texts — for example, the account of King Saul in the Old Testament, the suicide of Ajax in the Iliad, and the use of the term “melancholia” by Hippocrates as early as the 4th century BC.
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects a significant proportion of the population and can occur across a wide range of age groups.
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects a significant proportion of the population and can occur across a wide range of age groups.
The core features and diagnostic criteria for depression, as defined by the American DSM-5 classification system, include:
These symptoms lead to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Treatment for Depression
Effective management of depression involves ongoing psychiatric supervision, appropriate medication, supportive psychotherapy, psychological counselling, group therapy, psychoeducation, as well as therapeutic and recreational group activities.
- Depressed mood – a persistent feeling of sadness for most of the day (feeling sad, empty, or hopeless).
- Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia) – a marked reduction in interest or enjoyment in almost all activities for most of the day.
- Appetite disturbance – significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
- Sleep disturbance – either insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation – noticeable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or slowing down.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating – reduced ability to think clearly, focus, or make decisions.
- Recurrent thoughts of death – suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or a concrete plan for suicide.
These symptoms lead to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Treatment for Depression
Effective management of depression involves ongoing psychiatric supervision, appropriate medication, supportive psychotherapy, psychological counselling, group therapy, psychoeducation, as well as therapeutic and recreational group activities.