Definition:
Depression is a term that covers a wide range of symptoms resting to low mood for a period of two weeks or more and is categorised as mild, moderate, or severe.
Cause and scope for prevention:
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. People with long term health conditions are at a far higher risk of depression, which can result in poorer management of their physical health condition which in turn makes their depression worse.
Diagnosis:
By response to questions related to mood, self care, and general outlook. There may also be physical symptoms like changes in appetite/weight or sleep issues.
Standard medical therapy:
For moderate and severe depression antidepressants are usually prescribed, ideally in combination with psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy. For mild depression psychological treatments should be tried before antidepressants are prescribed.
Benefits of exercise therapy:
Rethink Mental Illness states that physical activity:
Key reference:
Key organisation:
NHS page listing mental health charities
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