Depressive Disorder/Mental disorders characterized by either depressed mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities of the day.

Causes

The causes vary:
• The research data are most consistent with the hypothesis with disregulation
of the biologic amines specifically norepinephrine and serotonin,

• Family studies reported that first degree relatives of depressed disorders have 2-
10 times more likely to have the disorder,

• Twin studies show that the concordance rate for monozygotic twins is about 50%,

• Stressful life events play the primary or principal role in depression, generally,
it is the loss of significant person.

Symptoms

• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty in sleeping or oversleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Psychomotor agitation and slowness
• Excessive guilt or feeling of worthlessness
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness
- recurrent thoughts of deaths
- recurrent suicidal ideations

Prevention and Control

There are clear guidelines for the treatment of depressive disorders. This include both antidepressant medications and psychological interventions like cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy and family therapy.