| Disorder | Your Score |
|---|---|
| Major Depression: | High |
| Dysthymia: | Moderate |
| Bipolar Disorder: | Moderate |
| Cyclothymia: | Very High |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder: | Extremely High |
| Postpartum Depression: | N/A |
| Take the Depression Test | |
This translates to the following symptoms:
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a distinct form of depression triggered by the reduced level of sunlight during the winter months. As its name implies, the disorder is experienced seasonally and clears up with the onset of spring, which may bring about a mild manic phase. Prevalence increases at higher latitudes. SAD is rare within 30 degrees of the equator.
Seasonal Affective Disorder most often occurs in younger people, women in particular. Many people are not even aware of this diagnosis and do not seek treatment. All seems well again when the depression lifts in the spring. However effective treatment exists for SAD, so nobody has to suffer needlessly during the winter months.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
* Excessive sleeping, fatigue
* Eating more, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain
* Avoidance of others, withdrawl
* Depressive symptoms, i.e. low self-esteem, low motivation, sadness
* Decreased sex drive
* Onset in the fall and early winter
* Has occurred in each of the last two years
Differences by Gender and Age
Women are diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder more often than men--three or four times as often, according to some reports. However among the elderly the rate of diagnosis is equal between men and women. SAD among the elderly is not common, though. This disorder is most often seen in young adults, although it can occur at any age.
Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Reduced sun light triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it has been found that simulated light can effectively treat it. So-called light therapy uses light boxes, such as this one on Amazon.com, to correct the depression brought on by SAD. Light boxes emit balanced spectrum light at a brightness many times that of conventional indoor lighting. While not as bright as sun light, these boxes are able to trigger the same mechanisms inside the brain that regulate mood.
Light boxes are typically used daily during the winter months for sessions lasting, on average, 30 minutes. The box is placed at a specific distance from the person, who must keep his or her eyes open without wearing sun glasses. For individuals with photosensitivity, a lower power light box may be used (with longer sessions), or sessions may be broken up into shorter durations.
Consult with a medical professional before using a light box. Improper use may not effectively treat Seasonal Affective Disorder and may cause unwanted side effects, including eyestrain, irritation, fatigue, and mania.
Major Depression
Major depression is a mental health disorder which causes prolonged feelings of despair, worthlessness, irritability, and fatigue (see a more complete set of depression symptoms below). Major depression can strike at any age, although it is most common in young adulthood. Both men and women can experience major depression, however the disorder is more common in women.
Depression is sometimes called the "common cold" of mental health, because it is so common--nearly 10% of the population suffers from a depressive illness in any given year, according to NIMH. It is the leading cause of disability in the US and worldwide, according to the WHO. And though effective treatments exist for depression, many people continue to suffer in silence.
Symptoms of Major Depression
* Despair and hopelessness
* Little motivation to complete even simple tasks
* Thoughts or attempts of suicide
* Low self-esteem and self-confidence
* Low energy levels, tired and run-down
* Trouble falling asleep, nightmares, waking and can't fall back asleep
* Daily life is severely affected
* Loss of sex drive
* Loss of appetite
* Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
* Symptoms last longer than two months
Differences by Gender
Depression in Women
Women are twice as likely as men to experience major depression. This discrepency may be due to the inherent hormonal fluctuations of womanhood, associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Women are particularly vulnerable to depression following childbirth, a condition known as postpartum depression. Women suffering from major depression are more likely than men to attempt suicide.
Depression in Men
Men often conceal depression better and are less likely to seek treatment for major depression. Some men consider depression a women's illness, while others mask their symptoms with alcohol abuse or long work hours. While men are less likely to attempt suicide than women, men are more successful. The rate of suicide among men increases with age, peaking at 85. Depression in men tends to manifest itself in the form of irritability, anger, and feelings of discouragement and low self-worth.
Major Depression by Age Group
The onset of depression occurs most commonly between the mid-twenties and the mid-forties, although it can strike at any age. Depression in children is increasingly being recognized as a real illness.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by mood fluctuations that shift between depressive and hypomanic phases. Cyclothymics do not experience the extremes of major depression or manic episodes.
The depressive or hypomania symptoms of cyclothymia may last for a few days to several weeks at a time, with brief intervals of normal mood in between. Personality changes are often evident to family and friends. Individuals who have a stable mood for longer than two months at a time are not likely cyclothymic. Symptoms may be mimicked by substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, or other mood disorder. A family history of depressive or bipolar disorders increases the risk.
Symptoms of Cyclothymia
Hypomanic Phase
* Excessive confidence and self-esteem
* Reduced ability to concentrate, easily distracted
* Sleep difficulties, excessive energy
* Heightened irritability
* Reduced inhibitions, may make foolish decisions
* Hypomania lasts between several days and several weeks
Depressive Phase
* Feelings of inadequacy, low self-confidence
* Difficulty falling asleep, unrestful sleep
* Fatigue, lack of energy
* Negative thinking, feelings of guilt and sadness
* Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
* Depression lasting between several days and several weeks
The cycling between phases must be present for at least two years for a diagnosis (one year for teenagers). Work and family life are often negatively affected by the shifting moods.
Differences by Gender and Age
Cyclothymia, like the related bipolar disorder, affects men and women in roughly equal numbers. The disorder typically begins in the teenage or young adult years. Onset later in life is rare, and may be brought on by substance abuse or certain medications. Cyclothymia may progress to bipolar, though treatment may prevent this.
