depression symptoms in women
Depression Symptoms in Women
Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men, mostly due to hormonal changes and social factors. The following Buzzle write-up provides information on the symptoms of depression in women.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines depression as a pathological state of extreme dejection or melancholy, often with physical symptoms. Fast-paced life and pressure to perform well are some of the contributing factors. Biological, social and psychological factors also play a major role in causing depression. Women are more prone to this condition than men. Those who have a family history of mood disorders are susceptible. Loss of a parent at an early age, being subject to physical or sexual abuse as a child, lack of support, ongoing social/psychological stress, etc., could be the contributing factors.
Clinical Depression
Affected women exhibit persistent symptoms for weeks or longer. The symptoms include:
- Lack of interest in most activities
- Persistent mood swings and feelings of guilt.
- Persistent feelings of sadness for no apparent reason
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Inability to take decisions
- Disruption in sleeping patterns
- Eating disorders leading to either weight gain or weight loss
- Loss in concentration levels
- Some even experience suicidal thoughts or show suicidal behavior
- Lack of interest in activities that the person once enjoyed
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Hopelessness
- Empty moods
- Restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty in concentrating or remembering things
- Persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss/weight gain
- High energy levels
- Talking too loudly or too fast
- Inappropriate behavior
- Risk-taking behavior
- Increased sexual desire
- Euphoric feelings
- High self-esteem
- Poor judgment
- Inability to sleep
- Psychosis (delusions and hallucinations)
- Agitation and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Diminished intellectual capacity
- Constipation
- Hypochondria