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A depressive disorder is a "whole-body" illness.
It can affect the way you think and the way you feel,
both physically and emotionally. Depressive disorders
come in different forms.
1. Major depression
Major depression is characterised by
a combination of symptoms that affect our work, interests
and feelings towards family and friends. It consists
of a severe and persistent depressed mood that lasts
for at least two weeks and cause significant distress
to interfere with daily functioning. These disabling
episodes can occur once, twice or several times in a
lifetime.
2. Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a milder form of depression
characterised by long-term, chronic depressive symptoms.
The depressed mood persists for a period of two years
and is accompanied by changes in energy, appetite or
sleep as well as loss of self-esteem and feelings of
hopelessness. These symptoms cause distress and difficulty
in functioning but are not as severe as in major depression.
People who suffer from dysthymia are at increased risk
for episodes of major depression. "Double depression"
occurs when mild depression is present most of the time
with occasional periods of more severe depressive symptoms.
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