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Unipolar Depression

Unipolar depression is also referred to as major depressive disorder. Signs and symptoms of this condition include restlessness, irritability, agitation and noteworthy change in appetite often with weight loss or gain. Other symptoms include lack of energy, fatigue, difficulties in concentrating and feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and guilt.

Sleep problems such as insomnia and hypersomnia, inactivity and withdrawal from activities that you previously enjoyed are other signs. Another indicator are thoughts of death and suicide. As compared to bipolar, suicide rates and cases of drug abuse are lower in people with this condition. This disorder is diagnosed after you have manifested more than five of the above symptoms for a period of at least two weeks.

Unipolar depression is characterized by depressive symptoms while bipolar is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes. One probable cause for this condition is chemical imbalances in the brain. Other probable causes are heredity and stressful situations. This disorder is normally more responsive to treatment as compared to the bipolar disorder. Available treatments include medications and psychotherapy. A combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants are said to be more effective than when only one is used.

In cases where a patient has failed to respond to both psychotherapy and antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy or ECT can be used. This treatment uses an electrical current to cause a seizure. ECT is used to improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people. Unipolar depression is more common in women than in men and mostly affects people aged forty and above.

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