If you take a close look at the diagnostic criteria in Appendix B, you will see that physical problems such as insomnia, fatigue, low energy, physical slowing, and change in appetite are an essential part of major depression. No one can be given the diagnosis of unipolar major depression unless he or she experiences several important physical symptoms. This is one of the keys to understanding that unipolar major depression is a real medical disease like a heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, or hepatitis. The physical symptoms illustrate that there are powerful physical and neurological forces at work in unipolar major depression.
- My sadness seems reasonable and bearable how much sadness is normal?
- What is the single most important symptom of unipolar major depression?
- Is depression a fad diagnosis?
- Why can’t everyone diagnose their own depression?
- How is unipolar major depression diagnosed?
- Why are there so many different names for depression?
- All this information seems overwhelming what can I do to fight all these problems?
- How can I gauge the severity of my depression and understand how it changes over time?
- What should I do if I am feeling suicidal?
- It seems like the way I think is different now that I am depressed. Could this be true?
- Was my depression caused by recent disappointments and failures?
- Is indecisiveness a symptom of depression?
- Why do my thoughts and movements feel like they’ve slowed down?
- Is major depression a medical disease or just a bad attitude?
- What physical symptoms are typical with serious depression?
- Can I take antidepressants to give myself more energy?
- Why do I never seem to get any restful sleep?
- Why do I always binge on junk food and put on weight when I get depressed?
- I can’t seem to eat what’s wrong with my appetite?
- What kind of emotional changes can I expect if my depression grows worse?
