Signs Of Clinical Depression: Symptoms Of Severe Depression

Signs of clinical depression can vary from person to person. Depression can range from mild to situational to very severe.

Symptoms of severe depression become life altering and can paralyze someone who is not functioning. It is important to realize that the brain is an organ and can have changes in it that will cause disease states. Therefore any mental illness is a disorder of the brain that has emotional signs and symptoms.

That is not to say that depression does not have physical signs (stomach aches, back pain, and migraines), but there is no underlying cause or disease responsible for the physical symptoms.

Tests for depression have several purposes. They can:

Screen initially for clinical depression symptoms.
Confirm the diagnosis.
Track the severity of depression if worsening.

There are many tests but one of the best that clinicians utilize is the Beck Depression Test.

Here is an excellent discussion about the warning signs of depression and how to manage these feelings with lifestyle changes. This video is about 4-1/2 minutes long but it is excellent. Please watch it to learn about depression treatments.

Definition Of Depression:What To Do About It?

Severe depression (Major Mood Disorder) can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. It is important to realize that if you or someone in your life is having these symptoms you must contact a medical professional right away. Do NOT rely on information on the internet to try an treat yourself or others. This is a severe neurobiological imbalance within the brain and can be handled only by professionals.

Major Mood Disorder is different than mild depression. The signs of clinical depression go on for more than two weeks and for many people can last months or even years. These patients are at high risk for suicide unless treated appropriately.

Options for treatment:

Inpatient treatment and counseling
Electric shock therapy
Medications
Outpatient counseling

Many times there is a prejudice in society against those with mental illness and as result, the patient may have a profound sense of guilt about being ill. Because of this, and the irrational thinking process associated with this illness, they may refuse treatment even if suicidal.

Mental illness with signs of clinical depression is a disorder of the brain with emotional symptoms just like diabetes is a disorder of the liver and other body systems, but has physical symptoms. A good psychologist or therapist, combined with a good psychiatrist can help sort out depression.

If you think you or a family member has problems you can read more about depression warning signs.

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