What is Moderate depression?
Moderate depression is a type of depression that falls between the extremes of major and minor depression. It is estimated that about one in five people will experience moderate depression at some point in their lives. What are the symptoms of moderate depression?
What Are The Different Types Of Depression?
Depression is a mental illness that can vary in severity. There are several different types of depression, each with its own set of symptoms. Here are the most common types of depression:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common type of depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It affects about 7 percent of adults in the United States. People with MDD often have a long history of depressive episodes, which means they have had at least two episodes of major depression in their lifetime. These episodes can last for weeks, months or even years. In MDD, major symptoms include: feeling hopeless and empty, loss of interest in formerly enjoyed activities, decreased energy levels, decreased appetite and weight gain, problems sleeping and concentrating, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
There are other types of depression that affect people less often. For example, bipolar disorder is a type of depression that causes severe mood swings between mania (a high or irritable mood) and depression. About 1 percent of adults in the US have bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience intense episodes of mania followed by periods of low mood or dysphoria (a deep sense of sadness). About half of all people who suffer
What Are The Symptoms Of Moderate Depression?
If you are experiencing mild to moderate depression, there may be some subtle changes in your mood or behavior. However, if you are experiencing severe depression, you may have significant changes in your mood and activity levels, as well as sleep and eating habits.
How Is Moderate Depression Diagnosed?
There is no one clear definition of “moderate depression”, as the condition can vary greatly from person to person, and from day to day. However, generally speaking, moderate depression is a type of depression that falls between the severe and mild forms.
When diagnosing moderate depression, doctors will often use a rating scale called the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). This scale measures symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and problems sleeping. If a person has two or more symptoms on the HDRS score of at least 15, then they are likely experiencing moderate depression.
There is not always a direct link between symptoms and severity of depression, so it can be difficult for doctors to determine whether someone is experiencing mild or moderate depression without further assessment. In some cases, doctors may also order an MRI or other test to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of moderate depression, it is important to talk to your doctor about your diagnosis. There are many treatments available that can help improve your mood and quality of life.
