Describing Endogenous Depression: A Look at the Symptoms and Causes of Endogenous Depression

Describing Endogenous Depression: A Look at the Symptoms and Causes of Endogenous Depression
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Clinical Description of Endogenous Depression

Endogenous depression is genetic in nature and is characterized by a chemical or serotonin imbalance in the patient’s brain. Although most forms of depression are triggered by certain factors like negative events in life, severe illnesses, financial concerns, bad relationships and more, endogenous depression is one form of depression that develops even when the patient hasn’t experienced any traumatic events or suffered from any illnesses.

Causes of Endogenous Depression

Since endogenous depression is a genetic mood disorder, patients predisposed to this form of depression generally develop the condition when the chemical imbalances in the brain become more severe. Stress along with other traumatic circumstances can also influence the onset of this condition but in most cases the patient will not be able to associate any particular event with the advent of the disorder. Endogenous depression can affect people of all age groups and most patients realize that they’re suffering from the disorder only after the symptoms are manifested.

Differentiating Endogenous Depression from Other Types of Depression

Since the symptoms of endogenous depression are similar to most other forms of depression it’s important that the condition isn’t misdiagnosed. Most patients describe endogenous depression as feeling like their symptoms of depression aren’t necessarily associated with external stimuli but from feelings that stem from within the body.

Are you suffering from Endogenous Depression?

In order to find out if you’re suffering from endogenous depression or any other form of depression you will have to visit a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor may perform a few diagnostic tests and will ask you if you or members of your family have a history of depression or related mood disorders. If you find that you’re suffering from any of the symptoms of endogenous depression given below, avoid self diagnosis. Instead, visit the doctor and find out more about the different treatment options available.

Symptoms of Endogenous Depression

The symptoms of endogenous depression range from mild to more severe and not all patients exhibit the same symptoms. If the patient is suffering from an underlying health concern or any accompanying mental health illness, the symptoms may become more severe in nature. Like most other forms of depression the symptoms of endogenous depression are classified into 4 distinct categories.

Impact on your Thoughts:

  • Lack of concentration
  • Forgetfulness
  • Inability to make spontaneous decisions
  • Pessimistic attitude
  • Guilt
  • Self pity
  • Thoughts of self destruction

Impact on your Behavior:

  • Apathy
  • Cry often
  • Prefer to stay away from social situations
  • Little to no sex drive
  • Lack of personal grooming (in severe cases)
  • Disinterest in work and routine activities

Impact on your Feelings:

  • Feel tired all day
  • Lack of motivation
  • Occasional temper outbursts
  • Irritability
  • Worthlessness

Impact on your Physical Well Being:

  • Prolonged fatigue
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Disturbed sleep patterns
  • Experience bodily aches

If you do experience any or all of these symptoms, consider getting medical help at the earliest in order to initiate treatment and speed up recovery. Since there are different treatment options available, discuss all of them with your doctor to find out which one is best suited to your unique needs.

References:

https://helpguide.org

www.psychologyinfo.com

www.depression-doctor.com

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