Depresio

Depresio is a term used in several languages to denote a mood disorder commonly referred to in English as depression. Clinically, depresio describes a sustained period of low mood and diminished interest or pleasure, occurring most days for at least two weeks and severe enough to impair daily functioning. It can affect thinking, energy, sleep, appetite, and concentration, and may be accompanied by feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness, and in many cases thoughts of death or suicide.

Common symptoms include persistent sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia), appetite or weight changes, psychomotor agitation or retardation, and impaired social or occupational functioning. Symptoms must cause distress or impairment and are not attributable to substances or another medical condition.

Causes are multifactorial, involving genetic vulnerability, neurochemical changes, traumatic or stressful life events, chronic illness, and social determinants. Risk factors include a family history of mood disorders, prior depressive episodes, chronic stress, and poor social support. Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders, substance use, or medical illnesses.

Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, using criteria from standard manuals such as DSM-5 or ICD-11. A clinician assesses symptom duration, severity, functional impairment, and rule-out of other causes.

Treatment typically combines psychotherapy (for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy) with pharmacotherapy (such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other antidepressants). Severe or treatment-resistant cases may require additional approaches, including electroconvulsive therapy or brain stimulation techniques. Lifestyle measures, sleep regulation, physical activity, and social support also help.

Prognosis varies; many individuals improve with treatment, though depressive episodes can recur. Early recognition and ongoing care improve outcomes and reduce the impact on quality of life.