Depressíu

Depressíu is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, a loss of interest in activities, and a range of cognitive and physical symptoms. In clinical practice the condition is most often labeled depression or major depressive disorder. The term depressíu may occur in some dialects or informal usage, but standard medical terminology varies by language; for example, in Catalan the noun is depressió and the adjective is depressiu.

Common symptoms include a depressed or irritable mood most of the day, markedly reduced interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, trouble concentrating, psychomotor changes, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. For a diagnosis, symptoms typically last most days for at least two weeks and cause clinically significant distress or impairment, and are not attributable to a substance or another medical condition.

Causes and risk factors arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. These can include genetic predisposition, neurochemical differences, adverse life experiences or stress, chronic medical illness, and coexisting mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Depression also tends to vary in course, with some people experiencing single episodes and others having recurrent or chronic symptoms.

Treatment and prognosis: evidence-based approaches combine psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, or behavioral activation) with pharmacotherapy (for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Some patients benefit from a combination of treatments, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, sleep regulation, and social support. In severe or treatment-resistant cases, procedures like electroconvulsive therapy or magnetic stimulation may be considered. Most individuals respond to treatment, though relapse is possible.

Terminology and context: depressíu reflects language variation rather than a separate medical entity; standard terms and spelling differ by language, with depression or depressió used in many regions.