Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is a relatively common medical condition. It often goes hand in hand with anxiety problems. Clinical depression and anxiety problems are known to be linked from a biochemical point of view. Apart from feeling low in mood the following symptoms can indicate that an individual is clinically depressed;

• Finding it difficult to enjoy yourself
• Taking less interest in things
• Poor or increased appetite
• Too much or too little sleep
• Agitation
• Physical or mental slowing down
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate feelings of guilt
• Diminished ability to think or concentrate
• Indecisiveness
• Thoughts that life is no longer worth living or even suicidal thoughts

Clinical depression is an illness that needs to be taken seriously. Modern treatments are highly effective and the prognosis for the vast majority of patients is very good. If depression is not treated adequately quality of life and physical health can suffer. Clinical depression is the single biggest cause for people taking time off work due to ill-health. Quite often these people have not had optimum treatment.

It is very important to obtain an accurate early diagnosis. The clinical assessment takes into account any physical, psychological or social factors that could have led to an individual feeling depressed. Most patients are treated as out-patients. If an in-patient admission is clinically indicated transfer to the most convenient facility for the patient is arranged. Day-patient treatment offers intensive treatment without staying overnight. Psychological work is mainly in the form of cognitive behaviour therapy. Some patients are referred for psychodynamic, family or integrative psychotherapies.