Are People being over diagnosed for Major Depression?
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Some doctors seem to think so and one Austrailain psychiatrist spoke out about the possible over diagnosis of major depression on August 17th, 2007. Doctor Gordon Parker of the University of New South Wales is that doctor. He thinks that many people today just end up getting a clinical depression diagnosis for something as simple as a bout with the blues.
We all know its normal for people to become depressed from time to time, but how much depression is normal and how much is too much? I’ve listed the signs of depression here previously but to recap they basically involve,
Chronic sad or anxious mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Lack of interest in favorite activities
Fatigue or tiredness
Trouble concentrating
Insomnia or oversleeping
Changes weight or in appetite
Thoughts of death or suicide
Agitation or irritability
chronic pain
Most people can safely claim at least a few if not more of those symptoms for a case of the blues as well as for major depression. Where can the line be drawn and when do people need treatment for depression? Clinical depression was once only diagnosed in about 5 to 10 percent of the population, while today’s wide range of criteria could cover as much as 90 percent. Now, it’s very likely that previously the 5 to 10 percent of the population which was diagnosed was way less than the actual numbers of people with major depression. However, it is hard to believe that as many as 90 percent of people could be dealing with major depression. That would be natural selection gone very wrong. Where do you stand on the issue?
Most likely the difference between a bout of the blues and major depression has to do with length of time. A bout with the blues is just that, a bout. Clinical depression is very hard to ‘get over’ and many of those with diagnosable major depression have been dealing with the same feelings of sadness, anxiety and anger for weeks, months or years consistently.
Tags:Anxiety, Depression Mental Health