Physical Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is among the most prevalent mental health problems in the United States. In 2020, at least 6% of adults in the United States will experience a major depressive episode. Physical symptoms are very common in depression, and uncertain aches and pains are frequently the presenting symptoms. Persistent joint pain, limb pain, backache, digestive disturbances, exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, motor coordination activity changes, and appetite changes are among the symptoms. A high proportion of depressed patients who require help in primary care report only physical symptoms of depression, making depression complicated to diagnose. Physical pain and depression have a deeper biological link than a simple link between the two. serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that impact both pain and mood. Dysregulation of these transmitters has been associated with physical symptoms of depression as well as pain, and depression.

Let’s Understand What Is Depression

It is natural to feel sad or anxious at times. However, if these feelings persist for more than a few weeks, they may be symptoms of depression.

Clinical depression, especially if left untreated, can disrupt your daily life and cause a cascade of additional symptoms. Major depression (a more severe form of depression) is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

Major depression (a more severe form of depression) is a serious medical condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), a person must have at least five symptoms for more than two weeks to be diagnosed with major depression.

In general, the more severe the physical symptoms, the worse the depression. Physical symptoms of depression have been found to prolong the period of a depressed state. In depressed patients, physical symptoms of depression are usually associated with a significant level of dysfunction. Suicidal thoughts are more prevalent in chronic pain patients. An imbalance in the neurotransmitters, serotonin, and norepinephrine explains the connection between the physical, painful symptoms and depression. Often, when a patient who is suffering from depression reports physical

the pain could be the imbalance or the chemical cause, it's the serotonin and norepinephrine imbalance.

Major Symptoms of Depression

Gain or loss of weight

Depression can cause changes in appetite, which can result in unplanned weight loss or an increase. Excessive weight gain has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease, according to medical experts. Being underweight can harm the heart, interfere with fertility, and cause fatigue.

Chronic discomfort

Depression can cause unspecified aches and pains, such as muscle or joint pain, breast tenderness, and headaches. Chronic pain can exacerbate a person's depression symptoms.

Cardiovascular disease

Depression can make it difficult for people to make healthy lifestyle choices. They are more likely to develop heart disease if they eat a poor diet and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Depression could also be an individual risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to a 2015 study, one in every five individuals with heart failure or coronary artery disease suffers from depression.

Inflammation

According to research, chronic stress and depression have been connected to inflammation and may alter the immune system. According to additional research, depression may be brought on by ongoing inflammation. People who suffer from depression are more likely to suffer from inflammatory or autoimmune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes type 2, and arthritis.

It is unclear, however, if either depression causes inflammation or whether chronic inflammation tends to make someone more susceptible to depression. More research is needed to understand the connection between the two.

Problems with Sexual Health

Difficulty becoming aroused, and fewer/no orgasms, are common symptoms experienced. People suffering from depression may have a lower libido that causes these symptoms. Some individuals also have relationship issues as a result of depression, which may have an impact on their sexual activity.

Chronic health conditions are deteriorating

Individuals who already suffer from a chronic illness may find that depression worsens their symptoms.

Chronic illnesses can be isolating or stressful on their own, and depression can exacerbate these feelings. A person suffering from depression may also struggle to adhere to a medication regimen for a chronic illness, allowing the symptoms to worsen. People who suffer from depression and have a chronic condition should consult with their doctor about treatment options for both conditions. Maintaining mental well-being may enhance one's physical well-being and make it easier to manage a chronic condition.

Sleep Difficulties

Individuals who are depressed may experience insomnia or difficulty sleeping. This condition can exhaust them, making it challenging to manage both physical and mental health. Doctors associate sleep deprivation with a variety of health issues. Similarly, long-term sleep deprivation has been associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, weight-related issues, as well as some types of cancer.

Gastrointestinal issues

People suffering from depression commonly report stomach or digestion issues such as diarrhea, nausea, or bowel problems. Some individuals who suffer from depression also have chronic diseases, such as IBS.

This could be because depression alters the brain's response to stress by restricting function in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, according to researchers.

Thus to sum up, Despite the emphasis on emotional and vegetative symptoms in the diagnostic criteria, clinical depression is connected with painful physical symptoms such as pain, aches, stomach ache, joint ache, and muscle soreness. Recognizing that depression can result in physical health issues can motivate an individual to seek treatment and make changes in order to manage their symptoms. Depression is curable. A doctor may advise a combination of medicines, counselling, and lifestyle changes. A person can manage the mental and physical effects of depression with the right support.