Is depression a symptom or a disease?

Question

For example, psychosis is not an illness, it is a symptom of many different mental (and physical) illnesses. And depression can occur in combination with many of the same mental (and physical) illnesses.

So why is depression regarded as a mental illness in its own right, while psychosis is simply a symptom?

Answer 1

Depression is caused by the body reacting to something or by the brain not producing enough neurochemicals to keep the pt emotionally balanced. it is not caused by something the person does or doesn't do and it has definate symptoms. depression can also be a symptom of another illness such as bipolar. whereas psychosis is a symptom of other illnesses such as schizophrenia and not a diagnosable disease on its own. if you are psychotic you are not necessarially schizophrenic you may also be suffering from dementia, or even depression (psychotic depression). a symptom is a part of another illness. so basically depression can be a symptom or a disease and psychosis is a symptom of a disease.

Answer 2

The following 11 warning signs indicate that a person isn't dealing with normal, transient emotions but with the illness of depression. Note that symptoms vary by individual.

1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
2. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness
3. Frequent crying episodes
4. Increased agitation and restlessness
5. Fatigue and decreased energy
6. Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
8. Sleeping too much or not enough
9. Poor appetite or overeating
10. Expressing thoughts of dying or suicide
11. Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don't ease with treatment.

Answer 3

it can be either. depression can be a symptom of another mental illness, such as the depressed state of a person with a bi polar diagnosis. it can also be a disease if a person is diagnosed with organic depression.

Answer 4

depression can be either. i was diagnosed with deppression the disease and was also told that it is a symptom of my pmdd. premenstraul disforic disorder.

Answer 5

I personally think depression is a symptom, possibly of hypoglycemia - which is itself a symptom of hyperinsulinemia.

www.hufa.org has info regarding low blood sugar.