One of the most common forms of emotional disturbance which can vary in intensity from an everyday attack of ‘the blues’ to a PSYCHOTIC condition of paralysing hopelessness. It is characterised by ANXIETY, dejection and a general lowering of activity. There is a difference of opinion as to whether (or to what extent) the causes of depression are to be found in UNCONSCIOUS conflict or in biochemical malfunctioning of the brain. There are four types;
– Major depression – Psychotic depression – Dysthymia – mixed depression and anxiety – bipolar