Physical Effects of Depression

Depression is an ailment suffered by a number of people. The illness manifests itself differently in each patient, but the presence of debilitating physical symptoms is common. Depression can show its effects throughout the body in painful effects.

Diagnosis

• Depression is diagnosed when sufferers report a long duration and heightened intensity of sadness, irritability, negative thinking and grief. Depression may also be diagnosed when patients report an increase in body pain, decrease in energy or libido and change in sleep pattern.

Sleep Disturbance

• People suffering from depression may experience disrupted sleep. They may not be able to fall asleep (or stay asleep for long periods) or experience the opposite - feeling fatigued/tired all the time and wanting to sleep much more than normal.

Sexual Disfunction

• Depression can affect the body's sexual functioning. Many people suffering from depression experience a loss of interest in sex and lowered libido. There may be trouble achieving orgasm, inability to get or maintain an erection for men and inability to lubricate for women.

Chronic Pain

• Depression sufferers may feel physical ailments such as persistent headaches, joint pain or inexplicable internal disorders such as digestive problems. People who are already suffering migranes, back pain or any other kind of chronic pain may find their symptoms worsening with depression.

Treatment

• Patients who wish to cease the physical effects of depression may be started on a course of anti-depressants. There are a wide variety, each with different interactions and side effects, and because of the drugs' potential to cause heightened thoughts of suicide, patients must remain under a doctor's care while taking the medication.