Posted by galtin on October 25, 2001, at 21:52:20
In reply to Re: Types of depression, posted by sar on October 23, 2001, at 23:56:46
> > Can someone tell me the difference between Clinical depression and Chronic, recurring depression. Which is more severe? Is one a chemical imbalance?
>
> from what i understand, "clinical" depression's symptoms persist for 2 weeks or more.
>
> "chronic" depression is recurring...i don't know whether it matters whether it is mild, moderate, or severe...
>
> "dysthymia" is a chronic condition of mild depression--you never feel quite right or happy, always mildly depressed...
>
> from experience i'd say that "chronic" is more severe than "clinical"--"chronic" is automatically clinical...clinical isn't automatically chronic (bless the lawd)...
>
> best.
> sarNot sure about this,but I don't think that clinical depression is a formal diagnostic term. I have understood it to denote the kind of depression that is endogenous (inherent and originating in the brain) in distinction from exogenous depressions, which are triggered by external events. I have sometimes heard the term clinical depression used interchangeably with so-called biological depession. It normally indicates a malady more serious than situational depression. These terms have lately fallen out of favor, at least in my neck of the woods, because many depressions are caused by a combination of exogenous and endogenous factors.
Calling depression chronic identifies it as continuous or recurring over a long period of time.
I have had episodes of severe depression over the last 20 years. None of them remitted on their own; it required the right medication to bring them to heel. I have been able to take medication breaks of up to three months, but depression inevitably returns with its previous intensity. During my most recent med-check my pdoc told me that I need to accept taking A-D meds for the rest of my life. I don't like this prospect, but I can accept it, given the alternative.
I feel nearly helpless when I try to explain what my depressions feel like because they are not continuous with any ordinary experiences or feelings. When somebody seems really interested in understanding it, I recommend they read William Styron's brief but eloquent memoir, "Darkness Visible." It's a great book. Styron captures in about 100 pages the essential experience of depression, at least as it has been experienced by this depressive.
Hope this made some sense.
galtin
poster:galtin
thread:12901
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011025/msgs/12997.html