INVOLUTIONAL DEPRESSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Involutional depression is a type of depression that typically occurs during mid-life or later in life. It is characterized by a gradual onset and a chronic and persistent course. This term derives from the belief that the condition is a natural consequence, or "involution," of the aging process.
Individuals experiencing involutional depression often exhibit symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, diminished energy levels, and increased fatigue. They may also have difficulty sleeping, experiencing disturbances in both falling asleep and staying asleep. Other common symptoms include changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulties with concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Involutional depression is thought to be distinct from other forms of depression due to its later age of onset and its chronic nature. Unlike other types of depression that may be triggered by stressful events, involutional depression is believed to develop gradually over time as a response to the natural physiological and psychological changes associated with aging.
While the exact cause of involutional depression is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressant medications, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Common Misspellings for INVOLUTIONAL DEPRESSION
- unvolutional depression
- jnvolutional depression
- knvolutional depression
- onvolutional depression
- 9nvolutional depression
- 8nvolutional depression
- ibvolutional depression
- imvolutional depression
- ijvolutional depression
- ihvolutional depression
- incolutional depression
- inbolutional depression
- ingolutional depression
- infolutional depression
- invilutional depression
- invklutional depression
- invllutional depression
- invplutional depression
- inv0lutional depression
Etymology of INVOLUTIONAL DEPRESSION
The term "involutional depression" is derived from two main components: "involutional" and "depression".
1. "Involutional" stems from the Latin word "involūtiō", which means "a rolling up" or "a folding inward". In the context of involutional depression, it refers to the process of becoming more introspective or turning inward.
2. "Depression" has Latin origins as well, originating from the word "depressio", which means "a pressing down" or "a lowering". In the context of mental health, it refers to a state of severe despondency or mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest.
"Involutional depression" describes a specific subtype of major depression that typically manifests later in life, especially during middle age and beyond.
