MELANCHOLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Melancholia is a psychological and emotional disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a general loss of interest or pleasure in life. It is often referred to as a severe form of depression or deep sadness. Individuals with melancholia typically experience a pervasive sense of sorrow, emptiness, and despair that affects their daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In melancholia, individuals may exhibit various symptoms such as persistent low mood, excessive guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in appetite and weight, disrupted sleep patterns, and thoughts of death or suicide. They may also experience physical symptoms like fatigue, aches and pains, and digestive problems.
Melancholia differs from normal sadness or grief in its intensity, duration, and impact on one's life. It is often seen as a more severe and persistent condition that can be chronic in nature.
Historically, melancholia was considered as one of the four temperaments, alongside sanguine, choleric, and phlegmatic. It was believed to be caused by an excess of black bile in the body, according to ancient Greek and Roman medical theories.
In contemporary understanding, melancholia is classified as a mental health disorder and can be diagnosed and treated by medical professionals through various therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy and medication.
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1. A mental disease marked by apathy and indifference to one's surroundings, mental sluggishness and depression. 2. A symptom occurring in other psychoses, marked by depression of spirits and by a sluggish and painful process of thought.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of MELANCHOLIA
The word "melancholia" has its roots in the Greek language. It is formed by combining two Greek words: "melas", meaning black, and "kholē", meaning bile. In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that an imbalance of the four bodily fluids, or humors, was the cause of various physical and mental conditions. Melancholia was thought to be caused by an excess of black bile, one of the four humors, leading to a condition characterized by sadness, depression, and a dark or gloomy disposition. Over time, the term "melancholia" evolved to refer specifically to a state of intense and prolonged sadness or depression.
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