RECURRENT MELANCHOLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Recurrent melancholia, also known as recurring melancholy, is a term used in psychiatry to describe a specific form of major depressive disorder characterized by repeated episodes of extreme sadness, despair, and low mood. It is a severe and chronic mental illness that affects an individual's emotional well-being, cognitive processes, and physical functionality.
The term "recurrent" indicates that the condition's symptoms tend to reoccur periodically, with intervals of remission in between episodes. These depressive episodes are typically more intense, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than those experienced in other forms of depression. They often persist for weeks or months, causing significant distress, impairment in daily functioning, and a sense of tremendous hopelessness.
Melancholia refers to the deeply rooted and persistent feeling of sadness or sorrow that is characteristic of this condition. Individuals with recurrent melancholia often experience a pervasive loss of interest or pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed. Other symptoms may include excessive fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Treatment for recurrent melancholia typically involves a combination of pharmacotherapy, including antidepressant medications, and psychotherapy. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and regulate mood. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help individuals learn coping mechanisms, identify triggers or patterns, and develop healthier thought patterns and behaviors.
Overall, recurrent melancholia is a complex and debilitating condition that requires professional intervention and ongoing management to alleviate symptoms and enhance the individual's quality of life.
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Acute or simple m. which shows a tendency to recur after longer or shorter periods of remission.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RECURRENT MELANCHOLIA
Etymology of RECURRENT MELANCHOLIA
The word "recurrent" is derived from the Latin verb "recurrere", which means "to run back". It is composed of the prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") and the verb "currere" (meaning "to run"). In this context, "recurrent" refers to something that happens repeatedly or returns after a period of time.
The word "melancholia" has its roots in ancient Greek. It combines the Greek words "melas" (meaning "black" or "dark") and "kholḗ" (meaning "bile"). In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that an imbalance of black bile in the body caused a person to experience sadness, depression, and other psychological symptoms.
"Recurrent melancholia" refers to a condition in which an individual experiences episodes of deep sadness or depression that occur repeatedly over time.
