Depression appetite disturbance

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by feeling of intense sadness, helplessness, worthlessness, and impaired functioning. Those experiencing a major depressive episode exhibit physical and psychological symptoms, such as appetite disturbances, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in job, family, and other activities usually enjoyed. A major depressive episode is a depressed or dysphoric (extreme or exaggerated sadness, anxiety, or unhappiness) mood that interferes with daily functioning and includes five or more of the symptoms listed in Display 31-1. 

Beach and Amir have demonstrated that with a given sample using the same procedures, some markers of depression may define a taxon, while others do not. In other words, both continuous and taxonic forms of depression exist. However, questions remain about the nature of the identified taxon. Is it really a depression taxon or has the exclusive focus on vegetative symptoms changed the nature of the construct Interestingly, certain somatic symptoms, such as sleep and appetite disturbance, are common in many disorders and can be considered the physical component of nonspecific distress (Clark Watson, 1991). Thus, perhaps the identified taxon is not a depression taxon at all and actually reflects general somatic complaints. Only construct validation can address these concerns. 

The most commonly used therapies for anxiety and depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the more recently developed serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs, which constitute 60% of the worldwide antidepressant and antianxiety market, are frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, appetite disturbances and sleep disorders. Because SSRIs and SNRIs increase 5-HT levels in the brain, they can indirectly stimulate all 14 serotonergic receptor subtypes [2,3], some of which are believed to lead to adverse side effects associated with these drugs. Common drugs for short-term relief of GAD are benzodiazepines. These sedating agents are controlled substances with addictive properties and can be lethal when used in combination with alcohol. The use of benzodiazepines is associated with addiction, dependency and cognitive impairment. 

The third type of mood episode involves the major depressive episode and it generally involves at least five or more characteristic signs. Oftentimes the individual will report appetite disturbances on an almost daily... 

Celiac Disease. A disturbance of the lower gastroiatestiaal tract, celiac disease is a chronic disease characterized by loss of appetite and weight, depression and irritabiUty, and diarrhea frequendy followed by constipation (35). One of the more disturbiag features of ceHac disease is the large, frothy, foul-smelling stools. The disease may develop ia childhood or later ia life. Frequendy, the patients who develop the disease ia adulthood report having had some of the symptoms duting childhood. 

In turn, conditions characterized by the term depression include affective disorders, which are frequently accompanied by a number of other disturbances including unmotivated sorrow, sleep disorders, changes in appetite, various psychomotor disturbances, loss of interest in things once pleasurable, feelings of worthlessness, and often suicidal thoughts. 

Recent findings after subchronic, oral administration of Org 2766 in daily doses of 10-40 mg, showed a decrease in anxiety and depression (self-rated) and an improvement of feelings of competence, sociability and ward behaviour (observer-rated) (39). No side-effects like influence on autonomic activity and appetite, and no sedative effects were reported. It seems that Org 2766 may be a drug to be used in treating disturbances of mood in the elderly as well as symptoms of dementia. Many studies in these areas are underway. 

The Zung Depression Scale (Zung, 1972) has a patient-rated version and an identical investigator-rated version. The instrument is heavily focused on somatic symptoms such as sleep disturbance, weight loss, constipation, tachycardia, fatigue and decreased appetite. 

The most frequent adverse reactions reported are sedation, followed by dizziness, weakness and unsteadiness. Less frequent adverse reactions include disorientation, depression, nausea, change in appetite, headache, sleep disturbance, agitation, dermatological symptoms including very serious reactions, eye-function disturbance, together with various gastrointestinal symptoms and autonomic manifestations. The incidence of sedation and unsteadiness increases with age. 

Another approach considers the effects of various ligands on their receptors located in the diencephalic and mesiotemporal areas. Cell clusters in the hypothalamus coordinate the normal regulation of the vegetative functions of sleep, appetite, and sexual drive, which are typically disrupted in severe depression. In addition, the limbic area modulates many aspects of behavior and mood that are characteristically disturbed in affective disorders. 

Nicotine is a potent nerve poison, and is included in many insecticide preparations. In lower concentrations, nicotine is a stimulant, i.e. it increases activity, alertness and memory, and this is one of the main factors that contribute to the dependence-forming properties of tobacco smoking. Nicotine increases heart-rate and blood pressure, and reduces appetite. In higher doses, nicotine acts as a depressant. In large doses, it can cause nausea and vomiting. The main symptoms of the withdrawal of nicotine intake include irritability, headaches, anxiety, cognitive disturbances and sleep disruption. 

The diagnosis of depression still rests primarily on the clinical interview. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by depressed mood most of the time for at least 2 weeks and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. In addition, depression is characterized by disturbances in sleep and appetite as well as deficits in cognition and energy. Thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, and suicide are common. Coronary artery disease, diabetes, and stroke appear to be more common in depressed patients, and depression may considerably worsen the prognosis for patients with a variety of comorbid medical conditions. 

Hypochondriac pain and distension, fullness in the chest, stomach and abdomen, irritability, depression and frustration, dream-disturbed sleep, irregular menstruation, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth and throat, headache, vertigo, fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, cold hands and fullness in the chest when subject to strong emotional disturbance. 

Reportedly, there are no physical symptoms of khat withdrawal of the type associated with other stimulants such as alcohol, morphine, or the barbiturates. Abandoning the habit, however, is frequently followed by depression, loss of energy, and an increased desire to sleep. The severity of depression varies and may lead to agitation and sometimes sleep disturbances. For the most part, former users are less prone to constipation and smoke less. If they consume alcohol, they usually drink less, and their appetite increases. 

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