Dale A. Baker, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist - La Jolla
California Psychology License # PSY 9693
Direct line: 858-454-9752 ... Email: drdale@lajollapsychologist.com
7752 Fay Avenue, Suite B, La Jolla, California 92037
Couples - Individuals - Families
Depression
Depressive disorders include dysthymia (depressed mood that occurs for most of the day more days than not) and major depressive disorder (severe depression). Dysthymia and depression may occur during severe stress and after a divorce or the death of a loved one.
Common symptoms of dysthymia include poor appetite or overeating, sleeplessness, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. People with dysthymia may have feelings of inadequacy, generalized loss of interest or pleasure, social withdrawal, feelings of guilt about the past, irritability or excessive anger, decreased activity, and lack of productivity.
Major depression shares the same symptoms as dysthymia, but is more intense. People who experience depression often have change in weight, have difficulty thinking and may have recurrent thoughts of death or be suicidal. They have significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other areas of functioning.
Major depression may occur at any age with the average age of onset in the mid-20s. Research indicates that major depressive episodes occur from 10% to 25% for women and from 5% to 12% for men. Up to 15% of individuals with severe major depressive disorder die by suicide. Both dysthymia and depression are treatable.
