What is depression?

Please note that the Internet-based treatment described on this website is conducted in Swedish and only available to people registered and living in Sweden.

Do you often feel unhappy, down or have no energy? Have you lost interest in most things? Depression is one of our most common diseases which many people suffer from at some stage in their lives.

Feeling down during certain periods is a natural part of life. Sometimes, however, the feeling becomes so strong, prolonged or affects life to the extent that it matches the diagnosis for depression. Depression is about experiencing a depressed state, lack of inclination, happiness, joy, energy and is often very trying.

Typical symptoms

Part of the diagnosis of depression is that over a period of at least two weeks, the patient has felt at least five of the following symptoms, of which at least one of the first two symptoms must have been experienced:

  1. A feeling of depression during most of the day, on a daily basis.
  2. Significantly reduced level of interest or reduced happiness in respect of all or nearly all activities, during most of the day.
  3. Significant weight loss (not intentional) or increase in weight.
  4. Broken sleep patterns.
  5. Motoric restlessness or slowness on a daily basis.
  6. A feeling of weakness or lack of energy on a daily basis.
  7. Feelings of worthlessness or exaggerated/unwarranted feelings of guilt on a daily basis.
  8. Reduced mental capacity for thought or concentration or indecision on a daily basis.
  9. Recurrent thoughts about death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal thoughts without any specific plan, actual suicide attempts or have planned for suicide.

Consequences

The diagnosis of depression also embraces that the symptoms cause significant suffering or reduced function at work, socially or in other important situations.

Occurrence

Depression is one of the most common forms of psychological illness and affects around one female in four and one male in eight at some stage in life.

Treatment

If you suspect that you have depression, we recommend that you seek health care where you live.

Please notice

The Internet-based treatment described on this website is conducted in Swedish and only available to people registered and living in Sweden.

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