Understanding Depressive Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Impact on Life

Depressive disorders are among the most common psychiatric illnesses worldwide, profoundly affecting mood, thoughts, and daily functioning. In this video, we explore the clinical signs of depression—including persistent sadness, psychomotor slowing, and emotional disturbances like anhedonia and abulia—that can severely impair quality of life.

We discuss how depression manifests in various forms, from isolated depressive episodes to bipolar disorder and comorbid conditions like anxiety or addiction. Learn about the typical clinical triad of depressive mood, cognitive slowing, and motor retardation, as well as the wide range of somatic symptoms often experienced, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical pain.

This video also highlights important variants such as melancholic and neurotic depression, masked depression, and the critical risk of suicide associated with severe forms. We review diagnostic criteria based on the DSM-V, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these symptoms early for effective treatment.