Although not a clinical term, high-functioning depression is a phrase often used to describe a form of depression that may be less debilitating than others.
Depression ranges from mild to severe, and in many cases can impair the ability to function. With high-functioning depression, depressive episodes may be milder or allow a person to live a relatively “normal” life.
What are symptoms of depression?
People with depression may experience symptoms including:
- Low energy
- Low mood
- Lack of interest, also called anhedonia
- Sadness or depressed mood most of the day and nearly every day, also called dysphoria
- Guilt and feelings of worthlessness
- Decreased activities
- Concentration and attention problems
- Decreased or increased appetite
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Restlessness and lack of sleep
- Suicidal thoughts
What are the types of depression?
- Major depression: The person stays depressed most of the time for most days of the week.
- Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: The person stays depressed for more than 2 years. Symptoms are generally milder than those of major depression.
- Bipolar depression: The person has alternating periods of depression and mania (feeling extremely high in energy).
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Many women experience depressive episodes before their menses.
- Seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression: Depression mainly occurs during the fall and winter seasons and the symptoms go away during the summer and spring seasons.
What causes depression?
- Low levels of the following
- Serotonin: Associated with satisfaction and feeling good
- Dopamine: Associated with drive and motivation
- Norepinephrine: Associated with energy
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic diseases
- Emotional events such as loss of a loved one
- Genetics (mutation in serotonin transporter gene, CREB1 gene, on chromosome 2)
- Drugs such as:
- Beta-blockers
- Oral contraceptives
- Methyldopa
- Barbiturates
- Interferons
SLIDESHOW
Learn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication See SlideshowHow is depression treated?
Treatment of depression generally involves psychological counseling and medications. Medications may include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Dual acting antidepressants (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Atypical antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers (mainly used in the treatment of bipolar depression)
- Lithium
- Lamotrigine
- Valproate
- Benzodiazepines (used for anxiety and sleep disorders)
Withdrawal symptoms are most commonly seen in people taking medications for depression. When medications are suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms may include:
To prevent withdrawal symptoms, do not stop taking any medications or change doses without consulting your doctor.
Latest Depression News
Daily Health News
More Health News »Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 11/30/2021
References
Image Source: iStock Images
Halverson JL. Depression. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759-overview
Amatenstein S. The Dilemma of High-Functioning Depression. Psycom. https://www.psycom.net/high-functioning-depression/
Halverson JL. Depression. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759-overview
Amatenstein S. The Dilemma of High-Functioning Depression. Psycom. https://www.psycom.net/high-functioning-depression/
Complete List
Top What Does High-Functioning in Depression Mean Related Articles
How Can I Boost My Mood and Mental Health Naturally?
Mental health affects how you think, feel, and interact with the outside world. Boost your mood and mental health naturally by getting enough sleep, moving, eating well, stepping outside, and doing something you enjoy.
Celexa vs. Lexapro
Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) type antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. These drugs are also sometimes used for obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders. Side effects of Celexa and Lexapro that are similar include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, headache, tremor (shaking), drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, and sexual difficulties.Citalopram
Citalopram is an antidepressant drug used to treat: depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat Depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) uses cognitive strategies to help people change patterns in the way they think and behavioral strategies to help people change behaviors that aren't helpful. CBT can help people with mild-to-moderate major depressive disorder.Cymbalta (duloxetine) vs. Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Cymbalta, brand name duloxetine, and Effexor XR brand name venlafaxine (Effexor has been discontinued) are antidepressants belonging to a drug class called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Cymbalta and Effexor XR are used for the treatment of chronic depression, anxiety disorders (for example, general or social), and pain. Cymbalta also treats fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal or diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain). Similar side effects of Cymbalta and Effexor include headaches, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, and dry mouth.
Depression
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
Learn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication
Know when you or someone else is depressed. Get information on depression symptoms, signs, tests, and treatments for many types of depression chronic depression and postpartum depression.
Depression Quiz
Many people do not recognize the symptoms and warning signs of depression and depressive disorders in children and adults. With proper diagnosis, treatments and medications are available. Take this quiz to learn more about recovery from depression.
Depression Tips Slides
The right exercise, diet, and activities -- even playing with a pet --can help you recover from depression. Learn simple lifestyle changes you can do to improve your mood.
Depression: Foods to Avoid If You Have Anxiety or Depression
Feeling a little jittery? It could be something you ate. Learn the foods to avoid if you're anxious or depressed.
How Does Depression Affect a Person's Behavior?
Depression — a serious mood disorder — is the most common mental health disorder. It can interfere with your thoughts, your feelings, and daily activities like sleeping, eating, and working.
Depression Therapy Myths
False ideas scare many depression suffers away from therapy and the quick relief and help these pros can provide. Let our experts help you understand the truth about therapy.
What Age Group Has the Highest Rate of Depression?
American Psychiatric Association defines major depressive disorder (depression) as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how one feels, thinks and acts. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home. Depression can occur at any age.
What Are 4 Major Causes of Depression?
Depression is not a condition that has one specific cause. It can happen for many different reasons and have many triggers. Depression is a serious condition with a spectrum of diagnoses and a wide range of severity.What Are the 4 Types of Depression?
Depression is a common yet serious mood disorder. The four types of depression include major depression, bipolar disorder, persistent depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.Zoloft vs. Celexa
Zoloft (sertraline) and Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) are antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed to treat depression. Zoloft is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).Zoloft vs. Lexapro
Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for treating depression, and anxiety disorders. Zoloft is also approved for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).