Unipolar depression, also known as major depression, is one of the disorders in the depression spectrum. Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, author of the article "Depression Statistics," states that 17.1 million adults in the United States (8 percent of the population) are diagnosed with unipolar depression as of 2009.
Definition
The National Institutes of Health defines unipolar depression as a mood disorder where the patient has five or more symptoms. The patient must also display those symptoms for at least two weeks.
Gender and Age
The NIH notes unipolar depression occurs in children, teenagers and adults, but it is more prevalent in women.
Symptoms
Agitation, sleeping problems (trouble falling asleep or oversleeping), appetite and weight changes, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, and feeling worthless and hopeless are symptoms of unipolar depression, according to the NIH.
Suicide
Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts are another sign of unipolar depression. The NIH warns that medical help should be sought if this symptom appears.
Diagnosis
The NIH states screening tests are used to diagnose the patient with unipolar depression. The Beck's Depression Scale Inventory is one example. It rates the severity of the patient's symptoms.
