involutional depression
involutional depression (noun) A specific type of major depressive disorder historically believed to be associated with the climacteric period (the phase of life marking the end of reproductive capability, such as menopause in women or andropause in men). It is characterized by symptoms of a major depressive episode, often with prominent agitation, anxiety, and hypochondriacal concerns.
This term is used in clinical and historical psychiatric contexts to describe severe depression occurring during midlife, linked to involutional (involuting or declining) physiological processes. * The diagnosis of involutional depression was more common in psychiatric classifications of the mid-20th century. * Modern diagnostic manuals generally do not distinguish it as a separate category from major depressive disorder.
- The psychiatrist reviewed the older case studies focusing on involutional depression.
- Symptoms of severe anxiety and agitation were noted in the patient's chart, leading to an initial assessment of involutional depression.
- The concept of involutional depression reflects historical attempts to link specific life stages with psychiatric illness. Its use has declined as understanding of the biological and psychosocial factors of depression has evolved.
- Involutional (adjective): Pertaining to a biological process of decline or degeneration, especially related to aging.
- Climacteric depression: A near-synonymous term sometimes used interchangeably with involutional depression.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): The broader modern diagnostic category that encompasses this condition.
- Climacteric depression
- Midlife depression (a more general, non-clinical term)
This term carries specific historical and clinical connotations. While it describes a major depressive episode, its key distinguishing feature in historical use was its temporal association with the climacteric. It is important to note that contemporary psychiatry typically views such depression within the framework of Major Depressive Disorder, without a separate subtype based solely on this life stage.
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a major depressive episode associated with the climacteric