DEPRESSION 
Signs and symptoms
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Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death
Sleeping disturbances including insomnia
Anxiety, agitation or restleness
Increased cravings for food and weight gain
Loss of interest in normal activities
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches
Causes
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Brain chemistry
Hormones
Biological differences
Inherited traits
Complications
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Alcohol or drug misuse
Social isolation
Pain or physical illness
Suicidal feelings or suicide attempts
Excess weight or obesity
Self mutilation such as cutting
Nursing care plan
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Encourage clients to express feelings
Come up with alternatives to handle feelings of anger and frustrations.
If hospitalized follow unit protocols
Check the availability of required supply of medication needed
Activate links to self help groups
Implement a written no suicide contract
Contact the family arrange for crisis counseling
Risk factors
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Loneliness
Social isolation
Anhedonia
Severe personality psychosis
Definition
Mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest