[Depressive disorder: importance, frequency & recognizing physical symptoms].

OBJECTIVE Depression is more than just a mood disorder, it is a real illness that not only affects one's mood and thoughts but also appetite, sleep patterns and one's self esteem. Today by primary care physician every fourth patient is diagnosed with depressive disorder where 15% of them try or commit suicide. Objective is to correlate importance, frequency, & recognizing physical symptoms who indicate depressive disorder. METHODS Research pooled sample of 33 female patients who seek medical attention with numerous physical pains which had no organic cause (n = 33). Participant's average age was 46. They were mainly unemployed and single mothers with one or more children. Seven physical symptoms were observed before, during diagnosis and their existence after two months of anti-depression therapy. They are: a) headaches; b) rapid heartbeat; c) dizziness or hightheadedness; d) shortness of breath; e) increased sweating; f) stomach aches; g) nausea. Research took place between June and December 2007 in the office of family medical practice. Data was collected & analyzed using program SPSS14. RESULTS In the beginning of disorder, the physical symptoms are milder and increasing with time and development of disorder. The most common physical symptoms, headaches, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, and nausea are present before and after anti-depressive or anxiolytic therapies. Statistical analysis differentiating number of symptoms before and after therapy shows 5% decrease. After two months of treatment physical symptoms, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and nausea remain where dizziness or lightheadedness, stomach aches, increased sweating or breath-shortness largely respond to therapy. CONCLUSION The research shows physical symptoms take significant place in recognizing depressive disorder. They are accompanying symptoms of depressive disorder. Most common physical symptoms of depressive disorder are: headaches, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness, and nausea. There is significant statistical difference in the number of physical symptoms before and after anti-depressive and anxiolytic therapies.