How to recognise depression? The three A rule: asthenia, apathy and anhedonia

By Cristiano Antonino On Oct 14, 2022

Asthenia, apathy and anhedonia: these are the ‘three A’s’ that indicate the main symptoms of depression and which, to put it simply, consist of a loss of interest, motivation and energy for things one normally enjoys

SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF DEPRESSION: WATCH OUT FOR SLEEP DISORDERS

A symptomatology to be kept under control, all the more so because it is estimated that 15% of the population will develop depression in the course of their lives, with a higher incidence in the 25-40 age group.

In addition to a lowered mood, easy emotionality and a sense of guilt and inadequacy, depression can also bring with it a series of somatic symptoms, such as loss or increase in appetite and sleep-related disorders: the latter are to be kept particularly under control because sleep acts as a protector of our brain and mood, and symptoms such as insomnia or, on the contrary, hypersomnia, are linked not only to anxiety and depression but also to cardiovascular diseases.

DEPRESSION, IT’S NOT THE SAME FOR EVERYONE

Depression, however, is not all the same, but differs depending on the intensity, duration and characteristics of the symptoms.

And if, from the point of view of intensity, we can distinguish between mild, moderate and severe depression, depressive symptoms can also vary depending on the age of the individual.

During adolescence, for example, symptoms such as irritability and impulsiveness prevail, followed by isolation.

With advancing age, cognitive and somatic symptoms prevail, especially gastrointestinal disorders.