Melancholic Depression

Melancholic depression, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness, is a subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD).¹Compared to other forms of depression, melancholic depression has more severe symptoms. These signs of depression can have an impact on a person's interactions with others as well as other aspects of their own lives. Melancholic depression might result in suicidal thoughts if it is not well treated.²

Why Do Melancholics Get Depressed?

It is unclear what specifically causes melancholic depression. Comparatively to other types of depression, melancholy sadness has a less direct relationship with social and psychological factors.⁴ The following biological variables are believe to be associated with melancholic depression include:

- Hereditary and genetic components

- Disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (that associated with the stress response)

- Hypercortisolemia is the condition with elevated cortisol levels in the body

Symptoms of Melancholic Depression

In addition to sadness or crying, physical symptoms of melancholic depression are more likely to occur. A person with melancholic depression may feel as if they have no energy, empty, unable to feel happiness, also movement and thinking process may slow down. There are two primary signs that could appear such as:³

- Loss of enjoyment in life's activities

- Inability to positively react to pleasure

Additional characteristics of melancholic depression include:

- Loss of appetite or weight loss

- Having poor sleep quality because of getting up too early

- Memory or concentration issues

- A sense of emptiness or numbness

- Excessive guilt

- A sense of hopelessness;

- The emergence of suicidal thoughts

Treatment for Melancholic Depression

Some treatments for melancholic depression, such as:⁵