[3][4][5] Symptoms vary in severity, type, and frequency and can be attributed to cognitive, social, biological, or environmental factors that result in persistent feelings of sadness and distress.
The forefront indication that a depressive episode is manifesting is the sudden loss of energy or motivation in daily routines.
[7][8] When this occurs, it is not uncommon for individuals to seek medical attention with excessive worrying or anxiety that a more severe, physiological disease may be the underlying issue.
[7] However, without an actual disease present, this neurotic thinking often results in severe anxiety, sleep disturbance, and mood swings which may hinder social relationships.
Patients with endogenous depression often are more likely to have a positive family history of disorders and fewer psychosocial and environmental factors that cause their symptoms.
[13] Both medication and ECT can be used in the short-term to treat acute episodes of endogenous depression, and in the long-term to reduce the risk of recurrence.