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Delineating Depression and Chronic Fatigue

So you think you are depressed? But are you sure that you are? Depression can sometimes be caused by other conditions like chronic fatigue; there are also times that depression causes chronic fatigue.

That’s why it is important to analyze your condition thoroughly first, maybe depression is not the main problem at hand. It would be better to know the difference between depression and chronic fatigue to have a much solid basis of your suspicion.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex condition that is characterized by having at least six months of experiencing tremendous fatigue, which cannot be relieved by rest. It also comes with a group of symptoms that constantly bother you for at least six months.

For most people, chronic fatigue has a sudden onset usually after a flu-like infection or an incident of psychological or physical trauma, such as death of a loved one, a traumatic accident, or surgery. In some cases, it develops gradually. The condition lasts for many months or even years. Sadly, only a small percentage of patients have full health recovery.

Important Points about Depression and Chronic Fatigue

There is significant difference with the SPECT scans of depression and chronic fatigue. People with chronic fatigue were scanned after exercise, and showed decrease brain activity. On the other hand, those with depression were also scanned after exercise, and showed increase in brain activity.

It turns out that physical activity benefit people with depression while it can cause more harm to those with chronic fatigue. Exercise can worsen the symptoms for chronic fatigue, while it can help manage sleep and other symptoms for those with depression.

The well being of people with depression and chronic fatigue are also different. Those with chronic fatigue are generally well adjusted with their lives. Their only problem is that they feel tired most of the time, but they do have high motivation. Conversely, people with depression have lots of problems in their lives from family to social levels, and usually have very low motivation.

Treatment for depression and chronic fatigue is also different. Some anti depressant drugs work effectively for depressed people. But people with chronic fatigue usually become intolerant with anti depressants, and show no reaction to the drugs.

The effect of sleeping pills is also different for depression and chronic fatigue. Sleeping pills are effective and helpful for depressed people, while it may not be effective for those with chronic fatigue. Usually, after taking sleeping pills, people with chronic fatigue still don’t get straight sleep at night and they still wake up feeling tired and un-refreshed.