How does depression affect appetite?
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RealAge answered:Along with emotional symptoms and fatigue, major depression can also cause the depressed person to lose interest in food, or use food to self-medicate. You may notice that your aunt with the once hearty appetite no longer seems interested in food, and she is losing weight, says Michael Garrett, MD, vice chairman and professor of Clinical Psychiatry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. "She's not eating her usual portion or showing relish for the meal." The opposite may also be true – she may be overeating and gaining weight.
Along with emotional symptoms and fatigue, major depression can also cause the depressed person to lose interest in food, or use food to self-medicate. You may notice that your aunt with the once hearty appetite no longer seems interested in... More -
Dr. Ramani Durvasula answered:Changes in appetite are one of the key symptoms seen in depression - some lose their appetite and don't eat enough, while others overeat. Watch psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, discuss how a change in appetite is a common symptom of depression.
Changes in appetite are one of the key symptoms seen in depression - some lose their appetite and don't eat enough, while others overeat. Watch psychologist Ramani Durvasula, PhD, discuss how a change in appetite is a common symptom of depression. More
