Depressive disorder leads to loss of interest and pleasure, expert says

Psychologist Sara Hosawi has explained the difference between normal sadness and severe clinical depression.

Speaking on Al Arabiya FM, she said that people with depression may not always realize they are suffering from it, and sometimes need those around them to offer help. She noted that sadness is a natural human emotion, often triggered by loss, failure, or distressing events, and typically fades as circumstances change over time.

Hosawi emphasized that depressive disorder is entirely different from sadness. According to the World Health Organization, depression is characterized by a persistently low or empty mood, or irritability, and is marked by a clear loss of interest and pleasure.

She added that these symptoms persist for most of the day, usually for at least two weeks, and are often accompanied by other signs such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, hopelessness, and in some cases, thoughts of death or suicide.

Hosawi warned that these are serious warning signs. The diagnosis of depression depends on internal experience, symptoms, duration, severity, and the impact on daily functioning. She stressed that it is not possible to diagnose depression based solely on someone's appearance, as a person may seem happy outwardly but be struggling internally.

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