Sinclair Ross’ “as for me and My House”: Clinical Depression in Mrs. Bentley

Abstract

Medical Dictionary defines “Clinical depression” as mental disorder characterized by sustained depression of mood, anhedonia, sleep and appetite disturbances, and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness. Diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode include a depressed mood, a marked reduction of interest or pleasure in virtually all activitie s or both, lasting for atleast two weeks. In addition, three or more of the following must be present: Gain or loss of weight, increased or decreased sleep, increased or decreased level of psychomotor activity, fatigue, feeling of guilt or worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide. Clinical findings of “Clinical depression” reveal feelings of guilt, hopelessness, all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, persistent thoughts of death or suicide – difficulties in concentration, memory and decision – making capacity – changes in sleep patterns, appetite and weight – persistent symptoms of headaches or digestive disorders that do not respond to treatment. Disabling episodic major depression can occur several times in a life time.