What Is Masked Depression?
Masked depression refers to a form of depression in which the condition is characterized primarily by physical symptoms.
The symptoms of masked depression may be similar to those of major depression, but the condition primarily manifests itself through physical symptoms and leads to various physical health issues in him.
Masked depression is more commonly observed in women than in men.
What Are the Symptoms of Masked Depression?
Masked depression is more common in men, and this is entirely related to the roles, duties, and responsibilities they assume in life. What are the symptoms of masked depression?
- Inability to enjoy life
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty making decisions, or indecisiveness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Sleep disturbances,
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of motivation
- Constant self-blame
- Pessimism
- Dwelling on past events
- Sexual dysfunction
These are typical symptoms of depression, but in the case of masked depression—also known as “smiling depression”—physical symptoms are more common.
These may manifest as sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, or skin problems. The causes of masked depression are the same as those of depression, but the symptoms are primarily physical. It is more common in people who have difficulty expressing their emotions. This is because when we cannot express our emotions, our bodies begin to speak for us. In other words, physical expressions take the place of verbal ones.
Masked depression is most common in women. This is because women tend to internalize their emotions and are reluctant to share them with others
. One of the key differences between masked depression and typical depression is an increase in sleep, appetite, and sexual desire. In typical depression, however, the person experiences a decrease in sleep, appetite, and sexual desire.
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Hypersomnia (sleeping for hours at a time) and feeling sleepy throughout the day.
- A sensation of heaviness in the arms and legs (felt intermittently throughout the day)
- A heightened sensitivity to rejection and criticism that can directly affect interpersonal relationships.
- Feeling a temporary improvement in his mood due to good news, but then feeling distressed again.
- Difficulty identifying and maintaining his emotions. When asked, he usually says he’s fine.
- He expresses the belief that showing signs of deep sadness is a sign of weakness.
Treatment for typical depression and masked depression is the same: medication and psychotherapy. A specialist physician determines the general course of treatment.