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The question was submitted 21/05/2008

Subject: Meaning

I was told I had no volition... amotivation

What do these terms mean?

I feel I am gradually becoming more incompetent... I find it hard to work things out... I say I feel confused but mental health nurse said my thinking is disorganised and distorted... I don't understand... how does depression make my thinking distorted?

rgds
cate

Answer from DepNet

Dear Meaning,

Volition is the same as “motivation”. If you lack volition you lack motivation or lack the drive to do whatever it is. Amotivation means “without motivation”.

“Organized thinking” or “attention and concentration” are well known and common symptoms of depression, especially as it becomes more severe. The exact way depression does this is not clear since these processes are very complex. It is fair to say though that the disturbance is caused by alteration to the level or concentration of various brain chemicals at multiple sites throughout the brain. This disturbance can be so severe that elderly people with depression are often suspected of having dementia due to concentration and memory deficits (as a result of their depression).

The fact that depression can cause this wide range of symptoms is an illustration of how the brain uses the same chemicals (neuro-transmitters) to perform multiple functions at different areas of its’ anatomy.

The answer was published on DepNet 23/05/2008