What is depression?
Nearly everyone has felt depressed, sad, or blue at one time or another. A
depressed mood is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or injured
self-esteem. Sometimes, however, depression becomes intense, lasts for long
periods, and prevents a person from leading a normal life.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The major symptoms of depression include the following:
- Feeling extremely sad, anxious, or "empty"
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling worthless
- Having thoughts of death or suicide (If you are having thoughts
of suicide, call your local 24-hour suicide hotline right away.)
- Attempting suicide
- An increase or decrease in the need for sleep
- Loss of enjoyment from things that were once pleasurable
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
- Changes in appetite that lead to weight loss or gain
The following physical signs also may be present:
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Digestive problems
- Problems with sexual function
Depression that has these characteristics is a medical condition called major
depressive disorder, one of a number of depressive illnesses. More than 10
million Americans suffer from major depressive disorder each year, but most
never get treatment. When left untreated, depression can become worse, last for
years, and cause untold suffering.
If you suffer from depression, it's important to remember that depression is
a medical disorder that can be treated successfully.
I have coped with depression before, so why should I seek help?
You may have recognized periods of depression in your life. Perhaps these
periods lasted for several months and you learned to cope. But early treatment
is important because:
- Without treatment, depression can become worse.
- Depression can lead to suicide.
- Without treatment, people who suffer from episodes of
depression often do not fully recover.
- Treatment can prevent depression from coming back.
- Your depression may be the sign of another illness, which can
worsen without treatment.
What causes depressive disorders?
Depressive disorders result from a mix of factors in a person’s life, including:
- family history
- physical health
- state of mind and environment
- high levels of stress
- life transitions
- loss
Depressive disorders also may be caused by imbalances in the chemicals that
the body uses to control mood.
Other causes of depression include:
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Certain medicines
- Serious physical and mental illnesses
- Lack of social support
- Lack of good coping skills
- Conflicts that have not been resolved
- Family history of depressive disorder*
*Some people may have an inherited predisposition, or a biological tendency,
for developing a depressive disorder. This is thought to be passed down to them
as part of their overall makeup.
How can I know if I have major depressive disorder?
If you have a number of the above listed symptoms for most of the day, nearly
every day for two or more weeks, you may have major depressive disorder. See
your health care provider or a mental health specialist. If you do not know a
mental health specialist, your health care provider can refer you to one.
How is depression diagnosed?
Your health care provider can evaluate your condition by asking you to describe
your symptoms and medical history. He or she also should ask you if you or
anyone in your family has had depression or other mental health problems. You
also may need to complete a depression screening test, such as the Beck
Depression Inventory.
Sometimes, symptoms of depression are caused by a physical disorder or
illness. Your health care provider also may perform a physical exam or
laboratory tests to determine if there is a physical cause for the depression.
Major depressive disorder is only one type of depressive disorder. Tests and
treatments will depend on what type of disorder is suspected and diagnosed.
How is depression treated?
Types of treatment depend on the depressive illness that is present. Major
depressive disorder is treated with:
- Psychotherapy (regular counseling)
- Medicines
- Both psychotherapy and medicine
Where can I learn more?
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
800.950.6264
www.nami.org
National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
800.969-NMHA (6642)
www.nmha.org
© Copyright 1995-2009 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 1/24/2008...#4087
