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Depression

Definition

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.

Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or more.

Patient Education Video: Depression

Depression Myths & Facts Quiz

Which of these may be a symptom of depression?

Answer:

The correct answer is: "All of the above." Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or miserable. Most of us feel this way sometimes for short periods. But depression as a medical condition affects your daily life in an ongoing way. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, or if you think you may be depressed.
Depression is a state of mind – if you try hard enough, you can snap out of it.

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Myth." Depression is a medical disorder that causes real suffering. Brain scans have shown that certain areas of the brain look different in people with depression. It's unclear what causes the disorder. An imbalance of brain chemicals or genetic factors may play a role.
If a friend or loved one talks about suicide, what should you do?

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Seek professional help immediately." Suicide can be prevented with prompt intervention. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night. Never try to manage the problem on your own.
Depression is more common in women.

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Fact." Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life may play a role. At puberty, girls have twice the risk for depression than boys. Many women notice mood changes and even depression around their period, after childbirth, and around the time of menopause. Other risk factors may include income inequality, social status, sexual violence, and life stressors.

People who are depressed tend to:

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Either A or B." While some people lose interest in food when they are depressed, others turn to food for comfort and overeat.
Children don't get depressed.

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Myth." A depressed child may complain of aches and pains, refuse to go to school, or worry all the time. About 10% to 15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression at some point in their teen years. Be aware of any changes in your teen’s daily routines or behaviors. This can be a sign of depression.
Men may spend more time at work when they are depressed.

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Fact." Men often react to depression in different ways than women. They are more likely to work long hours, abuse alcohol or drugs, lose their temper, or behave recklessly.
Which types of talk therapy are effective in treating depression?

Answer:

The correct answer is: "All of the above." Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches you how to fight negative thoughts and develop self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can help you understand the issues behind your thoughts and feelings. Support groups can help you feel less alone. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses seem worse.

Answer:

The correct answer is: "Fact." If you have a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or many others, depression can make the symptoms more severe. Feeling sad or down also makes it harder for you to do the work needed to manage your illness. Getting help for depression usually makes it easier to successfully treat any medical condition.
Which of the following is true of antidepressant medicines?

Answer:

The correct answer is C. Remember that it can take 4 to 12 weeks for an antidepressant to become fully effective, so try to be patient. However, some benefits start earlier than that. If your medicine isn’t helping, be sure to talk to your doctor. Often, changing to a different antidepressant or adding a second medicine will help your symptoms.
Depression is very difficult to treat.

Answer:

The correct answer is myth. In reality, most patients get better when treated with medicine, talk therapy, or both together. The first step is to talk to your doctor, who can treat you or refer you to a mental health professional. Make that first call, and you will be on the path to recovery.

Alternative Names

Blues; Gloom; Sadness; Melancholy

Considerations

Depression can occur in people of all ages:

  • Adults
  • Teenagers
  • Older adults

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Low mood or irritable mood most of the time
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • A big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Slow or fast movements
  • Lack of activity and avoiding usual activities
  • Feeling hopeless or helpless
  • Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
  • Lack of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, including sex

Remember that children may have different symptoms than adults. Watch for changes in schoolwork, sleep, and behavior. If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help you learn how to help your child with depression.

Depression in children
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.

The main types of depression include:

  • Major depression. It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for 2 weeks or longer periods of time.
  • Persistent depressive disorder. This is a depressed mood that lasts 2 years. Over that length of time, you may have periods of major depression, with times when your symptoms are milder.

Other common forms of depression include:

  • Postpartum depression. Many women feel somewhat down after having a baby. However, true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Symptoms of depression occur 1 week before your period and disappear after you menstruate.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This occurs most often during fall and winter, and disappears during spring and summer. It is most likely due to a lack of sunlight.
  • Major depression with psychotic features. This occurs when a person has depression and loss of touch with reality (psychosis).

Bipolar disorder occurs when depression alternates with mania (formerly called manic depression). Bipolar disorder has depression as one of its symptoms, but it is a different type of mental illness.

Causes

Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes, behaviors you learn at home, or your environment. Depression may be triggered by stressful or unhappy life events. Often, it is a combination of these things.

Many factors can bring on depression, including:

  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Medical conditions, such as cancer or long-term (chronic) pain
  • Stressful life events, such as job loss, divorce, or death of a spouse or other family member
  • Social isolation (a common cause of depression in older adults)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if:

  • You hear voices that are not there.
  • You cry often without cause.
  • Your depression has affected your work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks.
  • You have three or more symptoms of depression.
  • You think one of your current medicines may be making you feel depressed. DO NOT change or stop taking any medicines without talking to your provider.
  • If you think your child or teen may be depressed.

You should also call your provider if:

  • You think you should cut back on drinking alcohol
  • A family member or friend has asked you to cut back on drinking alcohol
  • You feel guilty about the amount of alcohol you drink
  • You drink alcohol first thing in the morning

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

Gallery

Depression in children
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.
Depression in children
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.
Depression and the menstrual cycle
A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation.
Depression in children
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.

References

American Psychiatric Association website. Depressive disorders. In: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013:155-188.

Fava M, Østergaard SD, Cassano P. Mood disorders: depressive disorders (major depressive disorder). In: Stern TA, Fava M, Wilens TE, Rosenbaum JF, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 29.

Kraus C, Kadriu B, Lanzenberger R, Zarate Jr CA, Kasper S. Prognosis and improved outcomes in major depression: a review. Transl Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):127. PMID: 30944309 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30944309/.

Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Mood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 39.

Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung A, Jensen PS, Stein REK, Laraque D; GLAD-PC STEERING GROUP. Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): part I. Practice preparation, identification, assessment, and initial management. Pediatrics. 2018;141(3). pii: e20174081. PMID: 29483200 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29483200/.

Last reviewed April 30, 2022 by Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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