Author: James Anderson

Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

Women and people assigned female at birth are more likely to have depression than men and people assigned male at birth. It’s normal to feel sad about or grieve over difficult life situations, such as losing your job or a divorce. But depression is different in that it persists practically every day for at least two weeks and involves other symptoms than sadness alone. Their crucial work saves lives every day.Let Mayo Clinic researchers know they’re appreciated with a quick message. Alternative medicine is the use of a nonconventional approach instead of conventional medicine.

1. During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty).
2. In some cases, where available, results of genetic tests (done by a blood test or cheek swab) may offer clues about how your body may respond to a particular antidepressant.
3. Antidepressants take time—usually 4−8 weeks—to work, and problems with sleep, appetite, and concentration often improve before mood lifts.
4. Depression (also called major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is different.

Can I prevent depression?

To be diagnosed with depression, a person must have symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. One of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Children and adolescents may be irritable rather than sad.

How can I help a loved one who is depressed?

Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but men can also be depressed. Studies also show higher rates of depression and an increased risk for the disorder among members of the LGBTQI+ community. Anyone taking an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening depression or unusual behavior. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts when taking an antidepressant, immediately contact your health care provider or get emergency help.

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These symptoms all work together to keep you trapped in a cycle of depression. Some symptoms may be a sign of another disorder or medical condition. While there’s no single cause of depression, most experts believe there’s a combination of biological, social, and psychological factors that contribute to depression risk. Socially stressful and traumatic life events, limited access to resources such as food, housing, and health care, and a lack of social support all contribute to depression risk.

Types of depression

Depression is a common, serious, and treatable condition. It honestly affects people of all ages and races and biological sexes, income levels and educational backgrounds. There are many types of symptoms that make up depression.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. However, researchers believe that these estimates are lower than reality, as many people don’t seek medical help for symptoms of depression and don’t receive a diagnosis. Researchers estimate that nearly 7% of adults in the United States have depression every year. More than 16% of U.S. adults — around 1 in 6 people — will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. Partial hospitalization or day treatment programs also may help some people.

Emotionally, you may feel sad or down or irritable or even apathetic. You can be really hard on yourself, feel hopeless and helpless about things. And even in some cases, have thoughts of not wanting to live. Behaviorally, you just want to pull back and withdraw from others, activities, and day-to-day responsibilities.

When it comes to depression, alternative treatments aren’t a substitute for medical care. In some people, depression is so severe that a hospital stay is needed. This may be necessary if you can’t care for yourself properly or when you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe until your mood improves. WHO has developed brief psychological intervention manuals for depression that may be delivered by lay therapists to individuals and groups. Moreover, the Group interpersonal therapy for depression manual describes group treatment of depression.

Antidepressants and increased suicide risk

The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last vary depending on the person. Learn about NIMH priority areas for research and funding that have the potential to improve mental health care over the short, medium, and long term. Use these free education and outreach materials in your community and on social media to spread the word about mental health and related topics. If you’ve started treatment for depression and it isn’t working or you’re having unpleasant side effects, talk to your provider. Your provider may order medical tests, such as blood tests, to see if any underlying medical conditions are causing your depressive symptoms. Without treatment, depression can get worse and last longer.

Always remember that effective treatments and supports are available to help you start feeling better. Effective treatments for depression exist and you do have options to see what works best for you. Lifestyle changes that improve sleep habits, exercise, and address underlying health conditions can be an important first step.