Depression

Depression is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of emotional and physical problems. Depression can lead to various emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home.

Symptoms

Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms must last at least two weeks for a diagnosis of depression.

Causes

The exact cause of depression is not known. A variety of factors may be involved, including:

• Genetics: Depression can run in families.
• Brain chemistry: Changes in the brain's neurotransmitter levels may influence depression.
• Hormones: Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
• Life events: Events such as trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger depression.

Diagnosis

Depression is diagnosed using a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional that includes an interview and sometimes a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test might be done to make sure the depression is not due to a medical condition like a thyroid problem. The evaluation will identify specific symptoms, their duration, and the impact on daily life. Tools such as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or the Beck Depression Inventory may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for depression may include one or a combination of the following:

• Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy or counseling, psychotherapy involves discussing your condition and related issues with a mental health professional.
• Medications: Antidepressants can help to modify your brain chemistry. These medications are not sedatives, "uppers" or tranquilizers. They generally have no stimulating effect on people not experiencing depression.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For severe depression that does not respond to medication, ECT can be an effective treatment option.
• Lifestyle and home remedies: Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and maintaining social connections can help manage depression.

Prevention

While depression cannot always be prevented, strategies to help reduce the risk include:

• Managing stress
• Strengthening your relationships
• Getting regular exercise and sleep
• Consulting a healthcare provider early when you start feeling depressed

See Also

• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressants

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