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.
True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a long period of time.
The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person's life.
Some types of depression seem to run in families, but depression can also occur in people who have no family history of the illness. Stressful life changes or events can trigger depression in some people. Usually, a combination of factors is involved.
Men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels can have depression. Depression can also occur in children and teenagers.
A number of factors can play a role in depression:
See also: Adolescent depression
Depression can change or distort the way adolescents see themselves and their lives, as well as other people around them. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Symptoms include:
Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than as feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Use of alcohol or illegal substances may be more likely to occur.
If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms may focus on themes of guilt, inadequacy, or disease.
Major depression is diagnosed if a person reports having five or more depressive symptoms for at least 2 weeks. Beck's Depression Scale Inventory or other screening tests for depression can be helpful in making the diagnosis.
Before diagnosing depression, the health care provider should rule out medical conditions that can cause symptoms of depression.
Medicines that you take for other problems could cause or worsen depression. You may need to change them. DO NOT change or stop taking any of your medications without consulting your doctor.
People who are so severely depressed that they are unable to function, or who are suicidal and cannot be safely cared for in the community may need to be treated in a psychiatric hospital.
Most people benefit from antidepressant drug therapy, along with psychotherapy. As treatment takes effect, negative thinking diminishes. It takes time to feel better, but there are usually day-to-day improvements.
MEDICATIONS FOR DEPRESSION
Drugs used to treat depression are called antidepressants.
Some people with major depression may feel better after taking antidepressants for a few weeks. However, many people need to take medication for 4 - 9 months to get a full response and to prevent depression from coming back.
Some people who do not improve with routine dosages of antidepressants and talk therapy have what is called treatment-resistant depression. They are often prescribed higher (but still safe) doses of their antidepressants, or a combination of medications. Lithium and thyroid hormone supplements also may be added to help the antidepressants work better.
Women being treated for depression who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop taking antidepressants without first talking to their doctors.
An over-the-counter herb called St. John's wort may help some people with mild depression only. It can change the way other medicines work in your body, including antidepressants and birth control pills. Always talk to your doctor before trying this herb.
Note: Young adults ages 18 - 24 should be watched more closely for suicidal behavior, especially during the first few months after starting medications.
See also: Bipolar disorder
TALK THERAPY
People with depression benefit from some type of talk therapy and counseling. Talk therapy is a good place to talk about feelings and thoughts, and most importantly, learn ways to deal with them.
Types of talk therapy include:
OTHER THERAPIES
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people who don't respond to other treatments. It may also help with depressed patients who have psychotic symptoms.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses high frequency magnetic pulses that target affected areas of the brain. It is often thought to be a second-line treatment after ECT.
Use of light therapy for depressive symptoms may help in the winter months to restore a normal sleep cycle. However, by itself it is not an effective treatment for major depression.
For more information and resources, see depression support group.
The outcome with treatment is usually good, but not for everyone. Depression is a recurring problem for many people.
For people who have repeated episodes of depression, quick and ongoing treatment may be needed to prevent more severe, long-term depression. Sometimes people will need to stay on medications for long periods of time.
Call 911, a suicide hotline, or get safely to a nearby emergency room if you have thoughts of suicide, a suicidal plan, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or other suicide warning signs.
There are numbers you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.
Call your doctor right away if:
To better manage your depression at home:
Depression - major; Unipolar depression; Major depressive disorder