What is depression

2. Depression is a mood disorder that involves a
persistent feeling of sadness and loss of
interest. It is different from the mood
fluctuations that people regularly experience
as a part of life.
Major life events, such as bereavement or the
loss of a job, can lead to depression. However,
doctors only consider feelings of grief to be
part of depression if they persist.
Depression is an ongoing problem, not a
passing one. It consists of episodes during
which the symptoms last for at least 2 weeks.
Depression can last for several weeks,
months, or years.

3. Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of depression can include:
• a depressed mood
• reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• a loss of sexual desire
• changes in appetite
• unintentional weight loss or gain
• sleeping too much or too little
• agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
• slowed movement and speech
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide

4. In females
Depression is nearly twice as common among women as
men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Below are some symptoms of depression that tend to appear
more often in females:
• irritability
• anxiety
• mood swings
• fatigue
• ruminating (dwelling on negative
thoughts)
Also, some types of depression are unique to females, such
as:
• postpartum depression
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder

5. In males
Around 9% of men in the United States have feelings
of depression or anxiety, according to the American
Psychological Association.
Males with depression are more likely than females to
drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and engage in
risk-taking as a result of the disorder.
Other symptoms of depression in males may include:
• avoiding families and social situations
• working without a break
• having difficulty keeping up with work and family
responsibilities
• displaying abusive or controlling behavior in
relationships

6. In college students
Time at college can stressful, and a person may be dealing with other
lifestyles, cultures, and experiences for the first time.
Some students have difficulty coping with these changes, and they may
develop depression, anxiety, or both as a result.
Symptoms of depression in college students may include:
• difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• insomnia
• sleeping too much
• a decrease or increase in appetite
• avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy

7. In teens
Physical changes, peer pressure, and other factors can
contribute to depression in teenagers.
They may experience some of the following symptoms:
• withdrawing from friends and family
• difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
• restlessness, such as an inability to sit still

8. In children
The CDC estimate that, in the U.S., 3.2% of children and teens aged 3–17 have a
diagnosis of depression.
In children, symptoms can make schoolwork and social activities challenging.
They may experience symptoms such as:
• crying
• low energy
• clinginess
• defiant behavior
• vocal outbursts
• Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This
can make it harder for them to explain their feelings of sadness.

9. Causes
The medical community does not fully understand the causes of
depression. There are many possible causes, and sometimes,
various factors combine to trigger symptoms.
Factors that are likely to play a role include:
• genetic features
• changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels
• environmental factors
• psychological and social factors
• additional conditions, such as bipolar disorder

10. Medication
Antidepressants can help treat moderate-to-severe depression.
• Several classes of antidepressants are available:
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• tricyclic antidepressants
• atypical antidepressants
• selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Each class acts on a different neurotransmitter or combination of neurotransmitters.
A person should only take these medications as their doctor prescribes. Some drugs can take a while to
have an impact. By stopping the drug, a person may not experience the benefits that it could offer.
Some people stop taking medication after symptoms improve, but this can lead to a relapse.
Raise any concerns about antidepressants with a doctor, including any intention to stop taking the
medication.
Here, learn more about antidepressants and how they can help.

11. Medication side effects
SSRIs and SNRIs can have side effects. A person may
experience:
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea
• low blood sugar
• weight loss
• a rash

12. Food and diet
Eating a lot of sugary or processed foods can lead to various physical health
problems. Results of a 2019 study suggest that a diet that includes many of
these types of food could affect the mental health of young adults.
The study also found that eating more of the following foods helped reduce
depression symptoms:
• fruit
• vegetables
• fish
• olive oil

13. Psychotherapy
Psychological, or talking, therapies for depression include CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy, and
problem-solving treatment, among others.
For some forms of depression, psychotherapy is usually the first-line treatment, while some people
respond better to a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy are the two main types of psychotherapy for depression. A
person may have CBT in individual sessions with a therapist, in groups, over the telephone, or
online.
Interpersonal therapy aims to help people identify:
• emotional problems that affect relationships and communication
• how these issues also affect their mood
• how all of this may be changed

14. Types of depression
There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.
Major depression
A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities that they
used to enjoy.
Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy.
Persistent depressive disorder
Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least 2 years.
A person with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder symptoms.
Bipolar disorder
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and research shows that people with this disorder may have
symptoms around half of the time. This can make bipolar disorder hard to distinguish from depression.

15. Is depression genetic?
A person with a parent or sibling who has depression is two-to-three times more likely
than the general public to develop the condition.
However, many people with depression have no family history of it.
A recent study suggests that susceptibility to depression may not result from genetic
variation. The researchers acknowledge that while depression could be inherited,
many other issues also influence its development.

16. Is it a disability?
Depression is the leading cause of disability around the world, according to
the WHO.
In the U.S., the Social Security Administration consider depressive, bipolar,
and related disorders to be disabilities. If a person’s depression prevents
them from working, they may qualify for social security disability insurance
benefits.

17. Is it curable?
While there is no cure for depression, there are effective
treatments that help with recovery. The earlier treatment
starts, the more successful it may be.
Many people with depression recover after following a
treatment plan. Even with effective treatment, however, a
relapse may occur.
To prevent relapse, people who take medication for depression
should continue with treatment — even after symptoms
improve or go away — for as long as their doctor advises.