Depression

Introduction

According to Mental Health America, over 19 million people are diagnosed with depression each year. But what exactly is depression? It is more than just feeling sad. In fact, it is a treatable medical condition that should not be dismissed.

There are three types of depressive disorders:

Major depression- This is when someone has five or more depression symptoms (listed below) for two weeks or more. The major symptoms are extreme feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Dysthymia- This type is a milder but a chronic form of depression.
Bipolar disorder- This disorder alternates between feelings of mania and depression.

Causes of Depression

There are several causes of depression. First, depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which makes some more likely to develop depressive symptoms. There also seems to be genetic factor related to depression, since it appears to run in families. Finally, environmental factors can play a role in someone developing depression. Life changing events, such as the death of a loved one of losing a job, can trigger depression.

Symptoms of Depression

People who are depressed suffer from all or many of these symptoms:

Persistent sad mood
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of guilt and helplessness
Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed
Decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating
Insomnia
Weight loss/gain
Thoughts of death or suicide
Irritability
Headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to treatment

If You Think You Are Depressed

Please visit your health care provider if you think you are suffering from depression. There are many treatments and support groups available for you. Please read the NetWellness article about the Treatment of Depression for more information about your options.

Much of this information was taken from the National Institute of Mental Health's publication on depression.

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Last Reviewed: Apr 23, 2007

Lawson Wulsin, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Department of Family Medicine
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati