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Depression

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What is Depression?
Depressive disorders, which affect 8.2 percent of adult Americans or approximately 18.1 million people, are illnesses that affect the body, mood and thoughts. Depression is not simply a passing sadness or blue mood that lifts in a few hours or days, but is persistent. Different types of depressive disorders exist, including major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression that does not disable the person but rather keeps him or her from fully functioning. Some types of depression run in families but environmental stimuli, such as heart disease, other illnesses and aging, may play a role.

Symptoms of Major Depression
At least five of the following symptoms (at least one must include the first and second listed below) must be present nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks:

  • Persistent depressed mood, including feelings of emptiness or sadness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness
  • Insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping
  • Change in eating (either loss or increased appetite)
  • Decreased energy, fatigue or feeling “slowed down”
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain.

Are the symptoms of depression the same in adults and children? Click here to find the answer to this frequently asked question.

Treatment for Depression
When seeking treatment for depression, it is important to obtain a medical examination, as many symptoms of depression can be caused by medications and other medical conditions. A variety of antidepressant medications and psychotherapies are currently used to treat depression.

 
» NARSAD's Role in Depression Research
NARSAD supports a variety of studies investigating improved medications, psychosocial treatments and causes of depression and its subtypes. To learn more about NARSAD-supported research on depression, click here.

» Featured Stories
Three New Studies Add Important Facts to Debate About Antidepressant Drug Treatments and Teen Suicide Risk

Three new studies, two of them led by NARSAD Investigators, add important new facts to the debate about whether depressed teenagers who take antidepressant drugs are at increased risk for contemplating or attempting suicide. One shows that combination drug and behavioral therapy decreases suicide risk and brings faster relief. (more)
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Infoline
Do you have questions about psychiatric diseases? NARSAD's Infoline can help. For more information, click here.
Schizophrenia Research Forum
 
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