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» Bipolar Disorder
- Featured Stories - Bipolar Disorder Research - Recently Diagnosed » Anxiety - Generalized Anxiety - Panic Disorder - Phobias - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Post-Traumatic Disorder - Featured Stories - Anxiety Research - Recently Diagnosed » Childhood Disorders - Childhood Anxiety Disorder - Autism - Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Childhood Bipolar Disorder - Childhood Depression - Eating Disorders - Childhood Schizophrenia - Featured Stories - Childhood Disorders Research - Recently Diagnosed » Other Disorders » Patients & Families - Infoline - Treatment FAQ - Recommended Reading
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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:
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
NARSAD Distinguished Investigator and Colleagues Report “Striking” Benefits of New Treatment for Refractory Depression Dr. Helen Mayberg and colleagues have reported “striking” positive findings about a bold new treatment for refractory depression that offers hope for patients who have not been helped by conventional methods of treatment. (more) |
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