Depression Overview Slideshow

Depression: What Is It?

It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low mood lingers day after day, it could signal depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities. Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical condition.

Shown here is a PET scan revealing "hot spots" of increased activity in a non-depressed brain.

Emotional Symptoms

The primary symptoms of depression are a sad mood and/or loss of interest in life. Activities that were once pleasurable lose their appeal. Patients may also be haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness, lack of hope, and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Physical Symptoms: Pain

While depression is known to wreak havoc on the emotions, it also takes a toll on the body. About 65% of patients report their depression is accompanied by pain. This may include headaches, back pain, tender muscles, and sore joints. Fatigue, dizziness and sleeping too much or too little are also common.

Physical Symptoms: Appetite

Changes in appetite or weight are another hallmark of depression. Some patients develop unusual cravings, while others lose their appetite altogether. Many depressed people experience persistent nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.

Impact on Daily Life

Without treatment, the physical and emotional turmoil brought on by depression can derail careers, hobbies, and relationships. Depressed people often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They turn away from previously enjoyable activities, including sex. In severe cases, depression can become life-threatening.

Suicide Warning Signs

People who are depressed are more likely to attempt suicide. Warning signs include talking about death or suicide, threatening to hurt people, or engaging in aggressive or risky behavior. Anyone who appears suicidal should be taken very seriously. Do not hesitate to call one of the suicide hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you have a plan to commit suicide, go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

Depression: Who's at Risk?

Anyone can become depressed, but many experts believe genetics play a role. Having a parent or sibling with depression triples your risk of developing the disorder. Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed.

Causes of Depression

Doctors aren't sure what causes depression, but a prominent theory is altered brain structure and chemical function. Chemicals called neurotransmitters become unbalanced. What pushes these chemicals off course? One possibility is the stress of a traumatic event, such as losing a loved one or a job. Other triggers could include certain medications, alcohol or substance abuse, hormonal changes, or even the weather.

Illustrated here are neurons (nerve cells) in the brain communicating via neurotransmitters.

Seasonal Depression

If your mood matches the weather – sunny in the summer, gloomy in the winter – you may have a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The onset of SAD usually occurs in the late fall and early winter, as the daylight hours grow shorter. Experts say SAD affects up to 3% of the U.S. population, or about 9 million people, mainly in the northern part of the country.

Postpartum Depression

The "baby blues" strikes as many as three out of four new mothers. But nearly 12% develop a more intense dark mood that lingers even as their baby thrives. This is known as postpartum depression, and the symptoms are very similar to those of major depression. An important difference is that the baby's well-being is also at stake. A depressed mother may have trouble enjoying and bonding with her infant.

Depression in Children

Depression clouds the days of one in every 40 American kids. It interferes with the ability to play, make friends, and complete schoolwork. Symptoms are similar to depression in adults, but some children may appear angry or engage in risky behavior, called "acting out." Without treatment, depressed children can become suicidal.

Diagnosing Depression

As of yet, there is no blood test for depression. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors rely on a patient's description of the symptoms. You'll be asked about your medical history and medication use since these may contribute to your symptoms of depression. Discussing moods, behaviors, and daily activities can help reveal the severity and type of depression. This is a critical step in determining the most effective treatment.

Talk Therapy for Depression

Studies suggest three types of talk therapy can fight mild to moderate depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy identifies how your relationships impact your mood. Problem solving therapy helps you find solutions to specific problems that may be bringing you down. Some patients find a few months of therapy are all they need, while others continue long term.

Medications for Depression

Antidepressants change the levels of feel-good brain chemicals, such as serotonin. While Prozac may be the most well-known, it's only one of dozens of options. If the first medication tried doesn't help, there's a good chance one of the others will. Side effects tend to be mild, but may include upset stomach, headache, weight gain, insomnia, and sexual problems. The combination of talk therapy and medication appears particularly effective.

Exercise for Depression

Research suggests exercise is a potent weapon against mild to moderate depression. Physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood while reducing the perception of pain. Regular exercise is also linked to higher self-esteem, better sleep, less stress, and more energy. Any type of moderate activity, from swimming to housework, can help. Choose something you enjoy and aim for 20 to 30 minutes four or five times a week.

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Light therapy has shown promise as an effective treatment not only for SAD but for some other types of depression as well. It involves sitting in front of a specially designed light box that provides either a bright or dim light for a prescribed amount of time each day. Light therapy is especially helpful during pregnancy since the risks of antidepressant medications must be considered. Light therapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Talk to your doctor about getting a light box and the recommend length of time for its use.

St. John's Wort for Depression

St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that has been the subject of extensive debate. There is some evidence that it can fight mild depression, but two large studies have shown it is ineffective against moderately severe major depression. Using St. John's wort with other antidepressants (SSRIs) may lead to the "serotonin syndrome," a life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, and neuromuscular disturbances including rigidity or seizures.  

Pets for Depression

A playful puppy or wise-mouthed parrot is no substitute for medication or talk therapy. But researchers say pets can ease the symptoms of mild to moderate depression in many people. Pets provide unconditional love, relieve loneliness, and give patients a sense of purpose. Studies have found pet owners to have less trouble sleeping and better overall health.

The Role of Social Support

Because loneliness goes hand-in-hand with depression, developing a social support network can be an important part of treatment. This may include joining a support group, finding an online support community, or making a genuine effort to see friends and family more often. Even joining a book club or taking classes at your gym can help you connect with people on a regular basis.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help patients with treatment-resistant depression that do not improve with medication. VNS is like a pacemaker for the brain. The surgically implanted device sends electrical pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These pulses are believed to ease depression by changing the balance of brain chemicals.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Another option for patients with treatment-resistant or severe melancholic depression is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT.) This treatment uses electric charges to create a controlled seizure. (Patients are not conscious for the procedure.) The seizure rapidly changes the chemical balance in the brain. ECT helps 80% to 90% of patients who receive it, giving new hope to those who don’t improve with medication.

Good Outlook

In the midst of major depression, you may feel hopeless and helpless. But the fact is, this condition is highly treatable. More than 80% of people get better with medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Even when these therapies fail to help, there are cutting-edge treatments that pick up the slack.

More Reading on Depression

• Postpartum Depression
• Teen Depression
• Medications for Depression
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
• Recognizing Suicidal Behavior
• Video: Antidepressant Side Effects
• Message Board: Depression Support Group
• Free Emotional Wellness Newsletter