Overview & Causes

Do you suffer with depression? Maybe you’ve recently been diagnosed or are a caregiver to someone with depression. Learn more about this common mood disorder, including depression causes, risk factors, and prevention. We’ll help you take control of your depression and live an active, healthy life.

Depression Facts
1. What Is Depression? Want to learn all about depression? Find answers as you read about this common mood disorder – depression -- that affects adults, teens, and kids alike.
2. Depression in Special Situations Learn all about depression in special situations, including depression in men and how it’s different from depression in women. Find out about depression in older adults and treatment-resistant depression.
3. Depression in Women Depression in women is increasingly common. Find out the symptoms of depression in women and what medical treatment can do to manage these depression symptoms.
4. Depression in Seniors Depression in seniors is often confused with signs of serious illnesses or grieving. Learn the specific symptoms of depression in older adults and talk to your doctor.
5. Teen Depression Discover the symptoms of teen depression. Teen depression can be masked by adolescent hormones, so learn when to call the doctor for a medical evaluation.
6. Childhood Depression Depression affects children in different ways, and sometimes it’s misdiagnosed. Learn more about childhood depression and what you can do to help your child.
7. Depression and Other Mental Disorders Learn about other mental health problems that may co-exist with depression, including anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Discover the signs, symptoms, and causes.
Why Am I Depressed?
1. Causes of Depression Learn more about what causes depression, including the genetic link, so you can seek treatment before depression robs you of your quality of life.
2. Medicines That Cause Depression Be sure to read about medicines that can cause symptoms of depression. Then talk with your doctor about your concerns if you’re taking one of these medicines.
3. Depression, Thyroid, and Hormones Learn about thyroid-related depression and about other hormone-related conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause that are often associated with depression.
4. Depression Caused by Chronic Illness Many people with chronic illness experience depression. Learn more about the symptoms of depression with chronic illnesses, available treatment options, and tips for coping with chronic illness and depression.
5. Depression and Chronic Pain Discover more about chronic pain and depression, and learn how your doctor might treat your pain and depression symptoms.
6. Grief and Depression Grief is a normal feeling after any type of major loss. Find out more about grief -- the symptoms and causes -- and what to do if grief is prolonged.
7. Alcohol and Depression There’s a strong link between serious alcohol use and depression. The question is, does regular drinking lead to depression, or are depressed people more likely to drink too much? Both are possible.

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