Depression Medical Reference
- Childhood Depression
Childhood depression is different from the normal "blues" and everyday emotions that occur as a child develops. Learn the signs of childhood depression and how it's treated.
- Depression in Older People
Depression is common in older adults, but it isn't normal. WebMD explains the signs of depression in your aging loved one and different treatment options.
- Sleep and Depression
Sleep problems are common with depression. Find out what can be done to end your sleep disorders and get your rest -- and mood -- back on track.
- The Link Between Depression and Other Mental Illnesses
WebMD explains depression's link to anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other mental illnesses.
- Depression and Chronic Pain
There is a strong link between chronic pain and major depression. WebMD explores the relationship.
- What Causes Depression?
Depression is a complex disease. WebMD explains what research has discovered about the causes of depression - from genetics to illnesses and medications to major life events.
- Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
Do the bleak winter months drop you into a depression? Maybe you have seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Find out more from the experts at WebMD.
- What Is Depression?
WebMD explains the symptoms of depression in children, teens, and adults.
- Can You Prevent Depression?
Can depression be prevented? Get the facts from the experts at WebMD.
- Depression in Women
WebMD explains how depression in women is treated during various stages of her life, including pregnancy and menopause.
- Depression in Special Situations
The nature of depression can vary from situation to situation. Signs, symptoms, even the way it's treated may depend on your sex, age, or other variables.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy and Other Depression Treatments
For serious depression that does not respond to traditional medications, there are other therapies that may help. WebMD explains electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and alternative therapies for depression.
- Depression in Men
Although men don't always talk about feelings of depression, depression in men is common. WebMD explains the symptoms of clinical or major depression in men and why men often have a tough time admitting they are depressed.
- Teen Depression
Is your teen depressed? WebMD explains the signs, treatments, and tools parents can use to help prevent deadly consequences.
- Depression
WebMD explains the symptoms of depression in children, teens, and adults.
- Depression Diagnosis
Are you concerned about clinical depression? Find out how a doctor makes a depression diagnosis.
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
If your depression doesn’t respond to treatment at first, you have other options. Learn more about therapies for treatment-resistant depression.
- St. John's Wort for Treating Depression
Is St. John's wort a good alternative to antidepressants? Learn more from WebMD about the mood-boosting potential of this common herbal remedy.
- Are You at Risk for Depression?
Many things can lead to depression. Find out whether you might be at risk for it.
- Depression and Diet
While science hasn't discovered a dietary cure for depression, research shows that eating nutrient-rich foods and getting sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals may help your mood. Learn more from the experts at WebMD.
- Suicide Warning Signs: What to Watch for and Do
How to recognize the warning signs of suicide and help someone in need.
- Alternative Treatments for Depression
Complementary and alternative approaches to depression include massage, acupuncture, yoga, and listening to music. Learn more from WebMD about the power of these practices to lift one's mood.
- Depression Treatment: Your Options
You can treat depression with medication, therapy, exercise, or medical treatments -- or a mix of them. Here’s a closer look at your options.
- Exercise and Depression
Regular exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood and get in shape. Learn more from WebMD about the benefits of daily exercise on depression and how to get started.
- Psychotherapy for Depression
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for clinical depression. Learn more from WebMD about how various forms of therapy work to help you gain new coping skills.
- Depression Complications
Clinical depression can complicate serious health conditions such as heart disease or cancer and lead to problems with pain, sexual desire and performance, and sleep. Learn more from WebMD about the relationship between illness and depression.
- Untreated Depression
Not only is untreated clinical depression unhealthy, but it can rob you of your relationships and work life, and lead to illness and substance abuse. Learn more from WebMD about recognizing the symptoms of depression and getting the help you need.
- Types of Depression
WebMD explains various types of depression and their treatments.
- Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a very serious mood disorder that requires hospitalization. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of psychotic depression.
- St. John's Wort
Evidence that St. John’s wort is an effective antidepressant is conflicting. WebMD explains.
- Helping a Depressed Loved One
Helping a loved one live with depression can be key to their recovery. Learn some tips.
- Holiday Depression and Stress
For many people, the holiday season is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety. WebMD offers tips for avoiding holiday depression.
- Glossary of Depression Terms
WebMD provides definitions of terms related to depression.
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Depression
These questions cover issues you might want to discuss with your doctor if you've been diagnosed with depression.
- Dealing With Chronic Illnesses and Depression
Depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness. Find out which illnesses are related to depression along with the symptoms and treatments of this type of depression.
- Depression Medications (Antidepressants)
A list of depression medications (antidepressants).
- Sleep Disorders: Sleep Problems Linked to Depression
An inability to sleep, or insomnia, is one of the signs of depression. Learn the symptoms and how you can cope with your sleepless nights.
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
WebMD looks at some potential causes of treatment-resistant depression.
- 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment-Resistant Depression
Here are 10 important questions from WebMD to ask your doctor about treatment-resistant depression.
- Adjusting Your Life for Recovery From Depression
There is a lot you can do on your own to help manage your depression. Here are suggestions for lifestyle changes that can make a difference in your recovery from depression.
- When Hospitalization Is Needed for Depression
Sometimes with severe depression a hospital stay is necessary for safety or further care. WebMD talks about who might need this and why.
- High-Tech Treatments for Depression
Researchers are constantly working on new treatments for chronic, treatment-resistant depression. WebMD talks about the latest high-tech treatments for depression.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Depression
Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a treatment for chronic depression. WebMD provides information on what it how it works and explains the risks and benefits.
- Treatment-Resistant Depression Care
WebMD explains various therapies used for treatment-resistant depression, including ECT, lithium, and antidepressants.
- Depression Recovery: An Overview
Each person's recovery from depression is different, and WebMD offers insights into what to expect and how to help your depression recovery.
- Coping With Side Effects of Antidepressants
People with depression often stop medication because of side effects. But antidepressants can be key to recovery, and WebMD offers tips to reduce side effects.
- Depression and Your Relationships
During recovery from depression, you need to reconnect with loved ones. WebMD offers tips on repairing relationships that may have suffered.
- Things You Can Do Every Day to Help With Depression
A healthy lifestyle is important to recovering from depression. WebMD offers tips to help make recovery successful.
- For Depression Relief, Creativity Can Help
Expressing yourself creatively can boost your mood. WebMD explains how artistic expression can help you recover from depression.
- Maintenance Medications for Depression
Like other chronic illnesses, depression requires that you stay on certain medications to reduce the risk of relapse. WebMD explains newer and older antidepressants that are prescribed as "maintenance" drugs.