Consumer Focus

Facts About Depression

At some time or another, everybody feels sad or blue. But if you are sad most of the time, and it's causing problems in your relationships or with normal daily activities, the problem may be depression. Some people think that depression is just a state of mind that people can "snap out of" if they only try. Unfortunately, this is not true. Depression is a real illness and can affect people of any age, race, ethnic or economic group. In any given year, over 18 million American adults will suffer from a depressive illness (which affects nearly twice as many women as men) and it is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Depressive disorders come in different forms, the most common being major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence. Some of the symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty mood"
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or pessimism
• Loss of interests in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyed
• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly, remembering, or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Restlessness, irritability
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Information on Clinical Trials

There are currently two large-scale trials on treatments for major depression in adults and adolescents. For more information about these studies visit the National Institute of Mental Health, clinical trials page and look for information on the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) project, or the Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS).

Other Resources

This is just a brief overview. For more information on depression and related illnesses check out these resources on the World Wide Web:

• Anxiety Fact-Sheet
• Panic Disorder
• When a Friend is Depressed
• Depression and Suicide Facts for Older Adults

• Publications available for ordering from our Health Page

Web Sites*:

• American Psychological Association
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Center for Mental Health Services
• MedLine Plus Health Information
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Institute of Aging
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

*If you click on these links, you are leaving our web site. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. We are not responsible for the content of these web sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can cause depression? More often than not, depressive illness is often associated with major changes such as a divorce in the family, major financial problems, a medical illness, a death of a family member or friend, or other stresses.

Is it inherited? Individuals with a family history of depression have a greater risk of becoming depressed than the general population (this seems to be the case with bipolar disorder).

How long does it last? The course and outcome of depression varies with each person. It may begin suddenly or build up gradually. It may last only a few weeks, months, or even years.

What are some other complications resulting from depression? Depression can have serious consequences such as: poor work/school performance, substance abuse and unnecessary medical testing. It may also have a negative affect on one's immune system, making them more susceptible to other medical illnesses.

Where can I turn to for help? If you are concerned about depression, talk to someone. Consult with your primary or family physician, clergy, local hospital, or a professional at a mental health center or Mental Health Association.

Treatment Options for Depressive Illness

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. Depression can be treated effectively with antidepressant medications and psychological therapies and can bring depression under control. Treatment options available include:

Antidepressant medications - There are a number of antidepressants on the market but all are widely used and can be very effective treatments for depression. Many times, your doctor may try a variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications. Individual's should discuss the following with their doctor:

• - Which type of drug will work best for their particular depressive symptoms
• - Potential side effects they might experience while taking the medication(s)
• - What type of monitoring will be necessary to ensure the correct dosage has been prescribed and that they are using the drugs safely
• - How long they are expected to take the medication

*Medications of any kind - prescribed, over-the-counter, or borrowed - should never be mixed without consulting your doctor.

Psychotherapies - There are a number of forms of psychotherapy, both short and long term, that can help depressed individuals gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange and or behavioral change.

• Interpersonal Therapy - focuses on a patient's personal relationships that both cause and make the depression worse.
• Cognitive/behavioral Therapy - helps patients change the negative styles of thinking and behaving often associated with depression.
  

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