Depression

Blues; Gloom; Sadness; Melancholy

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.

Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or more.

Depression Myths & Facts Quiz

Which of these may be a symptom of depression?

	A. Feeling, sad, worthless, or guilty
	B. Fatigue
	C. Loss of pleasure
	D. Problems doing tasks at home or work
	E. Change of sleep pattern
	F. All of the above

Correct Answer

The correct answer is: "All of the above." Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or miserable. Most of us feel this way sometimes for short periods. But depression as a medical condition affects your daily life in an ongoing way. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms, or if you think you may be depressed.

Depression is a state of mind – if you try hard enough, you can snap out of it.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
The correct answer is: "Myth." Depression is a medical disorder that causes real suffering. Brain scans have shown that certain areas of the brain look different in people with depression. It's unclear what causes the disorder. An imbalance of brain chemicals or genetic factors may play a role.

If a friend or loved one talks about suicide, what should you do?

	A. Don't be alarmed – suicide is rare
	B. Tell them to seek professional help immediately.
	C. Check back tomorrow to see if the person is feeling better

Correct Answer

The correct answer is: "Seek professional help immediately." Suicide can be prevented with prompt intervention. If you or a loved one feels suicidal, seek medical attention right away or call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 . Never try to manage the problem on your own.

Depression is more common in women.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
<p>The correct answer is: "Fact." Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life may play a role. At puberty, girls have twice the risk for depression than boys. Many women notice mood changes and even depression around their period, after childbirth, and around the time of menopause. Other risk factors may include income inequality, social status, sexual violence, and life stressors.</p>
People who are depressed tend to:

A. Eat more than usual

B. Eat less than usual

C. Either A or B
Correct Answer
The correct answer is: "Either A or B." While some people lose interest in food when they are depressed, others turn to food for comfort and overeat.
Children don't get depressed.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
The correct answer is: "Myth." A depressed child may complain of aches and pains, refuse to go to school, or worry all the time. About 10% to 15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression at some point in their teen years. Be aware of any changes in your teen’s daily routines or behaviors. This can be a sign of depression.
Men may spend more time at work when they are depressed.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
The correct answer is: "Fact." Men often react to depression in different ways than women. They are more likely to work long hours, abuse alcohol or drugs, lose their temper, or behave recklessly.

Which types of talk therapy are effective in treating depression?

	A. Support groups
	B. Psychotherapy
	C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
	D. All of the above

Correct Answer

The correct answer is: "All of the above." Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches you how to fight negative thoughts and develop self-awareness and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can help you understand the issues behind your thoughts and feelings. Support groups can help you feel less alone. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.

Depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses seem worse.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
The correct answer is: "Fact." If you have a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or many others, depression can make the symptoms more severe. Feeling sad or down also makes it harder for you to do the work needed to manage your illness. Getting help for depression usually makes it easier to successfully treat any medical condition.

Which of the following is true of antidepressant medicines?

	A. Antidepressants usually start working right away.
	B. Antidepressants are addictive.
	C. If one type of antidepressant doesn't help, chances are another one will
	D. You will probably need to take antidepressants for the rest of your life

Correct Answer

The correct answer is C. Remember that it can take 4 to 12 weeks for an antidepressant to become fully effective, so try to be patient. However, some benefits start earlier than that. If your medicine isn’t helping, be sure to talk to your doctor. Often, changing to a different antidepressant or adding a second medicine will help your symptoms.

Depression is very difficult to treat.

A. Myth

B. Fact
Correct Answer
The correct answer is myth. In reality, most patients get better when treated with medicine, talk therapy, or both together. The first step is to talk to your doctor, who can treat you or refer you to a mental health professional. Make that first call, and you will be on the path to recovery.

Considerations

Depression can occur in people of all ages:

Adults
Adults
Depression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Clinical depression is a mood disorder. ...
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Teenagers
Teenagers
One in five teenagers have depression at some point. Your teen may be depressed if they are feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Depre...

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Older adults
Older adults
Depression is a mental health condition. It is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life f...
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Symptoms of depression include:

Low mood or irritable mood most of the time
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
A big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
Change in appetite
A decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia.

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Tiredness and lack of energy
Tiredness
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

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Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Slow or fast movements
Lack of activity and avoiding usual activities
Feeling hopeless or helpless
Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug over...
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Lack of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, including sex

Remember that children may have different symptoms than adults. Watch for changes in schoolwork, sleep, and behavior. If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help you learn how to help your child with depression.

How to help your child with depression

Your teen's depression may be treated with talk therapy, anti-depression medicines, or a combination of these. Learn about what is available and wha...

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The main types of depression include:

Major depression. It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for 2 weeks or longer periods of time.
Major depression
Depression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Major depression is a mood disorder. It...
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Persistent depressive disorder. This is a depressed mood that lasts 2 years. Over that length of time, you may have periods of major depression, with times when your symptoms are milder.
Persistent depressive disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic (ongoing) type of depression in which a person's moods are regularly low. Persistent depressive dis...

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Other common forms of depression include:

Postpartum depression. Many women feel somewhat down after having a baby. However, true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later....

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Symptoms of depression occur 1 week before your period and disappear after you menstruate.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation....
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This occurs most often during fall and winter, and disappears during spring and summer. It is most likely due to a lack of sunlight.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in winter.
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Major depression with psychotic features. This occurs when a person has depression and loss of touch with reality (psychosis).
Major depression with psychotic feature
Major depression with psychotic features is a mental disorder in which a person has depression along with loss of touch with reality (psychosis)....
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Psychosis
Psychosis occurs when a person loses contact with reality. The person may: Have false beliefs about what is taking place, or who one is (delusions)S...

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Bipolar disorder occurs when depression alternates with mania (formerly called manic depression). Bipolar disorder has depression as one of its symptoms, but it is a different type of mental illness.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition in which a person has wide or extreme swings in their mood. Periods of feeling sad and depressed may alternat...

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Causes

Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes, behaviors you learn at home, or your environment. Depression may be triggered by stressful or unhappy life events. Often, it is a combination of these things.

Many factors can bring on depression, including:

Alcohol or drug use
Alcohol
Beer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can put you at risk for alcohol-related problems.

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Medical conditions, such as cancer or long-term (chronic) pain
Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.

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Stressful life events, such as job loss, divorce, or death of a spouse or other family member
Social isolation (a common cause of depression in older adults)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if:

You hear voices that are not there.
You cry often without cause.
Your depression has affected your work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks.
You have three or more symptoms of depression.
You think one of your current medicines may be making you feel depressed. DO NOT change or stop taking any medicines without talking to your provider.
DO NOT change or stop taking any medici...
Antidepressants are prescription medicines you may take to help with depression, anxiety, or pain. Like any medicine, there are reasons you may take...

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If you think your child or teen may be depressed.

You should also call your provider if:

You think you should cut back on drinking alcohol
A family member or friend has asked you to cut back on drinking alcohol
Cut back on drinking alcohol
Many people with alcohol problems cannot tell when their drinking is out of control. It is important to be aware of how much you are drinking. You ...

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You feel guilty about the amount of alcohol you drink
You drink alcohol first thing in the morning

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

Open References

References

American Psychiatric Association website. Depressive disorders. In: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 2013:155-188.

Fava M, Østergaard SD, Cassano P. Mood disorders: depressive disorders (major depressive disorder). In: Stern TA, Fava M, Wilens TE, Rosenbaum JF, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 29.

Kraus C, Kadriu B, Lanzenberger R, Zarate Jr CA, Kasper S. Prognosis and improved outcomes in major depression: a review. Transl Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):127. PMID: 30944309 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30944309/.

Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Mood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 39.

Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung A, Jensen PS, Stein REK, Laraque D; GLAD-PC STEERING GROUP. Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): part I. Practice preparation, identification, assessment, and initial management. Pediatrics. 2018;141(3). pii: e20174081. PMID: 29483200 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29483200/.

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Depression in children - illustration
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.
Depression in children
illustration
Depression and heart disease - illustration
The link between heart disease and depression has long been thought of as cause-and-effect. Studies are now showing that depression itself may contribute to heart disease.
Depression and heart disease
illustration
Depression and the menstrual cycle - illustration
A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation.
Depression and the menstrual cycle
illustration
Depression and insomnia - illustration
Studies show bouts of insomnia may predispose individuals to depressive illness. The correlation between sleep disorders and mood disorders holds true across age and gender lines.
Depression and insomnia
illustration

Depression in children - illustration
Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.
Depression in children
illustration
Depression and heart disease - illustration
The link between heart disease and depression has long been thought of as cause-and-effect. Studies are now showing that depression itself may contribute to heart disease.
Depression and heart disease
illustration
Depression and the menstrual cycle - illustration
A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation.
Depression and the menstrual cycle
illustration
Depression and insomnia - illustration
Studies show bouts of insomnia may predispose individuals to depressive illness. The correlation between sleep disorders and mood disorders holds true across age and gender lines.
Depression and insomnia
illustration

A Closer Look

Depression
Depression

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Depression - stopping your medicines
Managing your depression - teens
Recognizing teen depression
Helping your teen with depression
Learning about depression
Heart disease and depression

Tests for Depression

Related Information

Depression in older adults
Major depression
Persistent depressive disorder
Postpartum depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Serotonin syndrome
Depression

Review Date: 4/30/2022

Reviewed By: Fred K. Berger, MD, addiction and forensic psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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	A. Eat more than usual
	B. Eat less than usual
	C. Either A or B

	A. Myth
	B. Fact

	A. Myth
	B. Fact

	A. Myth
	B. Fact

	A. Myth
	B. Fact

Health Library

Depression

Which of these may be a symptom of depression?

Depression is a state of mind – if you try hard enough, you can snap out of it.

If a friend or loved one talks about suicide, what should you do?

Depression is more common in women.

People who are depressed tend to:

Children don't get depressed.

Men may spend more time at work when they are depressed.

Which types of talk therapy are effective in treating depression?

Depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses seem worse.

Which of the following is true of antidepressant medicines?

Depression is very difficult to treat.

Considerations

Adults

Teenagers

Older adults

Change in appetite

Tiredness

Suicide

How to help your child with depression

Major depression

Persistent depressive disorder

Postpartum depression

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Seasonal affective disorder

Major depression with psychotic feature

Psychosis

Bipolar disorder

Causes

Alcohol

Cancer

When to Contact a Medical Professional

DO NOT change or stop taking any medici...

Cut back on drinking alcohol

References

Depression in children - illustration

Depression in children

Depression and heart disease - illustration

Depression and heart disease

Depression and the menstrual cycle - illustration

Depression and the menstrual cycle

Depression and insomnia - illustration

Depression and insomnia

Depression in children - illustration

Depression in children

Depression and heart disease - illustration

Depression and heart disease

Depression and the menstrual cycle - illustration

Depression and the menstrual cycle

Depression and insomnia - illustration

Depression and insomnia

A Closer Look

Talking to your MD

Self Care

Tests for Depression

Related Information