Depression Overview

Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.

The general term depression is often used to describe the disorder, but as it can also be used to describe other types of psychological depression, more precise terminology is preferred for the disorder in clinical and research use. Major depression is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health.

A person suffering a major depressive episode usually exhibits a very low mood, which pervades all aspects of life, and an inability to experience pleasure in activities that formerly were enjoyed. Depressed people may be preoccupied with, or ruminate over, thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt or regret, helplessness, hopelessness, and self-hatred. In severe cases, depressed people may have symptoms of psychosis.Other symptoms of depression include poor concentration and memory,withdrawal from social situations and activities, thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression Signs and Symptoms

Clinical depression is not something you feel for a day or two before feeling better. In true depression, the symptoms last weeks, months, or sometimes years if you don't seek treatment. If you are depressed, you are often unable to perform daily activities. You may not care enough to get out of bed or get dressed, much less work, do errands, or socialize.

You may be said to be suffering from a major depressive episode if you have a depressed mood for at least two weeks and have at least five of the following symptoms:

* feeling sad or blue

* crying spells

* loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities

* significant increase or decrease in appetite

* significant weight loss or weight gain

* inability to sleep or excessive sleeping

* agitation or irritability

* fatigue or loss of energy

* feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and

* thoughts of death or suicide

When to Seek Medical Care

If you feel that you are depressed, you may wish to talk about your feelings with a family member or a close friend. Communication is one of the keys to early diagnosis and treatment. People close to you may have felt you were depressed. With their encouragement, you should call your health-care provider.

If you feel someone else is depressed, talk to the person.

* You may notice a person showing the signs of depression mentioned under Symptoms. If you observe feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, hopelessness, or any suicidal thoughts, contact a health-care provider immediately.

* With mild or moderately severe symptoms of short duration (weeks), it may be reasonable to contact a health-care provider for an appointment.

* It is often helpful to accompany a family member or friend to the medical office and offer support as needed.

* If the person has severe symptoms, cannot care for himself or herself, or is threatening to harm himself or herself, seek immediate treatment in a hospital emergency department.

After you are diagnosed with depression, your health-care provider will usually want you to be in frequent contact. You (or your family) may need to contact your primary-care provider, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental-health professional.