FAQ About Depression

Q.What is depression?

A. Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression, Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, social activity and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.

Q. What causes clinical depression?

A. We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seem to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders; depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.

Q. How common is it?

A. Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It affects 15 million Americans every year, one-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. That means among 100 friends, 4 could be clinically depressed.

Q. Is it serious?

A. Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy alcohol and drug abuse, running away and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically Suicide often is linked to depression.

Q. Are all depressive disorders alike?

A. There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes from the depths of despair to frenzied talking or activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.

Q. Can it be treated?

A. Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression -- even the most serious forms can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both. The most important step toward overcoming depression - and sometimes the most difficult -- is asking for help.

Q. Why don't people get the help they need?

A. Often people don't know they are depressed, so they don't ask for -- or get -- the right help. Teenagers and adults share a problem they often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.

Q.Who gets depressed?

Major depressive disorder--often referred to as depression--is a common illness that can affect anyone. About 1 in 20 Americans (over 11 million people) get depressed every year. Depression affects twice as many women as men.

Q. What is the cause of Depression

Family history and genetics.
Other general medical illnesses.
Certain medicines.
Drugs or alcohol.
Other psychiatric conditions.
Certain life conditions (such as extreme stress or grief), may bring on a depression or prevent a full recovery. In some people, depression occurs even when life is going well.

Depression is not your fault. It is not a weakness. It is a medical illness. Depression is treatable.

Q.How will I know if I am depressed?

People who have major depressive disorder have a number of symptoms nearly every day, all day, for at least 2 weeks. These always include at least one of the following:

Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.

You may also have at least three of the following symptoms:

Feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still.
Feeling worthless or guilty.
Increase or decrease in appetite or weight.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.

With depression, there are often other physical or psychological symptoms, including:

Headaches.
Other aches and pains.
Digestive problems.
Sexual problems.
Feeling pessimistic or hopeless.
Being anxious or worried.

Q.What should I do if I have these symptoms?

Too often people do not get help for their depression because they don't recognize the symptoms, have trouble asking for help, blame themselves, or don't know that treatments are available.

Family practitioners, clinics, or health maintenance organizations are often the first places that people go for help. These health care providers will:

Find out if there is a physical cause for your depression.
Treat the depression.
Refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
If you do not have a regular health care provider, contact your local health department, community mental health clinic, or hospital. University medical centers also provide treatment for depression.

Q.How will treatment help me?

Treatment reduces the pain and suffering of depression. Successful treatment removes all of the symptoms of depression and returns you to your normal life. The earlier you get treatment for your depression, the sooner you will begin to feel better. As with other medical illnesses, the longer you have the depression before you seek treatment, the more difficult it can be to treat.

Most people who are treated for depression feel better and return to daily activities in several weeks. Because it takes several weeks for treatment to work fully, it is important to get treatment early before your depression gets worse.

As with any medical condition, you may have to try one or two treatments before finding the best one. It is important not to get discouraged if the first treatment does not work. In almost every case, there is a treatment for the depression that will work for you. What type of treatment will I get? The major treatments for depression are:

Antidepressant medicine.
Psychotherapy.
Antidepressant medicine combined with psychotherapy.
In some cases of depression. other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and light therapy, are also useful.

Thoughts of suicide or death are often a part of depression. If you have these thoughts, tell someone you trust now. Ask them to help you find professional help right away. Once your depression is properly treated, these thoughts will go away.

Who should see a mental health specialist?

Many people with depression can be successfully treated by their general health care provider. However, some people need specialized treatment because the first treatment does not work, because they need a combination of treatments, or because the depression is severe or it lasts a long time. Many times, a second opinion or consultation is all that is needed. If the mental health specialist provides treatment, it is most often on an outpatient basis (not in the hospital). If you think you need to see a mental health specialist, tell your health care provider, or contact one of the mental health organizations listed at the beginning of this document.

Q.Why Depression Must be Treated

Without treatment, a major depressive episode can last 6 to 12 months. In between the episodes, most people feel better completely well (without symptoms). or are Even though some people are able to struggle through an episode of depression without treatment, most find that it is much easier to get some help for their pain and suffering. It is important to get treatment for your depression because:

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