Depression in adults
What is depression?
Depression is so misunderstood that some people don't even realize it is a disease. That's understandable. Doctors don't know exactly what goes wrong in depression, and the symptoms are not always obvious. People with depression often hide their illness instead of looking for help.
Yet for people who are diagnosed with depression and given help, the results can be very good. Many people have big improvements
in their mood.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Everyone feels down sometimes, but depression is more than feeling unhappy.
- Depression can be treated; you don't have to suffer.
- Depression is common. It affects about 1 in 7 people at some time.
- If you think you might be depressed, it's important to talk to a doctor who can tell you whether you are depressed and give you treatment.
- Antidepressants and talking treatments, such as cognitive therapy, can help treat depression.
- It can take as long as six weeks for antidepressants to make you feel better, so it is important not to stop taking them too soon.
If you have depression you might be irritable, unable to sleep, unable to eat, low on energy and unable to make decisions.
You might also feel dissatisfied, guilty, hopeless, helpless and you might want to cry all the time. And as much as you try,
you can't make yourself feel better.
Although everyone can have these feelings from time to time, if you have depression, they accumulate and don't go away. They
can last for weeks or months. They can affect your sleep, relationships, job or school work, hobbies, sex drive and appetite.
To learn more, see What are the symptoms of depression?
Some people with depression have symptoms that are not typical. If you're a man or a child, you might be anxious or irritable.
If you're an older adult, you might suddenly lose memory or concentration.
1
2
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Source:
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
You can have depression at the same time as other illnesses, such as
diabetes, cancer, a heart attack or a
stroke. Depression could also happen after a traumatic event, such as the death of someone close to you. Some people can become
depressed after they've been drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.
2
diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that causes too much sugar to circulate in your blood. It happens when your body stops making a hormone called insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when insulin stops working (type 2 diabetes).
Diabetes is a condition that causes too much sugar to circulate in your blood. It happens when your body stops making a hormone called insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when insulin stops working (type 2 diabetes).
stroke
You have a stroke when the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off. This damages your brain and can cause symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of your body. You may also find it hard to speak if you've had a stroke.
You have a stroke when the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off. This damages your brain and can cause symptoms like weakness or numbness on one side of your body. You may also find it hard to speak if you've had a stroke.
Source:
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
Many people with depression don't ask for help. About half of all depression is not properly treated.
1
3
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Source:
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
Depression is not just a state of mind. It's not something you can just "will" away. With depression, the most important thing
is to recognize that you might have it and to see someone qualified to give you the right diagnosis and treatment.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
It's also good to remember that the hopelessness you might feel is a symptom of your depression, and it doesn't mean that
there really is no hope. It might help to confide in someone you trust, and to keep busy and meet up with people rather than
stay at home on your own.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Men, in particular, are at risk of not being treated. They might not recognize their anger or feelings of hopelessness as
depression. They are also less likely than women to tell someone how they feel. Also, doctors are less likely to suspect depression
in men than in women. Men's depression is often covered up by drinking or drug-taking, or lots of overtime at work.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Doctors and researchers think that personal experience can often play a role in the development of depression. For example,
it can be triggered by the death of a loved one, the break-up of a relationship, financial trouble or a stressful change in
your life. A difficult childhood also can mean that you might be more at risk of getting depression.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Depression is also linked to changes in how the brain works. This makes sense, given that our emotions, thoughts, sleep, appetite
and behavior are regulated by our brain.
1
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
The brain sends signals from nerve to nerve using special chemicals called neurotransmitters. But the levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain called
noradrenaline and
serotonin are abnormal if you have depression, and they don't work properly.
1
4
noradrenaline
Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that helps to send information between nerve cells. It is similar to adrenaline. Your body produces adrenaline when you're in stressful situations, which increases your blood pressure and heart rate.
Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that helps to send information between nerve cells. It is similar to adrenaline. Your body produces adrenaline when you're in stressful situations, which increases your blood pressure and heart rate.
serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that helps to send information from a nerve cell to other cells. It is thought to play a role in learning, sleep and control of mood.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that helps to send information from a nerve cell to other cells. It is thought to play a role in learning, sleep and control of mood.
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Source:
Guyton AC, Hall JE.
Psychotic behavior and dementia: roles of specific neurotransmitter systems.
In: Textbook of medical physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 1996.
Guyton AC, Hall JE.
Psychotic behavior and dementia: roles of specific neurotransmitter systems.
In: Textbook of medical physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 1996.
Family history also appears to play a part in depression. In some cases, depression seems to run in families, suggesting that
it can be caused by
genes. In other cases, however, it can occur in people with no family history of depression.
1
genes
Your genes are the parts of your cells that contain instructions for how your body works. Genes are housed on chromosomes, structures that sit in the nucleus at the middle of each of your cells. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes in your normal cells, each of which has thousands of genes. You get one set of chromosomes, and all of the genes that are on them, from each of your parents.
Your genes are the parts of your cells that contain instructions for how your body works. Genes are housed on chromosomes, structures that sit in the nucleus at the middle of each of your cells. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes in your normal cells, each of which has thousands of genes. You get one set of chromosomes, and all of the genes that are on them, from each of your parents.
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
What's more,
hormones can contribute to depression, especially in women, who are more likely than men to be depressed. Depression in women is sometimes
linked to changes in their
menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, just having had a baby (postpartum depression) and
menopause.
1
hormones
Hormones are chemicals that are made in certain parts of the body. They travel through the bloodstream and have an effect on other parts of the body. For example, the female sex hormone estrogen is made in a woman's ovaries. Estrogen has many different effects on a woman's body. It makes the breasts grow at puberty and helps control periods. It is also needed to get pregnant.
Hormones are chemicals that are made in certain parts of the body. They travel through the bloodstream and have an effect on other parts of the body. For example, the female sex hormone estrogen is made in a woman's ovaries. Estrogen has many different effects on a woman's body. It makes the breasts grow at puberty and helps control periods. It is also needed to get pregnant.
menstrual cycle
A woman's periods are part of her menstrual cycle. This is the regular monthly pattern of events that causes an egg to be released from the ovaries so a woman can get pregnant and causes the bleeding that happens if she does not get pregnant.
A woman's periods are part of her menstrual cycle. This is the regular monthly pattern of events that causes an egg to be released from the ovaries so a woman can get pregnant and causes the bleeding that happens if she does not get pregnant.
menopause
When a woman stops having periods, it is called menopause. This usually happens around the age of 50.
When a woman stops having periods, it is called menopause. This usually happens around the age of 50.
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
The word depression is used to describe a range of emotions. We often say we're depressed when we're down in the dumps or
feel a bit sad. Depression is also used to describe feelings of utter hopelessness and withdrawal that stop you from doing
things you used to enjoy or getting on with life. Doctors often use other words to describe different types of depression.
In what's called major depression, you feel depressed or uninterested in doing anything nearly every day for at least two weeks. You also have several other
symptoms, including changes in sleep, appetite and concentration. Major depression is also called clinical depression or unipolar
depression.
5
Source:
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th Edition. American Psychiatric Press Inc, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
4th Edition. American Psychiatric Press Inc, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
Dysthymia is a less severe illness that lasts at least two years. Some people with dysthymia have episodes of major depression as well
as low-grade depression. This is sometimes called double depression.
1
3
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Source:
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
Another kind of depression is bipolar disorder, in which a person swings between high and low moods. This is also called manic-depressive illness.
If you get big mood swings in different seasons of the year, it is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People with SAD usually get more depressed in the winter. If you have SAD, you might also have unusually high moods
(mania) in the spring.
Some women have postpartum depression soon after childbirth. This might be because having a baby leads to changes in a woman's hormones, as well as her lifestyle
and responsibilities.
1
3
Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression.
October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
Source:
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.
Mental disorders.
In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
The exact causes of depression are often complicated. However, there are some things that increase your chance of becoming
depressed. Doctors call these risk factors.
A stressful situation, such as losing someone close or being in a difficult relationship, can trigger depression. Some people
are prone to depression and find other people in their family have had it too. This suggests that the
genes we inherit from our parents might have something to do with whether we get depressed or not.
genes
Your genes are the parts of your cells that contain instructions for how your body works. Genes are housed on chromosomes, structures that sit in the nucleus at the middle of each of your cells. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes in your normal cells, each of which has thousands of genes. You get one set of chromosomes, and all of the genes that are on them, from each of your parents.
Your genes are the parts of your cells that contain instructions for how your body works. Genes are housed on chromosomes, structures that sit in the nucleus at the middle of each of your cells. You have 23 pairs of chromosomes in your normal cells, each of which has thousands of genes. You get one set of chromosomes, and all of the genes that are on them, from each of your parents.
To learn more, see Risk factors for depression.
Sources for the information on this page:
- National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.October 2007. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml (accessed on 24 March 2009).
- American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
- Reus V, Braunwald E, Fauci AS, et al.Mental disorders.In: Harrison TR (editor). Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.; 2001.
- Guyton AC, Hall JE.Psychotic behavior and dementia: roles of specific neurotransmitter systems.In: Textbook of medical physiology. 9th edition. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, U.S.A.; 1996.
- American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).4th Edition. American Psychiatric Press Inc, Washington DC, USA; 2000.
This information was last updated on Apr 09, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional.
The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.
Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Source: ConsumerReportsHealth.org Copyright © 2005-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
Find a condition
Search
Condition name not found!
