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. Symptoms of Depression
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
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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). |
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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: Publications Available for Ordering from FCIC:
Web Sites*:
*If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's web site. Please
bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible
for the content of these web sites. |
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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. |
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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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We will not retain or use this information for any
other purpose. |
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For more information
on other popular consumer issues check out FCIC's Consumer Focus
Archive. |
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