 Depression is more than just feeling sad or having the blues. Major depression is a mood disorder characterized by a feeling of sadness or apathy so great that it influences a person's daily life and lasts for at least two or more consecutive weeks. It's a serious yet common mental illness that affects an estimated 15 million Americans annually -- and while it may happen only once in a lifetime, it's more commonly a recurrent pattern. Signs & Symptoms Depression manifests itself differently from person to person but common depressive symptoms include:
For more information, visit Mental Health America's factsheet about depression: Therapies The onset of a major depressive episode is believed to be a combination of genetics and environment, and treatment plans may include antidepressants, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 80 percent of people suffering from clinical depression show improvement with treatment. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclics (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are all effective options. Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), along with antidepressants may be the most effective method of treating major depression. Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual. For example, mild to moderate depression may be treated with psychotherapy alone while electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, or "shock" therapy) may help to relieve severe depression that is unresponsive to medications and psychotherapy. Resources MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH
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