Depression and Mood Disorders

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems facing people today. Approximately 20% of Americans will experience some form of depression in their lifetime. It is not uncommon to experience feelings of sadness every so often. However, when these feelings last for longer periods of time or are considerably more severe you may have clinical depression. Depression can interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities or even to have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Fortunately, we are gaining a better understanding of the causes of depression, and as such there are many highly effective treatments for depression. We now know that there are biological and psychological components to depression. Many people begin to feel depressed because of some recent events that occurred in one's life. Increased stress and poor coping mechanisms to deal with that stress may also contribute to depression.

Symptoms of Depression

The number and severity of the symptoms can vary from one person to another. Whereas some people experience only a few symptoms, other people experience many. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent sad mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or enjoyable activities, including sex
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Problems sleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Persistent physical complaints such as headaches or chronic pain

Causes of Depression

In some families, major depression appears to occur in each generation. However, there does not have to be a family history of depression for it to occur. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism or who are readily overwhelmedby stress, are also prone to depression. People with medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, or hormonal disorders often experience depressive symptoms as well. These symptoms may then make the medical condition worse or prolong recovery. A serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can also trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.

Adapted from Depression, NIH Publication No. 00-3561, May 2002, and Depression (Unipolar), at http://mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=5, August 2002.

Source: the website of The Center for Psychotherapy Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Health System