Treatment for Depression

Overview

Depression, also known as MDD, is a common and serious mood disorder. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as disturbances in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home.

A person sitting alone in a dimly lit room, looking downcast and lost in thought.

Causes

Depression is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some people may be predisposed to depression due to their genetic makeup. Certain life events, such as the death of a loved one, a major life change, or high levels of stress, can also trigger depression. Additionally, some medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, brain tumors) and certain medications (e.g., some drugs used to treat high blood pressure) can cause depression.

A close-up of a human brain model, symbolizing the biological factors involved in depression.

Symptoms

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide

A crumpled piece of paper with a sad face drawn on it, symbolizing the feelings of sadness and worthlessness often experienced in depression.

Diagnosis

Depression is diagnosed based on the patient's reported symptoms, behavior, and mental status. The DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides criteria for the diagnosis of depression. According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of depression requires a person to have experienced five or more of the symptoms listed in the previous section over a two-week period. At least one of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

Treatment

Treatment for depression often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. The most common forms of treatment include:

Medication

Antidepressant medication can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. There are several types of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and atypical antidepressants. Each type works in a different way and has different side effects.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is often used in conjunction with medication to treat depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are among the most effective forms of psychotherapy for depression.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can also play a key role in managing depression. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and reducing stress can all help to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, most people with depression can achieve a significant reduction in symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, for some people, depression can be a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment.