Overview on Depression
Depression (also known as major depressive disorder, major depression, or clinical depression) is a prevalent and severe mental illness that negatively impacts a person's emotions, thoughts, behavior, and worldview [1] [2]. It affects how people feel, think, sleep, eat, or work [2]. According to a 2023 national survey, nearly 29% of adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point, and around 18% are currently experiencing it [1]. Women are more likely than men to suffer from depression, and younger adults are more frequently affected compared to older adults [1]. Although depression can develop at any age, it most commonly first appears in the late teens to mid-20s [1].
Depression can impact individuals of any age, race, ethnicity, or gender[2]. Men may be less likely to acknowledge, discuss, or seek help for their emotions or mental health issues, making them more susceptible to having their depression symptoms go unrecognized or untreated [2]. Research also indicates that members of the LGBTQI+ community experience higher rates of depression and face a greater risk of developing the disorder [2]. Research indicates that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to depression [3]. The disorder often coexists with other mental health conditions or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain[3]. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa [3]. Additionally, some medications used to treat physical illnesses may have side effects that increase the risk of depression symptoms [3].
Types of depression
Major depression is characterized by a persistently low mood or loss of interest, occurring most of the time for at least two weeks and disrupting daily life [2] [3].
Persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder), involves less severe but longer-lasting depressive symptoms, typically persisting for a minimum of two years [2] [3].
Perinatal depression encompasses depression that occurs during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or following childbirth (postpartum depression) [2].
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often beginning in late fall or early winter and subsiding in spring or summer [2].
Depression with psychotic features is a severe form in which an individual experiences symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations [2].
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that happens in the weeks leading up to menstruation [3].
Perimenopausal depression affects some women during the transition to menopause, causing symptoms such as severe irritability, anxiety, sadness, or a diminished sense of enjoyment [3].
People with bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive illness, experience depressive episodes marked by sadness, indifference, or hopelessness, combined with low energy [2]. However, they also experience manic or hypomanic episodes, characterized by elevated or irritable moods and increased activity [2].
Symptoms of Depression
Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may present differently in each individual [1]. These symptoms include:
Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed [1].
A significant change in appetite (eating much less or more than usual) and/or weight (notable loss or gain unrelated to dieting) [1].
Sleeping too little or too much [1].
Decreased energy or increased tiredness or fatigue [1]
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwriting) or slowed movements or speech that are severe enough to be observable by others [1].
Feeling worthless or excessively guilty [1].
Difficulty thinking or concentrating, forgetfulness, and/or difficulty making minor decisions [1].
Thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts [1].
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood [2]
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism [2]
Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness [2]
Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not go away with treatment [2]
The symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed with depression [2].
References
What is depression? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
Depression. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
Depression. (n.d.-b). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression
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