“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated.
The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is.
Depression is usually treated with medication…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Depression Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Black Dog
  • Clinical Depression
  • Depression
  • Depression the Serious Clinical Illness
  • Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Dysthymia
  • Dysthymic Disorder
  • Major Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Minor Depression
  • Nervous Breakdown
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Unipolar Depression

Definition

What is depression?

DotS the definition of depression may vary. In Depression: Overview the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:

“Depression (also known as major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.

To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks”.2

Sadness or Depression

Is sadness the same as depression?

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know the NIMH note:

“Being sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. But usually, the sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is different—it is a mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is more common among women than men, likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are unique to women”.3

Nervous Breakdown

Is a nervous breakdown the same as depression?

In Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“The term “nervous breakdown” is used by some people to describe a stressful situation when life’s demands become physically and emotionally overwhelming. It affects a person’s ability to meet their own needs and do daily tasks and activities. The term was often used in the past, but mental health professionals no longer use it. Instead, you may hear the term “mental health crisis””.4

Bipolar Disorder

Is bipolar disorder the same as depression?

DotS bipolar disorder may be described as a type of depression, however bipolar disorder is not the same as depression the serious illness or clinical depression. In Bipolar Disorder: Overview the NIMH’s definition is:

“Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks”.5

Mild, Moderate or Severe

How can depression be categorised?

In Depression: Symptoms and Patterns the World Health Organization (WHO) explain:

“A depressive episode can be categorised as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms, as well as the impact on the individual’s functioning”.6

Symptoms

What may be symptoms of depression?

In Depression: What Are the Symptoms of Depression? the NIMH elaborate on:

Depression“If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts”.7

Cause

What may cause depression?

The WHO explain:

“Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself.

Depression is closely related to and affected by physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition”.8

Common or Not

How common is depression?

Globally, according to statistics quoted by the WHO:

  • “Depression is a common mental disorder.
  • Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression”.9

In the United States according to statistics quoted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) in What Is Depression? Did You Know?:

“264 million people worldwide live with depression.

  • In 2017, around 17.3 million adults age 18 or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year (6.7% of adults in the U.S.)”.10

In England in Depression, the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation note:

“In England, 3 in every 100 people will experience depression in any given week. Even more – 8 in every 100 – will experience mixed depression and anxiety”.11

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) a type of depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Types of Depression the ADAA elaborate on:

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is another manifestation of depression which is a severe and sometimes disabling extension of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Although regular PMS and PMDD both have physical and emotional symptoms, the mood changes in PMDD are much more severe and can disrupt social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning”.12

Anxiety

Is there an association between anxiety and depression?

In What Are Anxiety and Depression: What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same the ADAA explain:

“Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders”.13

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and depression?

In Mood and the Menopause, content updated 09 February 2023, the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Risk factors for depressive symptoms/disorders are multiple and include VMS, previous mood disorders including prior MDD, reproductive related mood disturbance (severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or postpartum depression), other health factors, psychological and socioeconomic factors, and hormonal changes such as variability in FSH and oestradiol”.14

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

What is MDD?

MDD can be an abbreviation for Major Depressive Disorder.

What is FSH?

FSH can be an abbreviation for Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

Treatment

How can depression be treated?

In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH elaborate on:

“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two”.15

In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH also include:

“Quick Tip: No two people are affected the same way by depression, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take trial and error”.16

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have depression?

If you think you have depression, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this urgently.

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better the NIMH explain:

“If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps”.17

In Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You the (Australian) Beyondblue note:

“It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them first time, for others it can take a few tries. The main thing is to persevere – try not to let one bad experience put you off getting support”.18

In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health remind us:

“Remember:

  • Depression is common
  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is nothing to be ashamed about
  • It can be treated”.19

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Depression

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Depression?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Depression: How Is depression Treated? Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 25 September 2023
  2. Depression: Overview. Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  3. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women-tr-16-4779/index.shtml Accessed: 25 September 2023
  4. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean? What Does It Mean To Have A Nervous Breakdown? 26 April 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/nervous-breakdown/faq-20057830 Accessed: 25 September 2023
  5. Bipolar Disorder: Overview. Last Reviewed: February 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml#part_145402 Accessed: 25 September 2023
  6. Depression: Symptoms and Patterns. 31 March 2023 World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  7. Depression: Signs and Symptoms. Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  8. Depression: Contributing Factors and Prevention. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  9. Depression: Key Facts. 31 March 2023.  World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  10. What Is Depression? This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  11. Depression. Last Updated 18 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  12. What Is Depression? Types of Depression. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  13. What Is Depression? Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same. This Page Was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  14. Mood and the Menopause. Content Updated: 09 February 2023. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/mood-and-the-menopause Accessed: 25 September 2023
  15. Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  16. Depression: How Is Depression Treated? Last Reviewed: September 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
  17. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better. Revised: 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub1 Accessed: 25 September 2023
  18. Find A Mental Health Professional: What Are Mental Health Professional Services? Finding the Right Professional for You https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-mental-health-professional Accessed: 25 September 2023
  19. Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 25 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 16 February 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 25 September 2023

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