Patient information: A guide to depression

DEPRESSION OVERVIEW

Depression is a medical problem that can cause a variety of symptoms. Extreme sadness is the best-known symptom of depression, although there can be other symptoms, including irritability, difficulty at work or school, difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time, and/or feelings of worthlessness. Depression can happen in people of all ages, from adolescence through adulthood.

Depression is different than occasional blues and sadness because depression lasts longer and often interferes with a person's ability to get along with family and friends, work, and participate in other normal daily activities.

Depression is a treatable condition. Psychotherapy (counseling), medicines, and other treatments can help you to feel better. If you think that you or a friend/family member are depressed, talk to a healthcare provider for advice.

UPTODATE DEPRESSION RESOURCES

Patient information — UpToDate has a number of articles for family members and patients living with depression. These articles are available on the internet at www.uptodate.com/patients.

Adolescents

  (see "Patient information: Depression in adolescents")

  (see "Patient information: Depression treatment options for adolescents")

Adults

  (see "Patient information: Depression in adults")

  (see "Patient information: Depression treatment options for adults")

  (see "Patient information: Anxiety in adults")

  (see "Patient information: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)")

  (see "Patient information: Bipolar disorder (manic depression)")

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Adolescents

  (see "Depression in adolescents: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis")

  (see "Overview of treatment for adolescent depression")

  (see "Psychopharmacological treatment for adolescent depression")

  (see "Psychosocial treatment for adolescent depression")

  (see "Effect of antidepressants on suicide risk in children and adolescents")

  (see "Epidemiology and risk factors for suicidal behavior in children and adolescents")

  (see "Evaluation and management of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents")

Adults

  (see "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of depression")

  (see "Initial treatment of depression in adults")

  (see "Treatment of resistant depression in adults")

  (see "The comorbidity of anxiety and depression")

  (see "Antidepressant medication in adults: Switching and discontinuing medication")

  (see "Antidepressant medication in adults: MAO inhibitors and others")

  (see "Antidepressant medication in adults: SSRIs and SNRIs")

  (see "Tricyclic and tetracyclic drugs for treating depressed adults")

  (see "Diagnosis and management of late-life depression")

  (see "Assessment and management of depression in end of life care")

  (see "Diagnosis of psychiatric and psychologic disorders in patients with cancer")

  (see "Management of psychiatric and psychologic disorders in patients with cancer")

  (see "Seasonal affective disorder")

Pregnancy

  (see "Depression in pregnant women")

  (see "Management of depression in pregnant women")

  (see "Psychosis and pregnancy")

  (see "Postpartum psychosis: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and assessment")

  (see "Postpartum psychosis: Treatment")