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Major depression

Definition:
Depression affects the way a person feels about himself, how he eats and sleeps, and how he thinks about things. Most people suffering from depression have overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helpessness. Suicide is a danger if you are depressed.

Alternative Names:
Depression - major; Unipolar depression; Major depressive disorder

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of depression is not known. Some researchers think that it may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person's life.

Some types of depression seem to run in families, but depression can also occur in people who have no family history of the illness. Stressful life changes or events can also trigger depression in some people. Usually a combination of psychological, environmental, and hereditary factors are involved in the development depression.

Major depression occurs in all groups of people, and it is more common than you might realize. Each year, more than 18 million Americans -- men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels -- suffer from depression. There is an increased incidence in women.

Many women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth as a result of the hormonal and physical changes that they have experienced. While new mothers may commonly experience transitory "blues", depression is not normal and requires treatment.

Depression can also be seen in adolescents and children, and they can also benefit from treatment.



Review Date: 2/17/2002
Reviewed By: Yvette Cruz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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