Depression is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it changes how you think, sleep, eat, and act.
There are several types of depression, including:
There are several types of depression, including:
- Clinical depression (major depressive disorder)
- Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including:
-
- Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression)
- Prenatal depression and postpartum depression
- Atypical depression
The symptoms of depression can vary slightly depending on the type and can range from mild to severe. They include:
- Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worried. Children and adolescents with depression may be irritable rather than sad.
- Not enjoying things that used to bring them joy.
- Being easily irritated or frustrated.
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain.
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia).
- Having low energy or fatigue.
- Having a difficult time concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Experiencing physical issues like headache, stomachache, or sexual dysfunction.
- Having frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
It is not known what exactly causes depression. As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors can be involved, including:
- Biological differences
- Brain chemistry
- Hormones
- Inherited traits
Depression often begins in the teens, 20s, or 30s, but it can happen at any age. More women than men are diagnosed with depression, but this may be because women are more likely to seek treatment.
A healthcare provider may determine a diagnosis of depression based on:
A healthcare provider may determine a diagnosis of depression based on:
- A physical exam
- Lab tests
- A psychiatric evaluation
- DSM-5
Medications and psychotherapy are an effective treatment for most people with depression. A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professionals.
If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
Medications and psychotherapy are an effective treatment for most people with depression. A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professionals.
If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
If you need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575, to schedule an appointment.
