Diseases
depression
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
Symptoms
- feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- tiredness and lack of energy
- reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Causes
- biological differences: people with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains.
- hormones :changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
- brain chemistry. neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression.
Risk factors
- certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent.
- stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse or financial problems
- serious or chronic illness or certain medications
Diagnosis
- physical exam:your doctor may do a physical exam/ask questions about your health
- lab tests. for example, your doctor may do a blood test called a complete blood
- psychiatric evaluation. your mental health professional asks about your symptoms
- dsm-5. your doctor may use the criteria listed in dsm-5
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.It affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.
What are the symptoms of depression?
feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness, tiredness and lack of energy, reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain, sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much, slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
What causes depression?
biological differences: people with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains.; hormones :changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.; brain chemistry. neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression.
Which medicines are used for depression?
amitriptyline, brexpiprazole, citalopram, desipramine, dhea, dosulepin, esketamine, fluoxetine, imipramine, isocarboxazid, maprotiline, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, phenelzine, thioridazine, trazodone, trimipramine
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