Major depressive disorder, also known as depression, is a prevalent and significant medical condition that has a detrimental impact on one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The good news is that it is possible to treat this condition. Depression induces feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can result in various emotional and physical difficulties, and it can also impair one's ability to function effectively both at work and in personal life.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Sadness or experiencing a depressed mood
- Decreased interest or enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities
- Changes in appetite resulting in weight loss or gain unrelated to intentional dieting
- Sleep disturbances, either trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Fatigue or increased lack of energy
- Restlessness or slowed movements and speech that are noticeable to others
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Challenges with thinking, concentration, or decision-making
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must last for at least two weeks and represent a noticeable change in a person's previous level of functioning.
It is important to consider that certain medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of depression. Conditions such as thyroid problems, brain tumors, or vitamin deficiencies can manifest with similar symptoms, so it is crucial to rule out these general medical causes before diagnosing depression.
The prevalence of depression is significant, with approximately one in 15 adults (6.7%) experiencing it in any given year. Furthermore, about one in six people (16.6%) will encounter depression at some point in their lives. While depression can develop at any age, it typically first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Additionally, studies indicate that women are more likely than men to experience depression, with around one-third of women experiencing a major depressive episode in their lifetime. There is also a notable heritable component to depression, with an estimated 40% heritability when immediate family members (parents, children, siblings) have a history of depression.
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of physical and cognitive symptoms. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must last for at least two weeks and represent a noticeable change in a person's previous level of functioning.
It is important to consider that certain medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of depression. Conditions such as thyroid problems, brain tumors, or vitamin deficiencies can manifest with similar symptoms, so it is crucial to rule out these general medical causes before diagnosing depression.
The prevalence of depression is significant, with approximately one in 15 adults (6.7%) experiencing it in any given year. Furthermore, about one in six people (16.6%) will encounter depression at some point in their lives. While depression can develop at any age, it typically first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Additionally, studies indicate that women are more likely than men to experience depression, with around one-third of women experiencing a major depressive episode in their lifetime. There is also a notable heritable component to depression, with an estimated 40% heritability when immediate family members (parents, children, siblings) have a history of depression.