Table of Contents

I. What is Depression?

II. Symptoms of Depression

a. Mood Changes

b. Other Symptoms

c. Gender-specific Symptoms

d. Age-Specific Symptoms

III. What Causes Depression?

a. Biological Causes

b. Environmental Causes

IV. How is Depression Treated?

a. Medications

b. Therapy

What is Depression?

Almost everybody feels low and upset at times during their life. Things may be especially difficult after the loss of a loved one, a relationship break-up, or during financial troubles. These feelings are typically normal, but for people with depression, these feelings of despair, emptiness, and hopelessness occur almost every day for an extended period of time.

Depression is also known as clinical depression and major depressive disorder. It is a mood disorder that can affect how a person behaves, thinks, and feels. It is a common condition and affects over 264 million people worldwide and over 16 million American adults. [1][2] Depression can often lead to suicidal thoughts or actions and is the second leading cause of suicide for people aged 15 to 29. [2]

While depression can be destabilizing, it is a treatable disorder. It is recognized as a serious medical condition that worsens without proper treatment. Antidepressant medications such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) can help relieve symptoms of depression.

Keep reading to learn more about depression, including the symptoms, causes, and treatments available.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression can cause many different symptoms that affect both your mind and your body. Depression can occur in mild severe episodes. During an episode of depression, these symptoms will occur almost every day for most of the day. In order to be diagnosed with this condition, symptoms must last for two weeks or longer. [3]

a. Mood Changes

Depression affects your mood. It can cause persistent feelings of:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Emptiness
• Pessimism
• Guilt
• Worthlessness
• Irritation
• Restlessness [4]

b. Other Symptoms

Along with these feelings, there are other signs of depression to watch out for. Other depression symptoms include:

• Loss of interest and pleasure in hobbies and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Appetite and weight changes
• Memory problems
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Sleeping problems
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Aches, pains, headaches, and cramps
• Digestive problems [4]

c. Gender-specific Symptoms

Depression affects people in different ways. Men's and women’s symptoms can differ in their symptoms and severity. Men are more likely to feel angry, aggressive, or restless and have changes in their sexual interest. This can include a lowered sex drive or reduced sexual performance. It is also more common for men to have behavior changes, such as excessive drinking, using drugs, or participating in high-risk activities.

Women may have more physical symptoms, including greater fatigue, less energy, appetite, weight changes, and increased cramps.

d. Age-Specific Symptoms

Symptoms can also depend on how old you are. While depression symptoms in children and teenagers may be similar to those in adults, there are some differences. Depression symptoms for young children may include sadness, clinginess, worry, being underweight, or refusing to go to school. For teenagers, feelings of anger and worthlessness can coincide with poor school performance, feeling misunderstood, self-harm, drug and alcohol use, increased eating and sleeping and reduced social interaction. [5]

For older adults, symptoms can be less obvious. Depression may cause physical aches and pains, personality changes, memory problems, fatigue, loss of appetite, loss of interest in sex, and wanting to stay home. Many of these symptoms are common in older adults without depression. Older adults may also be reluctant to seek help for these feelings. [5] 

What Causes Depression?

Depression is a very complex condition and can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological.

a. Biological Causes

Brain Structure: People that have depression seem to have a less active frontal brain. However, it is unclear if a less active frontal brain lobe causes depression, or depression causes a less active frontal brain lobe. It is hoped that further investigation into the brain differences of people with depression may help identify the root cause of the condition. Research also indicates that chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters can also affect depression and how it is treated. [6]

Family History: It is believed that depression may be partially genetic. Depression more commonly affects people whose blood relatives have the condition or other mental illness, including bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and those who have committed suicide. Research is going into identifying specific genes that may cause depression. [5]

Hormones: Many factors can cause hormone changes, including pregnancy, medical conditions, and some medications. It is possible that changes to the balance of hormones in the human body can trigger depression. [5]

b. Environmental Causes

Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse is often linked to depression. While depression can lead to substance abuse, alcohol, and drug abuse may also initially cause depression. Having both a mental illness and substance abuse disorder is known as a co-occurring condition. Around 16.5 percent of people that suffer recurring major depression have an alcohol use disorder and around 18 percent have a drug abuse disorder. [7]

Stressful Life Events: Going through a traumatic life event may increase the risk or cause depression. This can include losing a loved one, financial problems, or physical or sexual abuse.  While sadness following these events does not automatically constitute as depression, it may be a factor. Trauma during childhood can also affect your body's response to stress and fear, which may lead to depression. [6]

Medical Conditions: Patients with some medical conditions may also have an increased risk of depression. Common conditions may include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, and chronic pain or illnesses. [6]

How is Depression Treated?

Medications and therapy are both effective at treating depression for most people.

a. Medications

There are several different types of antidepressants available that work in different ways.

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine). SSRIs increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. SSRIs typically cause less side effects than other antidepressants.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Cymbalta (duloxetine) work by blocking the absorption of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Atypical antidepressants such as Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) work in different ways that do not fit into other categories.
• Tricyclic antidepressants often cause more side effects than other antidepressants so are typically not prescribed unless SSRIs are ineffective.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are another type of antidepressant that may cause severe side effects. [5]

b. Therapy

Therapy can also be effective in treating depression. There are different types of therapy that can be effective for different people. A mental health professional can recommend a suitable form of therapy for you. Psychotherapy can help you find ways to cope and solve problems, set goals for yourself, and identify negative behaviors that can be improved.  

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.