Major depression
Major depression Definition Major depression is when 5 or more symptoms of depression are present for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression often have behavior changes, such as new eating and sleeping patterns. Major depression increases a person's risk of suicide. Alternative Names Depression - major; Unipolar depression; Major depressive disorder Causes The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is 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 trigger depression in some people. Usually, a combination of factors are involved in the development of major depression. Major depression is one of the most common chronic conditions. Each year, more than 18 million Americans -- men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels -- suffer from depression. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth. This is a result of the hormonal and physical changes that they have experienced. While new mothers commonly experience temporary "blues", depression that lasts longer than 2-3 weeks is not normal and requires treatment. Major depression can occur in children and teenagers, and they can also benefit from treatment. (See also adolescent depression.) Review Date: 9/20/2004 Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Yvette Cruz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/17/2002). A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2006A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. adam.com
Major depression Definition Major depression is when 5 or more symptoms of depression are present for at least 2 weeks. These symptoms include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or pessimistic. In addition, people with major depression often have behavior changes, such as new eating and sleeping patterns. Major depression increases a person's risk of suicide. Alternative Names Depression - major; Unipolar depression; Major depressive disorder Causes The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is 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 trigger depression in some people. Usually, a combination of factors are involved in the development of major depression. Major depression is one of the most common chronic conditions. Each year, more than 18 million Americans -- men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels -- suffer from depression. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth. This is a result of the hormonal and physical changes that they have experienced. While new mothers commonly experience temporary "blues", depression that lasts longer than 2-3 weeks is not normal and requires treatment. Major depression can occur in children and teenagers, and they can also benefit from treatment. (See also adolescent depression.) Review Date: 9/20/2004 Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Yvette Cruz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/17/2002). A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2006A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. adam.com