Depression Overview

Depression is a medical condition that affects how people feel, think, and behave. It can also affect their physical health.

Depression is not the same for everyone. Most people occasionally feel sad or unhappy for short periods of time. People with depressive disorders feel this way for most of the day, nearly every day. Moreover, their depression often interferes with their relationships and daily activities. Without treatment, depression can last for years and become debilitating. When correctly treated by a healthcare professional, most people start feeling better within a few weeks.

People of all ages and races suffer from depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Center for Mental Health Services:

Approximately 6.7% (14.8 million) American adults have a major depressive disorder.
The symptoms develop at an average age of 30.
People with depressive disorders often suffer from an anxiety disorder or substance abuse.

If left untreated, depression can threaten lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2004:

A history of depression is a risk factor for suicide.
Suicide accounts for approximately 1.4% of all deaths in the United States.
Women attempt suicide about two to three times as often as men.
Men succeed in committing suicide at nearly four times the rate of women.

Types of depression

There are several types of depressive disorders, each differing in terms of the severity, frequency, and duration of the symptoms. Common types of depression include:

Major depression

Major depression (clinical depression or unipolar depression) is a severe, long-lasting form of depression. The severity of the depressive symptoms impacts a person's relationships and daily activities, and can be disabling. Whereas some people only experience one episode of major depression in their lifetime, it's more common for people with major depression to experience repeated episodes.

Major depression affects approximately 7% of American adults and the symptoms develop at an average of 32. Major depression occurs more often in women than men and is the leading cause of disability in the United States for ages 15 through 44.

Dysthymia

Dysthymia (chronic depression or dysthymic disorder) is a long-lasting, less severe form of depression that continues for at least two years in adults and one year in children.

Dysthymia affects approximately 1.5% of American adults and the symptoms develop at an average age of 31.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (manic depression) causes people to experience cycling periods of severe highs (mania) and severe lows (depression). During a manic phase, people may experience racing thoughts and increased activity. During a depressed phase, they may experience feelings of worthlessness and a loss of energy. These "mood swings" may come on gradually or develop rapidly.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.5% of American adults and the symptoms develop at an average age of 25.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (postnatal depression) is a form of depression that occurs in some women after giving birth. The symptoms typically develop during the first month after delivery, but may start right after delivery and continue for up to a year afterwards. Postpartum depression typically lasts from six weeks to several months and affects approximately 10% of women after giving birth.

Baby blues (maternity blues) is a milder, more temporary form of postpartum depression that typically lasts for one week. The condition affects as many as of 80% of women after giving birth.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a form of depression that starts one week prior to menstruation and usually stops after menstruation begins. In addition to physical symptoms (such as fluid retention and headache), women develop moderate to severe depressive symptoms, which can affect personal relationships and daily activities. Approximately 8% of women in their reproductive years have PMDD.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a mild form of PMDD. Approximately 75% of women in their reproductive years have PMS.

Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a cyclic form of depression that people develop as the daylight decreases from fall through winter. The depressive symptoms then disappear as the daylight lengthens from spring through summer.

Approximately 5 to 10% of American adults have SAD. The condition is more prevalent in the northern states and less prevalent in the southern states.

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