Also known as clinical depression, major depressive disorder is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and low mood. While occasional feelings of depression are normal and experienced by all people, major depression can have a significant impact on a person’s life.
The duration of symptoms can help you determine whether you’re experiencing clinical depression, which causes daily symptoms for a period of two weeks or longer. These symptoms can include:
While researchers aren’t sure what causes depression, it’s believed that the condition may have a genetic link. A person’s brain chemistry and exposure to stressful experiences can also play a role.
In addition to psychotherapy, which can help a person develop healthy ways to deal with depression, doctors also recommend medication when treating the disorder. Antidepressants are medications that help manage the symptoms of major depressive disorder, as well as other mental health conditions. These treatments may include:
Antidepressants act on chemical messengers in the brain to alleviate symptoms of depression. While effective, not everyone has the same response to antidepressants. Accordingly, your doctor may need to try different medications and doses until you find a treatment that works for you.