What Is Depression?

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder with a group of symptoms including constant sadness or lack of interest in life. But when intense sadness -- including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless -- lasts for many days to weeks and keeps you from living your life, it may be something more than sadness. That's when it's time for you to seek medical help. Your regular doctor is a good place to start. They can test you for depression and help manage your symptoms. If your depression goes untreated, it may get worse and last for months, even years. It can cause pain and possibly lead to suicide, as it does for about 1 of every 10 people with depression. Recognizing the symptoms is key. Unfortunately, about half the people who have depression never get diagnosed or treated. Depression Symptoms They can include: Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness Pessimism and hopelessness Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much Crankiness or irritability Restlessness Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex Overeating or appetite loss Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt Depression can be a symptom of other health conditions. It's important you get the right diagnosis and the best treatment. Some disorders that can cause depression include: Bipolar I and II disorders. These mood disorders include swings of highs (mania) to lows (depression). It can be tricky to tell the difference between bipolar disorder and depression. Cyclothymic disorder. This involves mood swings that are milder than those of bipolar disorder. Other depression disorders. These include depression caused by the use of recreational drugs, some prescribed medications, or another medical condition. Depression Diagnosis To decide if you have depression, and what type, your doctor will use: Physical exam. They’ll check your overall health to see if you might be dealing with another condition. Lab tests. You may have bloodwork done to check certain hormone levels. Psychiatric evaluation. Your doctor will check your mental health. They’ll ask about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. You may also fill out a questionnaire. "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5). The American Psychiatric Association lists the criteria for depression in this manual. Your doctor may use it to help make a diagnosis.