Clinical depression
Also called: Major depression
A mental health disorder characterised by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Medium-term: resolves within months
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests that these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.
The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterises major depression can lead to a range of behavioural and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behaviour or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.
The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two. Increasingly, research suggests that these treatments may normalise brain changes associated with depression.
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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