Depression Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. Depressive disorders are characterized by pervasive mood changes that affect all aspects of an individual's daily functioning. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood and is more than a case of persistent sadness. Symptoms of depression also include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, lack of interest in daily activities, and even thoughts of suicide. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Main Article on Depression
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Depression Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...learn more »
Causes of Depression
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Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD afflicts approximately 3 percent to 5 percent of school-age children and an estimated 60 percent of those maintain the...learn more »In This ArticleAdult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Article- What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
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- How common is ADHD in adults?
- What are common adult ADHD symptoms, behaviors, and problems?
- What school-related impairments are linked to adult ADHD?
- What work-related impairments are linked to adult ADHD?
- What social-related impairments are linked to adult ADHD?
- What relationship-related impairments are linked to adult ADHD?
- How is adult ADHD diagnosed?
- What medications are used in the treatment of adult ADHD?
- What psychosocial behavior management strategies treat ADHD?
- Are there support groups for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
- Where can people find additional information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
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Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »In This ArticleAlcoholism Article- Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
- What is alcohol abuse?
- What is alcoholism?
- What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
- What are risk factors for alcoholism?
- What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
- What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
- How is alcoholism diagnosed?
- What are the stages of alcoholism?
- What is the treatment for alcoholism?
- What medications treat alcoholism?
- How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
- Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
- Is there a safe level of drinking?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
- How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
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- Can alcoholism be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
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Antisocial Personality Disorder Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has many symptoms, signs, and causes. Therapy is one treatment option for antisocial...learn more »In This ArticleAntisocial Personality Disorder Article- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) facts
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- What are causes and risk factors of antisocial personality disorder?
- How is antisocial personality disorder diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for antisocial personality disorder?
- What happens if antisocial personality disorder is not treated? What is the prognosis of antisocial personality disorder?
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Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment...learn more »In This ArticleBipolar Disorder Article- Bipolar disorder facts
- What is bipolar disorder?
- What is the history of bipolar disorder?
- What are the types of bipolar disorder?
- What are bipolar disorder causes and risk factors?
- What are bipolar disorder symptoms and signs in adults, teenagers, and children?
- How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?
- What illnesses often coexist with bipolar disorder?
- What are bipolar disorder medications and other treatments? Are there any home remedies or alternative treatments for bipolar disorder?
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- Can bipolar disorder be prevented?
- Where can people find more information about bipolar disorder?
- Where can people find support to help them cope with bipolar disorder?
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Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal...learn more »In This ArticleBorderline Personality Disorder Article- Borderline personality disorder facts
- What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?
- What other disorders often occur with BPD?
- What causes borderline personality disorder?
- What are the risk factors for borderline personality disorder?
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- How is borderline personality disorder diagnosed?
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- How can borderline personality disorder be prevented?
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer,...learn more »In This ArticleChronic Fatigue Syndrome Article- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) facts
- What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
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- What are risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome?
- What are symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome?
- What are chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in men?
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- How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
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Cocaine and Crack Abuse Cocaine is an addictive stimulant that is smoked, snorted, and injected. Crack is cocaine that comes in a rock crystal that is...learn more »In This ArticleCocaine and Crack Abuse Article- Cocaine and crack abuse facts
- What is cocaine? What is crack?
- How is cocaine abused?
- What are cocaine's effects on the body and the mind?
- What causes and prevents cocaine abuse and addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of cocaine abuse and addiction?
- How is cocaine addiction diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cocaine and crack addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of cocaine withdrawal?
- What are the long-term effects and the prognosis for cocaine and crack addiction?
- Where can people find more information about cocaine and crack abuse?
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Depression in Children Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include...learn more »In This ArticleDepression in Children Article- What are symptoms of depression in children?
- How can I tell if my child is suicidal?
- What are suicide warning signs in children?
- What causes depression in children?
- Can depression in children be prevented?
- How is depression diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for depression in children?
- What is the long-term prognosis?
- Communicating with your teen
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Depression in the Elderly Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants,...learn more »In This ArticleDepression in the Elderly Article- How does depression in the elderly differ from depression in younger adults?
- How is insomnia related to depression in the elderly?
- What are risk factors for depression in the elderly?
- What types of treatment are available for depression in the elderly?
- How do antidepressants relieve depression in the elderly?
- Can psychotherapy help relieve depression in the elderly?
- Who may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
- What other problems affect treatment of depression in the elderly?
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Encephalopathy Encephalopathy means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. Causes of encephalopathy are varied and numerous. The main symptom of...learn more »In This ArticleEncephalopathy Article- Encephalopathy facts
- Encephalopathy definition and overview
- What causes encephalopathy?
- What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
- How is encephalopathy diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for encephalopathy?
- What are the complications of encephalopathy?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for encephalopathy?
- Can encephalopathy be prevented?
- For more information on types of encephalopathy
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Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »In This ArticleFibromyalgia Article- Fibromyalgia facts
- What is fibromyalgia?
- What causes fibromyalgia?
- Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
- What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
- How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
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- What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
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Holiday Depression and Stress Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid...learn more »In This ArticleHoliday Depression and Stress Article- Holiday depression and stress facts
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Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone...learn more »In This ArticleHypothyroidism Article- What is hypothyroidism?
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Mental Health Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under...learn more »In This ArticleMental Health Article- Mental health and mental illness facts
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- How is mental illness diagnosed?
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- What is the prognosis for mental health problems?
- Where can people get support for mental health disorders?
- Where can people get more information about mental illnesses?
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Migraine Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »In This ArticleMigraine Article- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
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- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
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- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
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Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurologic disease characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest,...learn more »In This ArticleParkinson's Disease Article- What is Parkinson's disease?
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Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes...learn more »In This ArticlePostpartum Depression Article- Postpartum depression facts
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- How is postpartum depression diagnosed?
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- What is the prognosis of postpartum depression?
- Can postpartum depression be prevented?
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition, can develop after any catastrophic life event. Symptoms include...learn more »In This ArticlePosttraumatic Stress Disorder Article- What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- What are the effects of PTSD?
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- PTSD At A Glance
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends...learn more »In This ArticlePremenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Article- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) facts
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Psychotic Disorders Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. Different types of psychotic disorders include...learn more »In This ArticlePsychotic Disorders Article- Psychotic disorder facts
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Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that tends to occur as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. Symptoms...learn more »In This ArticleSeasonal Affective Disorder Article- What is seasonal affective disorder?
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Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is defined as a reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep. The three types of sleep apnea are central apnea,...learn more »In This ArticleSleep Apnea Article- Sleep apnea facts
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Stress Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However,...learn more »In This ArticleStress Article- What is stress?
- A brief history of stress
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- Teen stress
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- How does the response to stress work?
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- Conclusions about the effects of stress
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- What's in the future for stress?
- Stress At A Glance
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Suicide Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year,...learn more »In This ArticleSuicide Article- What is suicide?
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- What are some possible causes of suicide?
- What are the risk factors and protective factors for suicide?
- What are the signs and symptoms for suicide?
- How are suicidal thoughts and behaviors assessed?
- What is the treatment for suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
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- Where can people get help?
- Suicide At A Glance
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Teen Depression Depression in teenagers may be caused by many factors. Symptoms of teen depression include apathy, irresponsible behavior,...learn more »In This ArticleTeen Depression Article- Recognizing teen depression
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West Nile Virus West Nile virus (West Nile encephalitis) is a brain infection caused by a virus. People become infected with the virus after...learn more »In This ArticleWest Nile Virus Article- West Nile virus facts
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Other Causes of Depression
- Medications
- Serious Medical Illness
Examples of Medications for Depression
- amitriptyline. Elavil, Endep
- bupropion, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban
- buspirone, Buspar
- citalopram, Celexa
- desipramine, Norpramin
- escitalopram, Lexapro
- fluoxetine, Prozac, Sarafem, Prozac Weekly
- fluvoxamine, Luvox, Luvox CR
- gabapentin, Neurontin, Gabarone
- imipramine, Tofranil, Tofranil-PM
- lithium, Lithobid
- methylphenidate, Ritalin, Ritalin SR, Ritalin LA, Concerta, Methylin, Methylin ER,
- mirtazapine, Remeron, Soltab
- nefazodone, Serzone
- nortriptyline, Pamelor, Aventyl
- paroxetine, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva
- sertraline, Zoloft
- trazodone, Desyrel
- trimipramine (Surmontil)
- venlafaxine, Effexor
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