Diagnosis

• Major depression is diagnosed when you exhibit five or more symptoms of depression during a 2-week period. One of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood or a lack of interest and pleasure.(See reference 3)
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of depression include change in weight, change in appetite, loss of interest in daily activities, sleep disorders, feelings of sadness, fatigue, feeling slowed down or restless, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of death or suicide, or the inability to concentrate. Five or more of these symptoms should be present on a daily basis for an extended period of time. (See reference 3)
  
  

Causes

• Psychological and environmental issues can contribute to major depression, but its cause is biological. (See reference 1) Depression occurs when the levels of nor-epinephrine, serotonin or dopamine become imbalanced in your brain. (See reference 1)
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for depression typically involves therapy and medication. Antidepressants work by correcting the imbalance of neurotransmitters in your brain; psychotherapy helps you deal with the symptoms of depression. (See reference 1)
  
  

Warning

• Seek treatment for depression if your symptoms last more than 2 weeks, if they interfere with your daily life or they lead to thoughts of suicide. (See reference 1)