Depression Is Devastating

There are many well-known depression triggers: Trauma, grief, financial troubles, and unemployment are just a few. But if you are depressed and none of these apply to you, it can be hard to pinpoint a specific cause.   View slideshow

Depression is more common than AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined, and nearly 400,000 people attempt suicide in the U.S. every year. Here are 15 myths and facts about depression and suicide.   View slideshow

You’re not depressed, you’re possessed by demons! The notion's ridiculous. But this is just one of many different "causes" attributed to depression throughout history. Here are 12 reasons for depression—according to our misinformed ancestors.   View slideshow

How do you know if your doctor is using the best strategies for treating your depression? Ask these smart, targeted questions to find out if you're really on the road to recovery.   View slideshow

If you find yourself in a serious emotional funk that goes so far as to disrupt your work and relationships, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. If the blues continue after your period, it could be a sign of depression or bipolar disorder.   View slideshow

Everyone feels a little melancholy when the days get shorter. But for some people, the change in the seasons brings with it something more serious than the blues: seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can be debilitating.   View slideshow

"People tend to react strongly in one of two ways when I tell them that they have clinical depression," says Rakesh Jain, MD, director of psychopharmacology at R/D Clinical Research Center in Lake Jackson, Texas. "Many people experience extreme relief. It's huge. They know they're not crazy, weak, or stupid." ...   Read More

Medical professionals who treat depression fall into two groups: Those who can prescribe antidepressant medications and those who can't. Any medical professional with a medical degree can prescribe antidepressants. Family physicians, internists, and ob-gyns prescribe the majority of antidepressants but are usually not trained to provide psychotherapy or counseling...   Read More

Everybody feels down for a day or two. But one in 14 American adults—15 million in all—has clinical depression each year. Depression is a complex condition characterized by profound sadness, lethargy, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of interest in social activities...   Read More