What Is Depression?
Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common, treatable mood disorder that causes a lasting low mood or loss of interest and affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating or working. It is different from everyday sadness, which usually passes with time. To be diagnosed, symptoms must last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.
In a 2021–2023 national survey, 13.1% of Americans age 12 and older had depression in a given 2-week period, up from 8.2% in 2013–2014. For most people, depression gets better with treatment.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Depression at a Glance
| Also called | Major depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression |
|---|---|
| Cause | Genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors |
| Who gets it | Anyone. It is diagnosed more often in women and is most common in teens and young adults. |
| Is it serious? | Yes, but it is treatable |
| Diagnosis | Symptom history, physical exam and sometimes lab tests |
| Treatment | Talk therapy, antidepressants or both |
| ICD-10 code | F32.A (depression, unspecified). Major depressive disorder uses F32 codes (single episode) and F33 codes (recurrent). |
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
The core symptoms of depression are a persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood, or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. Other common symptoms include:
- Hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
- Irritability or restlessness
- Fatigue or feeling slowed down
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Appetite or weight changes
- Aches, headaches or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
- Pulling away from others, or drinking or using drugs more
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Children may seem irritable rather than sad. Men may seem angry and are less likely to seek help. Older adults may feel numb rather than sad.
What Causes Depression?
Depression results from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors, and sometimes there is no clear cause. Risk factors include:
- A close relative with depression or another mental health disorder
- Trauma or stressful events, such as job loss, divorce or a death in the family
- Hormonal changes with pregnancy, childbirth, the menstrual cycle and menopause
- Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease or chronic pain, which can occur along with depression and make it worse
- Some medicines, such as steroids or beta-blockers
- Alcohol or drug use, sleep problems and social isolation
Is Depression Serious?
Yes, depression is a serious illness, but it is treatable. It is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Untreated depression can be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, worsening of other conditions and higher mortality. In the 2021–2023 survey, 87.9% of people with depression said their symptoms made work, home or social activities at least somewhat difficult.
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed by a health care provider, such as a primary care doctor, based on your symptoms. At least one must be a depressed mood or loss of interest. A physical exam and lab tests can rule out causes of similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or medicines.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends depression screening for all adults, including pregnant and postpartum people and older adults. Screening tools include the PHQ-9, a validated 9-item questionnaire about symptoms over the past 2 weeks.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is usually treated with psychotherapy (talk therapy), antidepressant medicine or both, based on your symptoms, preferences and health.
- Talk therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy are evidence-based, in person or by telehealth. The American College of Physicians' 2023 guideline suggests CBT first for mild depression. For moderate to severe depression, it strongly recommends CBT or a second-generation antidepressant.
- Antidepressants: these change how the brain uses chemicals involved in mood and stress. Side effects are usually mild, such as headache, upset stomach or sleep changes. Children, teens and young adults under 25 may have more suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in the first few weeks or after a dose change. The FDA advises watching people of all ages closely early in treatment.
- Treatment-resistant depression: if at least two antidepressants haven't helped, options include esketamine nasal spray given in a clinic, adding another medicine, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
- Light therapy: effective for seasonal affective disorder.
The FDA has not approved any natural products, such as St. John's wort or vitamin D, for treating depression. Talk to a provider before trying them.
Can You Prevent Depression?
Most cases of depression can't be prevented, but healthy habits such as regular exercise, a consistent sleep schedule, stress management and staying connected support long-term mental health.
When Should You See a Clinician About Depression?
See a clinician if symptoms of depression last more than 2 weeks or interfere with work, school or family life. Also make an appointment if you cry often without a clear reason, hear voices that aren't there, think a medicine is affecting your mood, or think your child may be depressed. For thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 right away, or call 911.
Depression vs. Sadness, Grief and Related Conditions
| What it is | Key difference | |
|---|---|---|
| Major depression | A mood disorder with depressed mood or loss of interest | Symptoms nearly every day for at least 2 weeks |
| Grief | A healthy reaction to a major loss | The acute phase may last up to 2 months. Ongoing grief can lead to depression. |
| Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) | Milder depressive symptoms | Lasts much longer, usually at least 2 years |
| Bipolar disorder | Depressive episodes plus manic episodes of unusually elevated mood or activity | A different type of mental illness |
Depression Evaluation at GENEVA
At GENEVA Primary Care & Med Spa in Alpharetta, GA, a provider evaluates your symptoms and health history. Based on that evaluation, your provider recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a mental health specialist.
You can raise mood concerns during a primary care visit or a telemedicine appointment. GENEVA serves patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell and Cumming.
Related Terms
- Anxiety Disorder
- Thyroid Disorder
- Menopause
- Chronic Disease Management
- Annual Wellness Exam
- Telemedicine
Depression FAQs
Is depression a serious illness?
Yes, depression is a serious mood disorder, but it is treatable, and most people get better with treatment. In a 2021–2023 national survey, 87.9% of people with depression reported at least some difficulty with work, home or social activities. Depression is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts, and untreated depression can be associated with more cardiovascular events and higher mortality. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
How long does it take for depression treatment to work?
Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work, though some people feel better after a couple of weeks. Sleep, appetite and concentration often improve before mood lifts. If there is no difference after 8 weeks, your provider may change the dose or the medicine. Antidepressants work best taken every day. They aren't addictive, but stopping suddenly can cause flulike symptoms, nausea and balance problems, so talk to your provider before stopping.
Can depression be cured?
Depression is treatable rather than quickly cured. For most people it gets better with treatment, though it often needs long-term care. Most people benefit from treatment, usually talk therapy, antidepressants or both. Esketamine nasal spray, ECT and rTMS are options when first treatments don't work. Getting help at the earliest sign of a problem makes symptoms easier to manage. Many people try more than one treatment before finding the right fit, so tell your provider if yours isn't working.
What is the difference between depression and grief?
Grief is a normal reaction to a major loss, while depression is a mood disorder with symptoms nearly every day for at least 2 weeks that interfere with daily life. The acute phase of grief may last up to 2 months, and milder symptoms can last a year or longer. Ongoing grief can lead to depression. See a provider if you can't cope with a loss, feel very depressed or have thoughts of suicide.
What can I do on my own to help with depression?
Healthy daily habits can help with depression, alongside professional treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that just 30 minutes of walking a day can boost your mood. Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time, eat regular meals, talk with people you trust, and avoid alcohol, nicotine and drugs. Try things you used to enjoy, even if you don't feel like it. Check with a provider before taking supplements such as St. John's wort, which can interact with prescription medicines.
Can a primary care provider diagnose and treat depression?
Yes. A primary care provider can diagnose depression, rule out medical causes and prescribe and monitor antidepressants. The provider asks about your symptoms and may order lab tests, because thyroid disorders and some medicines can cause similar symptoms. At GENEVA in Alpharetta, a provider evaluates your symptoms and then recommends treatment at GENEVA or a referral to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist, for therapy or more specialized care.