Depression is perhaps the most common of all mental health problems, currently felt to affect one in every four adults to some degree. Depression is a problem with mood/feeling in which the mood is described as sad, feeling down in the dumps, being blue, or feeling low. While the depressed mood is present, evidence is also present which reflects the neurochemical or "brain chemistry" aspects of depression with the depressed individual experiencing poor concentration/attention, loss of energy, accelerated thought/worry, sleep/appetite disturbance, and other physical manifestations.

Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.

Treatment and symptoms of Depression:

Symptoms of Depression:

Dysthymia is less severe than major depression but usually goes on for a longer period, often several years. There are usually periods of feeling fairly normal between episodes of low mood. The symptoms usually do not completely disrupt one's normal activities.

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression, usually severe, alternating with episodes of extreme elation called mania. This condition is sometimes called by its older name, manic depression. The depression that is associated with bipolar disorder is often referred to as bipolar depression.

Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see Symptoms below) that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. These symptoms occur without any apparent cause and deepen and persist day-in and day-out for two weeks or longer.

Disturbed thinking, a symptom developed by some severely depressed persons. For example, severely depressed people sometimes have beliefs not based in reality about physical disease, sinfulness, or poverty.

Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches.

poor school/work performance

social withdrawal

shyness

irritable hostility

conflicts with family and friends

Treatment for Depression:

The wrong diagnosis. It's not always easy to diagnose depression and other mental disorders. In particular, some forms of bipolar disorder are commonly misdiagnosed as depression because manic phases may be less pronounced while depression phases are more pronounced - it may look more like depression.

Your social or life situation. If you're under constant stress or anxiety because of situations in your life that aren't getting better, medication alone might not help. These situations may include relationship trouble, financial instability or inadequate housing, for example. In addition, a childhood marked by severe adversity - such as abuse or neglect - can continue to affect you throughout adulthood.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs): This class of antidepressants works by selectively keeping increased levels of serotonin available in the brain. Although there is no evidence that any of the SSRIs are more effective than the older antidepressants, individuals who take SSRIs appear to experience fewer side effects. As a result, the SSRIs are often tried first and have become the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant.