What is depression?
Depression is a psychological disorder that can cause feelings of sadness and a loss of motivation. People who live with depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can have a negative effect on your day-to-day functioning, and the symptoms will vary from person to person. Treatment for depression is usually effective.

What are the symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression vary and may include any of the following:

Sadness
Loss of excitement or interest in previously enjoyed activities
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Sleep disorders such as sleeping too much or not enough
Reduced energy
Restless behavior such as fidgeting or pacing
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and shame
The urge to harm oneself or suicidal ideation

What causes depression?
Various risk factors make individuals more likely to develop depression, including biochemistry, genetics, personality, and even environmental factors. The makeup of certain chemicals in the brain can contribute to your likelihood of developing depression. Those who have immediate family members with depression are more likely to develop depression, given that it has a genetic tendency. People with certain personality traits such as low self-esteem or those who are easily overwhelmed by stress are more likely to develop depression than others. Some environmental factors may also contribute to a depression diagnosis, such as violence, abuse, or poverty.

How do you treat depression?
Most people can find some degree of relief by using one of the following treatment methods for depression. Depression may be treated with medications, psychotherapy, or medical procedures. Providers should test individuals for thyroid issues and vitamin deficiencies before diagnosing depression or prescribing antidepressants. These treatable conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Medications prescribed for depression include SSRIs, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy can also be effective methods for treating depression. In some extreme cases, providers may use medical procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy to treat depression. This procedure involves sending shock waves through the brain to trigger seizure-like activity.

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