Depression Resources and Clinical Trials on Depression

Depression

Depression is a very common mood disorder that affects almost 20% of the population at some point during their lifetime. It involves more than simply feeling sad because of life events. In order to be diagnosed with clinical depression requiring treatment, the symptoms must be more severe than regular sadness and must persist for two weeks or longer. When a person is depressed, the symptoms impair his or her ability to perform at work or interact socially.

Depression is also usually accompanied by other symptoms including a loss of interest in things the person usually finds enjoyable, insomnia or oversleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss or weight gain, feelings of helplessness, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, anxiety or fatigue and suicidal thoughts. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, but these are some of the most common.

There is no known single cause of depression. Both environmental and genetic factors are thought to be involved.

Fortunately, depression is treatable. There are several treatment options, but a combination of medication and cognitive-behaviour therapy is generally the most effective. Discuss all options with your doctor before deciding which one will be most effective for you.

We are pleased to bring you a personal diary on depression.

Current Research Trial. (More information.)