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major depression - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Major depression: A disease with certain characteristic signs and symptoms that interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. ...
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major depression - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)
major depression, Forms of depression
Forms of depression
major depression, St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort

About major depression (Source: Medem)
Depression can be a normal mood of temporary sadness after a loss or disappointment. But when depressed mood is severe and accompanied by other symptoms that persist every day for at least two weeks, it is a real illness called major depression ( see below ) that requires treatment. The August 14, 2002, issue of JAMA includes a study reporting that a particular antidepressant medication was safe and effective for treating major depression in patients who had a recent heart attack. ...
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eMedicineHealth Major depression

Causes of major depression (Source: MedLinePlus)
The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, which may be hereditary or caused by events in a person's life. Some types of depression seem to run in families, but depression can also occur in people who have no family history of the illness. Stressful life changes or events can trigger depression in some people. Usually, a combination of factors is involved. Men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels can have depression. It occurs more often in women. Women are especially vulnerable to depression after giving birth. This is a result of hormonal and physical changes. Although new mothers commonly experience temporary "blues," depression that lasts longer than 2 - 3 weeks is not normal and requires treatment. Major depression can occur in children and teenagers, and they can also benefit from treatment. See also: Adolescent depression ...
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Symptoms of major depression (Source: MedLinePlus)
Agitation, restlessness, and irritability; Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss; Extreme difficulty concentrating; Fatigue and lack of energy; Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness; Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt; Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed (such as sex); Thoughts of death or suicide; Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping. Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than as feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms may focus on themes of guilt, inadequacy, or disease. ...
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major depression - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)
Depression can be treated in a variety of ways, particularly with medications and counseling. Most people benefit from a combination of the two treatments. Some studies have shown that antidepressant drug therapy combined with psychotherapy has better results than either therapy alone. Medications include tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and some newer antidepressant drugs. Although antidepressant medications can be very effective, some may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, in 2007, the FDA proposed that all antidepressant medicines should warn of the risk of suicidal behavior in young adults ages 18 - 24 years. Lithium and thyroid supplements may be needed to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants. People with psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, may need antipsychotic medications. The antipsychotic medication quetiapine has also been approved for treating episodes of depression in people with bipolar disorder . Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment that causes a seizure by means of an electrical current. ECT may improve the mood of severely depressed or suicidal people who don't respond to other treatments. Research is now being conducted on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which alters brain function in a way similar to ECT, but with fewer side effects. Use of light therapy for depressive symptoms in the winter months and interventions to restor ...
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News on major depression
Double Depression Dims Hopeful Outlook (MedicineNet)
Drinking May Trigger Genetic Marker for Depression (MedicineNet)
Magnetic Stimulation for Depression? (MedicineNet)

Further Reading on major depression

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