"Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptoms list below) that interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities."

"Studies of brain chemistry, including the effects of antidepressant medications, continue to inform our understanding of the biochemical processes involved in depression."

Depression and Suicide


Sometimes depression can cause people to feel like putting themselves in harms way, or killing themselves. Although the majority of people with depression do not die by suicide, having depression does increase suicide risk compared to people without depression.

If you are thinking about suicide, get help immediately:

* Call your doctors office.
* Call 911 for emergency services.
* Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
* Ask a family member or friend to take you to the hospital or call your doctor.
* Call the toll free, 24 hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 TALK (1 800 273 8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at the suicide crisis center nearest you.

"More than half of people with bipolar disorder type I (with severe mania) have a co occurring substance use disorder."

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The patient was unraveling in front of her doctors and it was not clear what to do.

"John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herb used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in Europe, has recently aroused interest in the United States."

Healthcare Reporting

"There are no long-term studies that show what kind of impact this medication will have on a child's development."

Primary Healthcare In Africa

"Questions about any antidepressant prescribed, or problems that may be related to the medication, should be discussed with the doctor."

Healthcare Power Of Attorney

"Minor depression is a common disorder that may impair a person's functioning and quality of life and is a serious risk factor for major depression."

Global Healthcare

"Other medications than lithium have been found to be of benefit in controlling mood swings, like the two mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproate (Depakote), both of which have gained wide acceptance in clinical practice, and valproate has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of acute mania."