BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuDepressionBlues; Gloom; Sadness; MelancholyDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for 2 weeks or more.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Considerations Depression can occur in people of all ages:Adults AdultsDepression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Clinical depression is a mood disorder. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Teenagers TeenagersOne in five teenagers have depression at some point. Your teen may be depressed if they are feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Depre...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Older adultsOlder adultsDepression is a mental health condition. It is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration are present nearly every da...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of depression include:Agitation, restlessness, irritability, and anger AgitationAgitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal. An agitated person may feel stirred up, excited, tense, confused, or irritable.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Becoming withdrawn or isolated Fatigue and lack of energy FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, and self-hate Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed including sex Sudden change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss Thoughts of death or suicide SuicideSuicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug over...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble concentrating Trouble sleeping or sleeping too muchRemember that children may have different symptoms than adults. Watch for changes in schoolwork, sleep, and behavior. If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help you learn how to help your child with depression.How to help your child with depressionYour teen's depression may be treated with talk therapy, antidepressant medicines, or a combination of these. Learn about what is available and what...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The main types of depression include:Major depression -- It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for 2 weeks or longer periods of time. Major depressionDepression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Major depression is a mood disorder. It...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Persistent depressive disorder -- This is a depressed mood that lasts 2 years. Over that length of time, you may have periods of major depression, with times when your symptoms are milder. Persistent depressive disorderPersistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic (ongoing) type of depression in which a person's moods are regularly low. Persistent depressive dis...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other common forms of depression include:Postpartum depression -- Many women feel somewhat down after having a baby. However, true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression. Postpartum depressionPostpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -- Symptoms of depression occur 1 week before your period and disappear after you menstruate. Premenstrual dysphoric disorderPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) -- This occurs most often during fall and winter, and disappears during spring and summer. It is most likely due to a lack of sunlight. Seasonal affective disorderSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in winter.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Major depression with psychotic features -- This occurs when a person has depression and loss of touch with reality (psychosis). Major depression with psychotic featureMajor depression with psychotic features is a mental disorder in which a person has depression along with loss of touch with reality (psychosis)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PsychosisPsychosis occurs when a person loses contact with reality. The person may: Have false beliefs about what is taking place, or who one is (delusions)S...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression) -- This occurs when depression alternates with mania. Bipolar disorder has depression as one of its symptoms, but it is a different type of mental illness.Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder is a mental condition in which a person has wide or extreme swings in their mood. Periods of feeling sad and depressed may alternat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes, behaviors you learn at home, or your environment. Depression may be triggered by stressful or unhappy life events. Often, it is a combination of these things.Many factors can bring on depression, including:Alcohol or illicit drug use AlcoholBeer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol (ethanol). Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can put you at risk for alcohol-related problems....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, cancer or long-term (chronic) pain CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleeping problems Some kinds of medicines, such as steroids or beta-blockers Stressful life events, such as job loss, divorce, or death of a spouse or other family member Social isolation (a common cause of depression in older adults) When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You hear voices that are not there. You cry often without cause. Your depression has affected your work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks. You have three or more symptoms of depression. You think one of your current medicines may be making you feel depressed. Do not change or stop taking any medicines without talking to your provider. Do not change or stop taking any medici...Antidepressants are prescription medicines you may take to help with depression, anxiety, or pain. Like any medicine, there are reasons you may take...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You think your child or teen may be depressed. You should also contact your provider if:You think you should cut back on drinking alcohol A family member or friend has asked you to cut back on drinking alcohol Cut back on drinking alcoholMany people with alcohol problems cannot tell when their drinking is a problem or out of control. It is important to be aware of how much you are dr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You feel guilty about the amount of alcohol you drink You drink alcohol first thing in the morning If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.Open ReferencesReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association website. Depressive disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.Fava M, Mischoulon D, Cassano P, Papakostas GI, Stern TA. Depressive disorders. In: Stern TA, Wilens TE, Fava M, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 28.Lyness JM, Lee HB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 362.Manak CK, Kim RK. Mood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 39.National Institute of Mental Health website. Depression. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Updated December 2024. Accessed May 7, 2025.AllVideoImagesTogDepression in children - illustration Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.Depression in childrenillustrationDepression and heart disease - illustration The link between heart disease and depression has long been thought of as cause-and-effect. Studies are now showing that depression itself may contribute to heart disease.Depression and heart diseaseillustrationDepression and the menstrual cycle - illustration A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation.Depression and the menstrual cycleillustrationDepression and insomnia - illustration Studies show bouts of insomnia may predispose individuals to depressive illness. The correlation between sleep disorders and mood disorders holds true across age and gender lines.Depression and insomniaillustrationDepression in children - illustration Children who are depressed may exhibit symptoms differently than adults. For instance, a depressed child may seem bored and unusually irritable.Depression in childrenillustrationDepression and heart disease - illustration The link between heart disease and depression has long been thought of as cause-and-effect. Studies are now showing that depression itself may contribute to heart disease.Depression and heart diseaseillustrationDepression and the menstrual cycle - illustration A form of depression exclusive to women, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a syndrome of depressive symptoms brought about by monthly hormonal fluctuation.Depression and the menstrual cycleillustrationDepression and insomnia - illustration Studies show bouts of insomnia may predispose individuals to depressive illness. The correlation between sleep disorders and mood disorders holds true across age and gender lines.Depression and insomniaillustrationA Closer Look Depression(Alt. Medicine)Depression - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Depression - stopping your medicinesManaging your depression - teensRecognizing teen depressionHelping your teen with depressionLearning about depressionHeart disease and depressionRelated Information Depression in older adults(Condition)Major depression(Condition)Persistent depressive disorder(Condition)Postpartum depression(Condition)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder(Condition)Seasonal affective disorder(Condition)Serotonin syndrome(Condition)Depression - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/19/2025 Reviewed By: Fred K. Berger, MD, DLFAPA, board-certified in psychiatry, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
DepressionBlues; Gloom; Sadness; MelancholyDepression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for 2 weeks or more.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Considerations Depression can occur in people of all ages:Adults AdultsDepression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Clinical depression is a mood disorder. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Teenagers TeenagersOne in five teenagers have depression at some point. Your teen may be depressed if they are feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Depre...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Older adultsOlder adultsDepression is a mental health condition. It is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration are present nearly every da...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms of depression include:Agitation, restlessness, irritability, and anger AgitationAgitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal. An agitated person may feel stirred up, excited, tense, confused, or irritable.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Becoming withdrawn or isolated Fatigue and lack of energy FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, and self-hate Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed including sex Sudden change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss Thoughts of death or suicide SuicideSuicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug over...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Trouble concentrating Trouble sleeping or sleeping too muchRemember that children may have different symptoms than adults. Watch for changes in schoolwork, sleep, and behavior. If you wonder whether your child might be depressed, talk with your health care provider. Your provider can help you learn how to help your child with depression.How to help your child with depressionYour teen's depression may be treated with talk therapy, antidepressant medicines, or a combination of these. Learn about what is available and what...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The main types of depression include:Major depression -- It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with daily life for 2 weeks or longer periods of time. Major depressionDepression is feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Most people feel this way once in a while. Major depression is a mood disorder. It...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Persistent depressive disorder -- This is a depressed mood that lasts 2 years. Over that length of time, you may have periods of major depression, with times when your symptoms are milder. Persistent depressive disorderPersistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic (ongoing) type of depression in which a person's moods are regularly low. Persistent depressive dis...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other common forms of depression include:Postpartum depression -- Many women feel somewhat down after having a baby. However, true postpartum depression is more severe and includes the symptoms of major depression. Postpartum depressionPostpartum depression is moderate to severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later....Read Article Now Book Mark Article Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -- Symptoms of depression occur 1 week before your period and disappear after you menstruate. Premenstrual dysphoric disorderPremenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) -- This occurs most often during fall and winter, and disappears during spring and summer. It is most likely due to a lack of sunlight. Seasonal affective disorderSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in winter.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Major depression with psychotic features -- This occurs when a person has depression and loss of touch with reality (psychosis). Major depression with psychotic featureMajor depression with psychotic features is a mental disorder in which a person has depression along with loss of touch with reality (psychosis)....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PsychosisPsychosis occurs when a person loses contact with reality. The person may: Have false beliefs about what is taking place, or who one is (delusions)S...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic depression) -- This occurs when depression alternates with mania. Bipolar disorder has depression as one of its symptoms, but it is a different type of mental illness.Bipolar disorderBipolar disorder is a mental condition in which a person has wide or extreme swings in their mood. Periods of feeling sad and depressed may alternat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes, behaviors you learn at home, or your environment. Depression may be triggered by stressful or unhappy life events. Often, it is a combination of these things.Many factors can bring on depression, including:Alcohol or illicit drug use AlcoholBeer, wine, and liquor all contain alcohol (ethanol). Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can put you at risk for alcohol-related problems....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, cancer or long-term (chronic) pain CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sleeping problems Some kinds of medicines, such as steroids or beta-blockers Stressful life events, such as job loss, divorce, or death of a spouse or other family member Social isolation (a common cause of depression in older adults) When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You hear voices that are not there. You cry often without cause. Your depression has affected your work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks. You have three or more symptoms of depression. You think one of your current medicines may be making you feel depressed. Do not change or stop taking any medicines without talking to your provider. Do not change or stop taking any medici...Antidepressants are prescription medicines you may take to help with depression, anxiety, or pain. Like any medicine, there are reasons you may take...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You think your child or teen may be depressed. You should also contact your provider if:You think you should cut back on drinking alcohol A family member or friend has asked you to cut back on drinking alcohol Cut back on drinking alcoholMany people with alcohol problems cannot tell when their drinking is a problem or out of control. It is important to be aware of how much you are dr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You feel guilty about the amount of alcohol you drink You drink alcohol first thing in the morning If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.Open ReferencesReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association website. Depressive disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.Fava M, Mischoulon D, Cassano P, Papakostas GI, Stern TA. Depressive disorders. In: Stern TA, Wilens TE, Fava M, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 28.Lyness JM, Lee HB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 362.Manak CK, Kim RK. Mood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 39.National Institute of Mental Health website. Depression. www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression. Updated December 2024. Accessed May 7, 2025.
