Research Notes - Depression

Basic Information

What is Depression?

Depression is a category of mental illnesses caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. It leads to a wide range of symptoms. It is treatable.

What type of disorder is it?

It is a mental disorder

How long does it last?

Depression is chronic, no matter which type you have.

What are some common causes?

Common causes include traumatic events, bullying, harassment, abuse, loneliness, major life changes, delivering a baby, genetics, or puberty. However, there is no one singular cause of depression

What are some common symptoms?

Common symptoms include feelings of loneliness, feeling empty, low motivation, time blindness (time either seems slower or faster), low or high appetite, unexpected weight loss or gain, low self esteem, and thoughts of self harm or suicide.

Is it a single disorder or a group of disorders?

Depression is a group of disorders.

If it's a group, how many types of it are there?

There are about ten medically recognized disorders.

Is there a life expectancy?

People can live an otherwise healthy life with proper treatment. However, suicide often takes the lives of those with depression earlier than normal.

Is this disorder fatal?

Not on its own, but suicide, an unfortunately common occurrence with depression, is fatal.

Can this disorder lead to complications/other disorders?

It can lead to a multitude of other illnesses. Common ones include eating disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, or sometimes even physical sicknesses. It can lower the immune system and cause the patient to experience more frequent, longer, and more severe sicknesses.

Is a patient born with this disorder or does it appear later on?

Typically depression appears around puberty, but it can appear late on in life.

What is the typical age range for this disorder?

Typically teenagers have the highest rates, but adults and the elderly especially are common as well.

What are some common treatment options, if any?

Treatments include exercise, therapy, hospitalization, medications, obtaining a trusted friend circle, repairing relationships, eating correctly, practicing good hygiene and self care, and shifting negative thoughts into positive ones over time.

Who are the typical physicians that diagnose and treat this condition?

Mostly psychiatrists who specialize in depression.