Clinical Depression Information

Clinical depression goes by many names, including major depression and major depressive disorder. More than fleeting moments of sadness, this type of depression interferes with your ability to function normally.

Cause

• The exact cause of clinical depression remains unknown, but researchers have linked depression to stress, alcohol abuse, behavior and chemical imbalances in the brain

Clinical Depression Defined

• The American Medical Association defines clinical depression as exhibiting at least five symptoms of depression consistently for at least two weeks.

Symptoms

• Some symptoms of major depression include oversleeping, insomnia, appetite changes, impaired decision-making skills, crying spells, anxiousness and suicidal thoughts.

Medication Therapy

• Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the newer, more popular treatments for clinical depression. Examples of these prescriptions include Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft.

Psychological Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy are the two most common types. Psychiatrists may suggest short-term or long-term therapy depending on the severity of the depression.