Depression: Key Q&A

Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.

How can I tell if I'm depressed or just sad?
Depression is different from occasionally feeling blue. If feelings of unhappiness are persistent and debilitating, interfering with your activities and relationships, you may be clinically depressed.

What is the most common symptom of depression?
Although depression has many symptoms, perhaps the most common is altered mood. If you are suffering from depression, you may experience profound sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability or apathy (lack of emotion). You may also be pessimistic, discouraged, extremely sensitive or subject to crying spells.

How common is depression among women?
Women are nearly twice as likely to develop depression as men. As many as one out of every five women will experience depression during her lifetime, with females between the ages of 18 and 45 accounting for the majority of all cases of depression.

Whom can I contact to find out if I'm depressed?
Despite being a serious and common disorder, depression is underdiagnosed. This is largely because many people are embarrassed to seek help for the condition or they may fail to recognize that their symptoms are something treatable. If you suspect that you are depressed, contact your primary care doctor or a mental health professional who is qualified to diagnose depression.

Will my children develop depression because I have the condition?
Depression can be hereditary. The risk of depression may be as high as 25 percent in children of patients with a history of the disorder. Other first-degree relatives (parents, brothers and sisters) of depressed individuals also have a greater risk of developing depression. However, just because you're depressed doesn't mean that your children will definitely develop depression.

How is depression typically treated?
Depression is generally treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant medications or a combination of both. If you have a mild form of depression, you may respond well to psychotherapy alone. However, if you have moderate to severe depression, you'll probably also require antidepressant medication.

Do antidepressants typically produce side effects?
The most commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They produce fewer side effects than the older antidepressant drugs. Patients may still experience side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, anxiety, insomnia and stomach upset. However, these usually subside within a few weeks after your body gets used to the medication. The antidepressant medication may take up to a month to reach its full effectiveness. Antidepressants can produce serious side effects if you stop taking them suddenly. Always ask your doctor how to stop taking antidepressants. If you continue to experience unpleasant side effects, he or she may adjust the medication dosage or prescribe a different medication.

Are antidepressant medications safe to use during pregnancy?
To date, research on the effects of antidepressant medications on a developing fetus is varied. Some are known to be harmful, while others are not. If you are on antidepressants, talk to your doctor before getting pregnant, if possible. If you are pregnant and taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about safe ways to discontinue them. Depending on the severity of your depression, discontinuation may be a bigger risk to your health than antidepressants would be to your baby.

What does psychotherapy involve?
During psychotherapy, the patient discusses depression and any related issues with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker. Such a professional can help a depressed individual find better ways to cope, solve problems and set realistic goals, as well as manage suicide risk if there is any.