Depression

What is Depression?

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and manage daily activities. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and difficulty in functioning. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Symptoms of Depression May Include:

Persistent sadness or a low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
Fatigue or lack of energy
Difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide

Facts About Depression

Depression affects over 280 million people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability.
In the United States, approximately 21 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year.
Depression is more common in women than men and often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Who is at Risk for Depression?

Risk factors for depression may include:

Genetics: A family history of depression or other mental health conditions increases risk.
Sex: Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression.
Age: Depression can occur at any age but is more common in young adults and middle-aged individuals.
Race or Ethnicity: Minority populations may face higher risks due to systemic barriers and stressors.
Environment: Stressful life events, trauma, and lack of social support are significant contributors.
Other Risk Factors: Chronic medical conditions, substance abuse, and hormonal changes can also play a role.

Diagnosis & Management

Depression is diagnosed based on a clinical evaluation, including patient history and symptom assessment. Screening tools, such as the PHQ-9 questionnaire, can help identify the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes.

Treatment Options for Depression

Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments

Medications: Antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics, are commonly used to manage symptoms.
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapy approaches can help address underlying issues.
Advanced Treatments: Options like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be effective for severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Lifestyle Interventions

Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression.
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation, yoga, and journaling can promote mental well-being.
Social Support: Building and maintaining strong relationships can provide emotional relief.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Depression?

At Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research), we are committed to advancing medical care through innovative clinical research. You may be an eligible candidate for a clinical trial exploring new treatment options for depression. For more information on currently enrolling studies, click here.

Resources

CIS does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content provided is for informational purposes only.

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