Depression Medical Information

Depression is a common, yet serious mood disorder.  It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. There are different categories of depression: persistent depressive disorder, a depressed mood which can last up to two years. post-partum depression, psychotic depression, a combination of psychosis and depression, and seasonal affect disorder (depression which occurs during specific times of year such as winter). 

Signs and Symptoms

• Feeling of helplessness or hopelessness
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Appetite or weight change
• Sleep Change
• Anger or Irritability
• Loss of Energy
• Self-Loathing
• Reckless Behavior
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Unexplained aches and pains

Treatment Options Include 

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) — Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft(sertraline), and Celexa (citalopram).
• Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) — Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Pristiq (deslavenfaxine).
• Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) — Wellbutrin (bupropion)