HD Blog

Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majority-even those whose depression is extremely severe-can be helped. Thanks to years of fruitful research, there are now medications and psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk," or interpersonal that ease the pain of depression.

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. If you feel that you or someone you care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed people in this country, the information presented here may help you take the steps that may save your own or someone else's life.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HD Blog Series on Depression
Introduction to Depression
What is a Depressive Disorder?
Types of Depression
Symptoms of Depression & Mania
Causes of Depression
Depression in Women
Depression in Men
Depression in the Elderly
Depression in Children
Evaluation and Treatment of Depression
Medications for Depression
Side Effects of Depression
Herbal Therapy for Depression
Psychotherapy for Depression
Helping Yourself with Depression
Helping Others with Depression
Getting Help for Depression
Depression References

This information on depression is adapted from a new version of the 1994 edition of Plain Talk About Depression and was written by Margaret Strock, Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, Office of Communications, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Expert assistance was provided by Raymond DePaulo, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Ellen Frank, MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital; Matthew V. Rudorfer, MD, and Clarissa K. Wittenberg, NIMH staff members. Lisa D. Alberts, NIMH staff member, provided editorial assistance.

NIH Publication No. 00-3561
Printed 2000
Updated: August 07, 2003