What is mdd medical

Accessed Jan. Depressive disorders. Arlington, Va. National Institute of Mental Health. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Depression: What you need to know. What is depression? American Psychiatric Association. NIH Senior Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Depression and complementary health approaches: What the science says. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Natural Medicines. Natural medicines in the clinical management of depression.

The road to resilience. American Psychological Association. Simon G, et al. Unipolar depression in adults: Choosing initial treatment. Stewart D, et al. Kimmel MC, et al. Safety of infant exposure to antidepressants and benzodiazepines through breastfeeding.

Bipolar and related disorders. Hirsch M, et al. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs for treating depressed adults. Hall-Flavin DK expert opinion.

Krieger CA expert opinion. Related Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing? Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern? It involves meeting with a therapist regularly to talk about your condition and related issues. Your healthcare professional may also recommend other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. In addition to taking medications and participating in therapy, you can help improve MDD symptoms by making some changes to your daily habits.

Nutritious foods benefit your mind and body, and while no foods can cure depression, certain healthy food choices can benefit your mental well-being. Exercising , especially outdoors and in moderate sunlight, can boost your mood and make you feel better. People with depression often have trouble sleeping.

There is hope. Never stop taking your medications unless your therapist or healthcare professional advises you to. On days when you feel particularly depressed despite treatment, it can be helpful to call a local crisis or mental health service or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Resources are available. Read this article in Spanish. Depression can be debilitating for those that experience it. But there are many effective treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms.

Learn about the most frequently prescribed antidepressant medicines and their most common side effects. There are many types of depression. They share some symptoms but affect people differently.

One of the most frustrating aspects of MDD is its unpredictability. Here are some insightful tips on dealing with your next unexpected episode. Researchers have studied numerous herbs, supplements, and vitamins to determine if they can benefit people with depression. Learn what they've found. Watching a friend live with depression can be painful, but there are ways to help. Learn what to do, avoid, and how to recognize the signs of suicidal…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Depression may develop with time, or an event or a combination of factors may trigger it. Research suggests that in some people, a chemical imbalance in the brain causes depression. Changes in the balance of the hormones progesterone or estrogen can affect the likelihood of depression, according to the OWH. An article in the Chonnam Medical Journal indicates that depression can start after a person experiences a physical condition, such as a stroke, heart attack, or cancer.

Treating depression may involve lifestyle changes, therapy, medication, or a combination of strategies. There are different types of antidepressants. It usually takes 2—4 weeks before results start to show. NIMH indicate that there are many types of psychotherapy, including:. Some people find that depression resolves after a few months of attending psychotherapy, while others need treatment for several years.

Learn more about the different types of psychotherapy here. Brain stimulation therapy techniques may help if other approaches are not effective. A healthful, active lifestyle may help a person manage depression. According to a review , exercising may prevent depression from recurring, but scientists need to conduct more studies to support this. Researchers are still unsure exactly how much exercise a person should do to prevent symptoms of depression.

This is because most exercise guidelines aim to keep the body physically fit, with less focus on the mind. Many factors increase the risk of depression, including :.

It can lead to challenges in many areas, including:. In some cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or self-harm , and even suicide attempts. The family and friends of a person with depression can support them by learning more about their condition and helping them follow their treatment plan.

A person should seek medical attention if they notice symptoms of depression, such as a low mood that lasts for 2 weeks or more. For many, seeking help can feel intimidating. However, depression is a widespread health problem, and a doctor will be able to suggest treatment strategies. Not seeking treatment can lead to further complications. Depression affects people differently.

With treatment, some people find it resolves within weeks or months. Others may need treatment for several years.