Major Depressive Disorder

The Major Depressive Disorder topic includes research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of major depressive disorder and major depression, including major depressive episodes and seasonal affective disorder. Major depression is characterized by a period of at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest in activities and can lead to problems sleeping, concentrating, or eating. It can prevent a person from just taking pleasure in their daily life.

Depression can coincide with other disorders, may have a genetic component, and may result from stress or other environmental triggers. The most common treatments for depression are psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of those two things, especially for more severe cases. Those who do not respond to medications may get relief from transcranial magnetic stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy.