Depression

Broader Terms

emotion

Related Terms

hypercortisolism

Scope Note

unpleasant, but not necessarily irrational or pathological, mood state characterized by sadness, despair, or discouragement; "the blues"; may also involve low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and somatic symptoms such as eating and sleep disturbance.

Facts

• Depression represents a mental state that is characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and lack of activity.
• Depression refers to state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness, or to a minor downturn in mood.
• Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment, although the great majorityeven those whose depression is extremely severecan be helped.
• Research suggests that the best way to cure depression is with drugs and counselling combined.
• Because depression is so common, it is important to understand the difference between unhappiness or sadness in daily life and the symptoms of clinical depression.