Depression

Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and decrease your ability to function at work and at home.

Depression is a major problem in the United States, and it is costly. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that depression costs $83 billion each year. Depression affects people of all ages, although it is most common in women ages 20 to 59. It can strike at any age and can last a short time or go on for years. It can be mild or severe.

Depression's most common symptoms include:

Prolonged sadness and/or feelings of hopelessness
Loss of interest in almost all activities
Sleep disturbances (insomnia, excessive sleeping)
Fatigue and decreased energy
Weight changes (unintentional weight loss or gain)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

The good news is that depression is treatable. For many people, depression does not go away on its own, but treatment can help. Depression usually can be successfully treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.