Answers to your most frequently asked questions about depression, from Nancy Schimelpfening, About.com Guide to Depression.
1. Am I Depressed?
The best way to know if you may be suffering from the symptoms of depression is to take a screening test. There is a free, confidential test provided on this site that will help you determine if you may need to see a doctor for further evaluation.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
If you have experienced five or more of the listed symptoms within the same two week period -- especially if a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure are among your symptoms -- this could be indicative of an episode of depression. The symptoms should not be accounted for by another illness, drugs of abuse or prescription medications.
3. What Is the Difference Between Clinical Depression and Sadness?
Although depression is often thought of a being an extreme state of sadness, there is a vast difference between clinical depression and sadness.
4. What Causes Depression?
You've probably heard the term
neurotransmitter before, but what does this really mean? This article explains the role that neurotransmitters play in depression.
5. How Is Depression Treated?
This article provides a general outline of the basic types of treatment that are available for depression.
6. How Long Will It Take for Me to Feel Better?
Your doctor will provide you with specific information about your medication, but this article can give you a general idea of what to expect when you begin treatment.
7. Where Can I Find Reliable Drug Information?
In order to provide you with quality information about your medications, About.com has partnered with Gold Standard, a leading developer of drug information databases and software. Gold Standard is a provider of drug information for many hospitals, pharmacies and medical schools across the U.S. so you can trust them to provide you with reliable and timely information about your prescription drugs.
8. How Do I Select a Doctor?
When selecting a doctor, it is important to keep a few things in mind, such as their level of experience and how comfortable you feel working with them. These articles give further tips for selecting a doctor or therapist to treat you for depression.
9. Where Can I Find Internet Support Groups?
To find a good peer support group for depression, you don't need to look any farther than About.com. Our moderated forum is one of the best places around to obtain support among people who understand depression.
10. Whom Should I Call If I Feel Suicidal?
If you are feeling suicidal, there are numerous resources available to help you. You can make a toll-free call to speak with a crisis counselor from anywhere in the U.S. by dialing either 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255. Residents of other countries can search for crisis lines in their country by visiting
Befrienders Worldwide. To locate additional crisis resources, please click the link below.
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