Depression: Most Popular Articles

Depression Test
Have you been looking for a depression test? Take our depression test to see if you need to seek professional help.

Zoloft (sertraline) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Zoloft (sertraline). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Alcoholism Test
Do you have a problem with alcoholism? This alcoholism test, called the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, is designed to provide a rapid and effective screening for alcoholism.

Anxiety Self Test
Do you think you may have an anxiety disorder? Take this anxiety self test to see if you have the symptoms of a panic or anxiety disorder.

Signs and Symptoms Depression
A list of the most common depression symptoms and what variations an individual might experience in those symptoms.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Wellbutrin (bupropion). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Celexa (citalopram) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Celexa (citalopram). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Depression Test I
How much do you know about depression? Take our depression test and see if you have the facts! Also, try our popular Depression Test II.

Effexor (venlafaxine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Effexor (venlafaxine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Depression Screening Quiz
The following depression screening quiz, known as The Wakefield Questionnaire, is presented here to help you become more familiar with the signs and symptoms of depression. This questionnaire is not intended to replace a visit to a mental health professional. Only a professional can diagnose depression. The completed questionnaire can be shown to a healthcare professional to help open a dialogue about depression.

It Might Not Be the Flu!
If you're feeling fluish after recently stopping an antidepressant it may not be a bug you've come down with. Many antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Effexor Withdrawal
Are brain shivers what you get when you eat your ice cream too fast? Not hardly. Many patients experience Effexor withdrawal, often referred to as "brain shivers".

Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Tips to Reduce Antidepressa...
The following are some possible methods to alleviate uncomfortable discontinuation symptoms that are often experienced when an antidepressant is stopped. These are not meant to constitute medical advice, but are rather ideas from practicing psychopharmacologists that you can discuss with your own physician. You should never discontinue a medication without your doctor's consent and guidance.

World Health Organization
A description of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Prozac (fluoxetine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Prozac (fluoxetine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

5-HTP and Depression
Q: What are the pros and cons of using 5-HTP is an antidepressant?

Online Depression Tests
Are you looking for an online depression test? Our Depression Test Index contains a full list of all our online depression tests and screening quizzes.

Depression Knowledge Quiz II
The Depression Knowledge Quiz was so popular that we've added a second quiz with new questions! Come test your depression knowledge!

Remeron (mirtazapine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Remeron (mirtazapine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Manic Episode Screening Test
Have you ever experienced a manic episode? Take this manic episode screening test to see if you have the symptoms of mania.

Ask Your Guide
Get answers about Zoloft withdrawal, tapering off your meds and MAOIs vs. SSRIs for depression.

Vitamin for Depression?
Did you ever wish that you could take a vitamin for depression? Well, for some of you it may be just that simple. There are a variety of vitamin deficiencies that can lead to depression symptoms.

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist
Q: What is the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist?

Stop Procrastination- -Now!
Procrastination avoidance tips. Finding your procrastination style so you can limit procrastination.

Suicide Is Not Painless
The fact is there is no 100% fool proof method of suicide, nor is it a pretty sight for those left behind. If you're considering suicide here's some food for thought.

Living with Depression
Helpful for tips for living well with depression.

Suicide Myths Quiz
When it comes to suicide, myths and half-truths abound. Test your knowledge about suicide myths and facts with our Suicide Myths Quiz.

Zoloft Half-Life
Q: What is the half-life of Zoloft and what symptoms can one experience by tapering off too quickly?

Best Anxiety Medications
Q: What are the best anxiety medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Depression Treatments
Information about the types of depression treatments which are available to you.

Facts You Should Know
Depression is a very real and treatable illness. Understanding the facts about depression can save lives.

Beyond Sadness
Do you suffer from clinical depression or is it just normal sadness? How to tell the difference.

Bad Choices, Bad Habits
When it comes to breaking bad habits experts say it's essential to regain your ability to make a choice about that action. Read here about the simple steps you need to take to break those annoying habits of yours.

Types of Depression
There are several types of depression. A summary is each type of depression is provided here.

Diagnosis of Depression
Information about how depression is diagnosed, including the official DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, the signs and symptoms to look for and the most common types of depression diagnoses.

Heal a Broken Heart
A simple how to on how to heal a broken heart, from your About Guide.

Got the Bedroom Blues?
Got the bedroom blues? Wellbutrin may be the antidepressant for you.

The Chemistry of Depression
You've probably probably heard the term "neurotransmitter" before, but what does this really mean? Learn all about neurotransmitters and their influence on mood regulation.

Citalopram (Celexa)
A profile of the antidepressant drug Citalopram (Celexa)

How to Help the Depressed
If you care about someone who's depressed, here are some suggestions for what you can do to help them.

Marijuana and Depression
Q: Is it a bad idea to use marijuana to relieve depression?

Know if You're Depressed (o...
How to know if you're depressed (or manic). Simple screening quizzes that you can use in the privacy of your own home.

Alcohol and Depression Facts
Essential facts that you need to know regarding depression, suicide and alcohol use.

Depression Chat Rooms
Come join us in a safe, supportive environment to chat about depression and related issues. Rooms are hosted. Open 24/7.

You Are What You Think
What are cognitive distortions and why do they have such a powerful effect on mood?

Major Depressive Disorder
The diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder according to the [i]DSM-IV[/i].

Paxil Withdrawal
A member having rather severe withdrawal symptoms while quitting Paxil shares here daily diary of her experiences.

Beat Depression Without Pre...
A simple how to on beating depression without prescription drugs, from your About.com guide.

Atypical Depression
Do you experience symptoms such as improved mood when good things happen, overeating, sleeping too much or sensitivity to rejection? Atypical depression is more common than the name implies and proper recognition can make a difference in your treatment choices.

The Best Antidepressant?
Q: There are so many different antidepressants. How do doctors decide what medication to use?

Is Zoloft Addictive?
Q: I have read a lot of articles that say Zoloft is not addicting; indeed, my own psychiatrist says it is not, yet it has withdrawal symptoms and he cannot explain it so that I can understand it. How can a drug not be addictive and still have withdrawal symptoms?

Depression Tests
Do you suspect that you might be depressed? Our depression test is free and completely confidential.

How Doctors Choose Your Antide
Yes, there is a method to the madness! This article reveals how doctors may select the best antidepressant for your needs.

Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common side-effect with antidepressants. These tips are recommended for reducing antidepressant weight gain.

Depression in a Relationship
Depression in a relationship can lead to pain and frustration for both parties. If you are in a relationship with someone who has depression, these are some tips for helping your partner.

Gift Ideas for the Depressed
Do you need a gift idea for someone you care about who is depression? Try one of these gift ideas, appropriate for Christmas, Birthdays or just about any occasion.

Antidepressant Basics
A review of the major antidepressant types, including SSRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics and newer medications.

Chat Room and Forum Rules
To make our chat rooms and forum a pleasant experience for all, we ask that members observe the guidelines for polite behavior in the chat room and forum.

Doctor-Patient Communication
Communication is the most important thing you can do to get the most benefit from your doctor, yet so often the lines of communication break down or are never adequately established. Why?

Psychotherapy FAQ
Answers to your most frequently asked questions about psychotherapy.

Am I Depressed
Q: Are you here because you have been wondering, "Am I Depressed?" The best way to know if you may be suffering 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.

St. John's Wort Revisited
I've been using St. John's Wort for several years to control my depression. This article contains everything I have learned about using it safely and effectively.

Cope With Stress
A simple how to on how to cope with stress, from your About Guide.

Books for Friends and Famil...
Books for those who love someone who is depressed. Includes stories from suicide survivors and how to help someone you love.

Food Allergies and Depression
Perhaps our modern diet is the cause of many cases of depression. Experts speculate that wheat gluten and cow's milk are not foods we have been prepared to consume through our evolutionary processes.

I Think I'm Depressed
So you think you may be depressed and you are wondering what kind of doctor you should see for your treatment? Get expert answers here.

Childhood Depression
Childhood depression is not a myth. What you need to know about the symptoms and treatment of childhood depression.

Chat and Forum
Are you looking for an online depression support group? Our moderated forum and chat room may be just what you are looking for. Stop on by.

Antidepressants and Pregnancy
Mothers who become pregnant while taking an antidepressant are forced to make a difficult choice. Should they stop taking their medication in order to ensure the health of their baby or should they continue to take their antidepressant to ensure that they don't become severely depressed?

Dear World: A Suicide Letter
An interview with Paul Jones, the author of "Dear World: A Suicide Letter".

Depresson or Bipolar Disorder
Are you currently diagnosed with depression, but suspect you may actually have bipolar disorder? Our Manic Episode Screening Test can help you become familiar with the symptoms of mania and determine if you may have experienced a manic episode in the past.

Books About Depression and ...
A collection of books which help kids understand both normal feelings like grief, frustration and sadness as well as mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

PTSD - Symptoms Screening
Are you experiencing fearfulness, nightmares and depression that just won't go away after a traumatic event? Take this screening quiz to see if you have the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Do You Have PMS Symptoms?
Are you experiencing PMS symptoms or PMDD? This article lists PMS symptoms and PMDD symptoms, explains diagnosis and includes a tracking tool for tracking your cycles.

Anxiety Disorder Facts
Test your anxiety disorder knowledge with this Anxiety Disorder Facts Quiz.

Depression & Cortisol Related?
Q: What is the effect of the stress hormone cortisol on serotonin levels? Are cortisol and depression related?

Most Common Types of Depressio
Descriptions of the most common types of depression.

Alcohol and Antidepressants
Q: Is it dangerous to drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?

The ADA and You
What are your rights as a depressed person if you experience discrimation on the job? The ADA and you.

Elavil, Endep, Amitripyline Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Elavil, Endep, Amitripyline. First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

How to Help a Suicidal Friend
What top suicide prevention organizations recommend that you should do when you are trying to help someone who is feeling suicidal.

Teen Suicide Facts
Fact sheet for parents of troubled teens about suicide.

Wellbutrin and Alcohol
A forum member reports that mixing Wellbutrin and alcohol worsens her depression for three days after.

How Long for Meds to Work?
Q: How long does depression usually last once medication is begun?

Generic Prozac
Q: Is generic Prozac just as good? In theory, yes, but many say there is a difference between brand name and generic Prozac.

How to Help a Suicidal Person
How to help someone who is feeling suicidal. Prepared by Suicide Prevention Resources.

Tired All the Time
Q: Is being tired all the time a zoloft withdrawal symptom?

Before You Buy Herbs
Herbs and supplements are just as much medication as what you would be prescribed by a doctor, so you must know how to use them safely and effectively. Learn more about how to purchase and use depression herbs and supplements safely and effectively.

Desyrel (trazodone) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Desyrel (trazodone) First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Abnormal Behavior
A definition for the psychology term "abnormal behavior".

PMS Alternatives
Stop treating your PMS with drugs that mask the symptoms. There are herbs available which can safely restore your normal hormonal balance.

Jim Carrey
A profile of the comedian Jim Carrey and his struggles with depression.

Harrison Ford
A profile of the actor Harrison Ford and his struggles with depression.

Sexual Dysfunction Tips
Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect from many antidepressants, in particular SSRIs. These are the top doctor recommended tips for coping with antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction.

Weight Matters
Diet expert says antidepressant weight gain can be countered through carbohydrate control along with a proper regimen of diet and exercise.

Bupropion Hydrochloride
Patient information sheet for bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin).

Depression Medications
Information about the types of medications available for depression and important facts you need to know about them.

Buspar (buspirone) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Buspar (buspirone). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Zoloft and St. John's Wort
Q: Can Zoloft and St. John's Wort be mixed safely?

Dysthymic Disorder
The DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of Dysthymic Disorder.

Signs and Symptoms
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of childhood depression.

Gotta Catch Some Zzzs!
You can beat insomnia naturally without resorting to sleeping pills by developing these simple habits.

Tips for Keeping a Clean House
Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores, yet a dirty living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged. The following tips can help you get a handle on your house work.

What Is Agitated Depression?
Q: I've been told I have "agitated depression", but I can't find any information about it. What is it?

How Antidepressants Work
Each class of antidepressant affects the brain in a different way. Explore how antidepressants affect brain chemistry and lift mood.

Healing Power of Forgiveness
The Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow. How can you forget the unforgettable? How can you forgive the unforgivable? To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness, however, we needn't go that far.

Dizziness, Shock-Like Feelings
Q: Sometimes I feel a strange sort of dizziness, shock-like feelings in my head, or a feeling like my brain isn't moving with my head. What is this?

Teen Self-Injury Facts
Fact sheet for parents of troubled teens about self-harm or SI.

Food and Mood
How food affects your mood, why you binge on sugar and chocolate, and how you can cope with the cravings.

Discontinuation Syndrome
If you stop taking your antidepressant too abruptly you can experience something called discontinuation syndrome. Learn about the best way to avoid discontinuation syndrome.

Depression Can Be a Real Pain!
Holding in stress can lead to psychosomatic illness, pain and other physical symptoms.

Best Brands of St. John's Wort
I'm sure there are other good brands out there, but GNC Herbal Plus is the only one I feel comfortable with recommending. I have trusted it for years with my own mental health because it's consistent in potency from one bottle to the next, the price is good and I like having the different formulations to choose from.

Teen Alcohol Facts
Fact sheet for parents of troubled teens about alcohol abuse and depression.

Can Vitamins Help Depression?
Q: Can taking vitamin or mineral supplements help depression?

Get the Facts About Depression
Get the facts about depression. It could just save a life!

Psychotherapy 101
"Counseling" and "psychotherapy" are terms that are often used interchangeably. What is the difference between them?

Double Trouble
Drugs and alcohol cause double trouble for the depressed. The facts about self-medication and dual diagnosis.

Free or Low-Cost Treatment
Searching for free depression treatment? One of these free or lower cost depression treatment ideas may be for you.

Lexapro Earns FDA Approval
On August 15, 2002, it was announced by Forest Laboratories, Inc. that their new antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) had received FDA approval. Lexapro, the single-isomer of Celexa, is reported to be well-tolerated and may offer some distinct advantages over the drug it is derived from.

St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort: Does natural really mean safe when it comes to herbal treatments for depression?

Online Depression Support
Where to find depression support online. Newsgroups, mailing lists, forums, chats, more.

Edronax, Vestra (reboxetine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Edronax, Vestra (reboxetine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

Whom to Call When Suicidal
Are you in crisis and feel like there's nowhere to turn? Here is a list of some of the options you have to ask for help.

Teen Self-Esteem and Sex Facts
Fact sheet for parents of troubled teens about depression, self-esteem and risky sexual behavior.

Social Security Disability Benefits for Depression
Chat transcript of lawyer Stanley Denman giving expert advice about what it takes to win your social security disability claim if you suffer from chronic depression.

Attention Deficit Disorder
A definition of the term "Attention Deficit Disorder".

The Myth of a Happy Childhood
Is childhood really a time of bliss? The truth is, childhood depression is very real.

Mutant Gene Link
A mutant gene that starves the brain of serotonin, a mood-regulating chemical messenger, has been discovered and found to be 10 times more prevalent in depressed patients than in control subjects, report researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Anhedonia
A definition of the term "Anhedonia".

Online Prescriptions
With hundreds of drug-dispensing Websites in business, how can consumers tell which sites are legitimate ones, especially when it is very easy to set up a site that is very professional looking and promises deep discounts or a minimum of hassles?

More Than Just "Baby Blues"
Postpartum depression is more than just the baby blues. It can range from mild symptoms that go away without treatment all the way up to postpartum psychosis, which left untreated, may be responsible for tragic murders of children.

St. John's Wort Dose
Q: What is the proper dose of St. John's Wort?

Diana, Princess of Wales
A profile of Diana, Princess of Wales and her struggles with depression and eating disorders.

What Causes Depression?
Q: What changes in brain chemistry happen that cause depression?

Depression FAQ
Find answers to anything you ever wanted to know about depression in our Depression FAQ.

Low-Carb Recipe Index
One of the ways I've dealt with my depression is through diet. I've found that eliminating processed sugar and flour have helped me tremendously. Not only are my moods more stable, but my energy is up and my weight is down. The following are some of my favorite recipes. If you are following a low-carb diet like Atkins, CAD or Sugar Busters you will find these are great additions to your recipe collection.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
A profile of the antidepressant drug Duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Feeling Good
A review of the book "Feeling Good: the New Mood Therapy".

Which Doctor Is Best?
Why getting your antidepressants from your family doctor may be hindering your recovery from depression.

Luvox (fluvoxamine) Side-Effects
Members share their personal experiences with Luvox (fluvoxamine). First hand accounts of what side-effects you can expect.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?
How is depression diagnosed? What criteria are used to diagnose depression? Is there a test that can be used to diagnose depression?

Provisional Vs. Differential
Q: I had an assessment done by a psychiatrist, and on the report was a provisional diagnosis and a differential diagnosis. I'm not too sure what they mean. Can you help?

Serotonin Syndrome
A description of the causes, symptoms and treatment of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous buildup of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Is Effexor the Rx for You?
Study indicates that venlafaxine (Effexor) may be a more effective first-line treatment for depression than SSRIs.

Change Your Life
Once again we are beginning a new year. For many of us this signals an opportunity for making new beginnings in our lives. Unfortunately, although most of us start out full of resolve and determination, we end up falling short of our goals. We know we can benefit from change in our lives, but how do we make those changes become lasting ones? Try these tips to increase your chances of success.

Unipolar Depression
A definition for the term "unipolar depression".

St. John's Wort Interactions
Q: I've heard that St. John's Wort can interact with certain prescription drugs. What can you tell me about this?

Billy Joel
A profile of the musician Billy Joel and his struggles with depression.

Antidepressants Addictive?
Are antidepressants addictive? Get the facts about whether antidepressants are addictive.