Depression Archive

More than two dozen antidepressants are approved to treat mood and anxiety disorders, and one person in 10 takes them.

Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. But using them can be tricky. "We can't predict exactly how someone will respond to treatment because we're all biologically different," says Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

A six-month program decreased depression and led to fewer, less severe symptoms of heart disease.

Exercising, meditating, socializing, and volunteering can lift you out of a funk.

Getting the blues can happen to anyone, but it doesn't mean you have a chronic medical condition like depression. A little diversion might help you feel like yourself again. "If you're down about something, step away from it for a period and do something else," suggests Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Consider these boosters, and take the steps to fit them into your life.

People with hearing loss are more likely to have depression. This is particularly true in women.

Q. I have been feeling sad and without much interest in my social life for the past few weeks. My doctor diagnosed me with mild depression. She asked that I come back in a month for follow-up. Isn't there something else I should do to feel better?

A. Mild depression is more common in women than in men. When you're depressed, you may have symptoms like a sad mood, crying spells, lack of pleasure in your regular activities, anxiousness, or irritability. You might also feel physical symptoms, like gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, nausea, pain, or vomiting), chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and sexual problems. Depression can interfere with your concentration, memory, and decision-making ability and make you feel worthless and hopeless.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and magnetic stimulation can make a difference.

When it comes to treating depression, medication isn't always effective. While a majority of patients get at least some benefit from antidepressants, as many as a third get no relief from them at all.

ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. 

Q. Does the acne drug, isotretinoin (Accutane), cause depression and suicide, or are psychiatric risks from the Accutane side effects exaggerated?

A good workout makes you feel better, and regular exercise not only enhances physical health but can lift mood, reduce stress, and heighten self-esteem by improving appearance and physical strength. But how useful is exercise for people with severe depression or anxiety or chronic mental illness? Hundreds of studies now show that it can help — but there are qualifications.

Many reviews and meta-analyses show that regular physical activity is correlated with improvement in clinical depression and anxiety, mild to moderate depressive symptoms, insomnia, and resilience under stress. People who become or remain physically fit or active are less likely to develop clinical depression.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Learn how you can capitalize on these gains for years to come.

You did it! You gave up cigarettes. Just by quitting, you've made a huge stride in improving your health and extending your life. After all the hard work you've done, make sure you take all steps necessary to reap the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle for years to come.

Learn the warning signs: Depression is often unrecognized in people with heart disease.