Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments You Should Know

Depressive disorders, also grouped under the term "depression," are common mental disorders that affect all segments of the population. 

They are characterized by persistent sadness or a long-lasting loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.

Depression must be distinguished from ordinary mood changes and the feelings that can arise in daily life. In a depressive episode, the depressed mood is present most of the day and appears almost every day for at least two weeks. 

People with depression may suffer from sleep disturbances and changes in appetite. They may also have low self-esteem or suicidal thoughts and feel hopeless about the future. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are also common symptoms.

Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through difficult experiences, such as abuse or bereavement, are more likely to suffer from a depressive disorder. Experiencing problems at school or in the workplace can also lead to depression.

The effectiveness of prevention programs to relieve depression has been proven. There are also effective psychological and pharmacological treatments, although they are often unavailable or inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries. 

It is estimated that more than 75% of people suffering from mental disorders in these countries receive no treatment.