Symptoms

• Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy and interest in daily activities, crying spells, deep sadness, insomnia, appetite or weight fluctuations, and problems concentrating. Individually, these symptoms can be considered part of the human experience. However, if an individual exhibits five or more symptoms for at least two weeks, it is likely he is in a major depressive state.
  
  

Causes

• There are no clear definitive guidelines to identify the cause for clinical depression. Often there is a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Risk factors that may trigger the onset of clinical depression include a family history of depression, alcohol or drug abuse, stressful life experiences, loneliness, or devastating life changes such as divorce or loss of employment.
  
  

Treatment

• The most common treatment for clinical depression in adults is antidepressants and therapy. Exercise is also strongly encouraged. A combination of lifestyle changes, professional help and asking for support from family and friends has shown to be very successful in treating this illness.
  
  

Affected Groups

• Clinical depression affects all walks of life. Teens may be quite irritable, volatile or hostile. Men, less likely to discuss depressive symptoms, may be violent, aggressive,and become involved in substance abuse. Women may sleep for long periods of time, overeat or have great feelings of guilt.