Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It has become a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping or thinking patterns and is not the same as being unhappy or in a "blue" mood, nor is it a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. Children with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Treatment is often necessary and many times crucial to recovery.
Primary Types of Depression
- Major depression: clinical depression
- Bipolar disorder: manic depression
- Dysthymic disorder: dysthymia
Who Is Affected?
The National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, reports the following:
- Research indicates that depression onset is occurring earlier in life today than in past decades.
- Early-onset depression often persists, recurs and continues into adulthood. Depression in youth may also predict more severe illness in adulthood.
- There is an increased incidence of depression in children whose parents experience depression.
Risk Factors
The following are the most common risk factors for major depression:
- Family history of depression (especially if a parent experienced depression as a child or adolescent)
- Excessive stress
- Abuse or neglect
- Trauma (physical and/or emotional)
- Other psychiatric disorders
- Loss of a parent, caregiver or other loved one
- Cigarette smoking
- Loss of a relationship (i.e., moving away, loss of boyfriend/girlfriend)
- Other chronic illnesses (i.e., diabetes)
- Other developmental, learning, or conduct disorders