1. Won't depression just go away on its own?
2. What causes depression?
3. What are the symptoms of depression?
4. How do I know if I suffer from depression?
5. What are the available treatments for depression?
1. Won't depression just go away on its own?
Everyone gets sad sometimes—a brief "blue mood," disappointments,
grief after losing a loved one. Depression, though, is different.
You can't just "snap out of it"—no more than you could
snap out of a case of diabetes. Depression is a disease that requires
medical attention and treatment. Otherwise, if left untreated, depression
can last months or, in some cases, years. In order to help you get
better, you need treatment, which is why your healthcare professional
may prescribe Lexapro.
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2. What causes depression?
The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be caused by
an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genes may also play a role
in not providing your brain with enough serotoninA neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin in the brain..
Find out more about the causes
of depression.
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3. What are the symptoms of depression?
The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some
symptoms may include a persistent depressed or irritable mood, lack
of pleasure in activities, a sudden change in weight, change in sleep
habits, agitation or restlessness, constant fatigue, feelings of worthlessness,
or frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
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4. How do I know if I suffer from depression?
If you think you may be suffering from depression, take our Depression
Self-Screener. The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your
answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly
diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a
qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.
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5. What are the available treatments for depression?
There are two major approaches to treating depression that can be
used alone or together. Counseling, or psychotherapy, can help people
find new ways to cope with problems and understand more about depression
and how to avoid it. Antidepressant medicines relieve the symptoms
of depression by restoring chemical imbalances in the brain. These
medicines may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well
and are generally safe.
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more about treatments for depression | Back to top >>
Learn more about Lexapro.