What is the difference between depression and a depressive episode?
"Depression" is a general term. A depressive episode is a defined clinical period of at least two weeks with specific symptoms that meet criteria for one of the depressive disorders. A person can have one episode in their life, or many.
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder is defined by discrete episodes of at least two weeks. Persistent depressive disorder is defined by a continuous low mood, more days than not, for at least two years in adults. A meaningful share of patients have both at different points.
Is sadness the same as depression?
No. Sadness is an emotion. Depression is a clinical pattern that includes mood changes plus changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, motivation, and self-view, lasting at least two weeks and causing meaningful impact on life.
What is anhedonia?
Anhedonia is a reduced ability to feel pleasure or to anticipate pleasure. It is one of the two core symptoms of major depressive disorder.
What does SSRI stand for?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is a class of antidepressants that increases serotonin signaling in the brain.
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Most people start to notice changes in two to six weeks. Sleep, appetite, and energy often shift before mood does. The first medication tried is not always the right one.
What is suicidal ideation?
Thoughts about ending one's own life. The thoughts sit on a spectrum from passive wishes to die to active intent with a plan. Any thoughts with a plan or intent are a same-day emergency. Call or text 988.
What is treatment-resistant depression?
Depression that has not responded to at least two adequate trials of standard antidepressants. Adequate means the right dose for long enough, not a brief or low-dose attempt. Several treatments open up at this point, including changes in medication strategy, ketamine or esketamine, TMS, and ECT.
Where can I find a longer list of definitions?
The full glossary is at /glossary.