New supplements mentioned
This page was missing details about the effect of St. John's Wort and depression, so it was added.
Depression is a chronic state of low mood often associated with hopelessness, apathy, and fatigue. Unlike sadness, depression is a disorder that persists for weeks or months and interferes with daily life.
Depression falls under theMental Healthcategory.
Last Updated:August 10, 2023
Depression is a prolonged state of low mood that can disrupt daily life; it often emerges during adolescence or young adulthood but is frequently diagnosed later on. As of 2019, 4.7% of U.S. adults over 18 experience regular feelings of depression.
The symptoms of depression can include changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness, and changes in appetite, which make diagnosis challenging. Additionally, symptoms may differ by sex, and men often exhibit higher rates of anger and risk-taking behaviors.
Depression is diagnosed by a healthcare provider using questionnaires that evaluate the severity of symptoms. For additional details on the diagnosis of depression, please refer to the American Psychiatric Association.
The main medical treatments for depression include antidepressants (particularly SSRIs and SNRIs), which may require adjustments for individual effectiveness, and talk therapy can be used alongside them. For cases in which antidepressants are ineffective, brain stimulation therapies like electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation can be beneficial.
A Mediterranean diet or one that is low on the Dietary Inflammatory Index may lower the risk of depression, but further research is needed for specific dietary recommendations. Current findings suggest that replacing junk foods with nutrient-dense, high-fiber options like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts can help reduce the risk and symptoms of depression.
Several supplements and herbal remedies, including fish oil, saffron, curcumin, zinc, and St. John's wort, have been studied for their effects on depression. St. John's wort has shown promise for mild-to-moderate depression and demonstrated efficacy similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with fewer side effects, but it can interact negatively with various medications, including some antidepressants.
Alternative treatments for depression (including acupuncture, herbal medicines, and meditation) are commonly used but should not be pursued without consulting a healthcare professional.
Depression is caused by a complex interplay of various factors, including prenatal influences, genetics, environmental conditions, biological aspects, age, and sociocultural and psychological elements.
New supplements mentioned
This page was missing details about the effect of St. John's Wort and depression, so it was added.