In any given year, 9.5 percent of the population suffers from a depressive illness. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have the disorder, but to those who care about them, as well.

Mental Health and Depression

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences the same symptoms. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many, and the severity of the symptoms varies with the individual.

Some symptoms of Depression include persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism; feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex; decreased energy, fatigue; difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions; insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain; thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts; restlessness, irritability; and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

Some symptoms of Mania are abnormal or excessive elation; unusual irritability; decreased need for sleep; grandiose notions; increased talking; racing thoughts; increased sexual desire; markedly increased energy; poor judgment; and inappropriate social behavior.

Some types of depression run in families, particularly bipolar disorder. Apparently, though, additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset, as well. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures function. People who have low self-esteem are also prone to depression.

Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection can cause the same symptoms as depression, and a doctor should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done.

A good diagnostic testing will include a complete history of symptoms, whether the patient had them before and, if so, whether the symptoms were treated, and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. The doctor will also ask questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.

Depending on the patient's diagnosis, and how severe the symptoms are, the therapist may prescribe medication and/or one of the several forms of psychotherapy that have proven effective for depression.

Alprazolam Alprazolam is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Alprazolam is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to more...

Ativan Ativan, known also as Lorazepam, is a Benzodiazepine that belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Ativan is used as an Amnestic, Antianxiety Agent, Anticonvulsant, Antiemetic in Cancer Chemotherapy, Antipanic Age more...

Bupropion Bupropion is an antidepressant medication. This medicine is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. One brand of bupropion, the Zyban is used to help reduce the cravings and other withdrawal effects of those people who ar more...

Citalopram Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Citalopram is used to treat depression. Citalopram may more...

Diazepam Diazepam, one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines, is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. Diazepam is used as an Amnestic, an Anitanxiety Agent, Anticonvulsant, an Antipanic and Antitremor Agent, a Sedative, and Muscle Relaxant. It is used more...

Lorazepam Lorazepam is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to m more...

Paxil Paxil is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). more...

Valium Valium, may also be called Diazepam, and is one of the Benzodiazepine group of medicines. These are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants and are used to relieve anxiety. Valium is also used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Valium injecti more...

Xanax Xanax is one of a group of medicines known as Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants that are used as antianxiety and antipanic agents, but are also used as antitremor medicines and as a sedative. Xanax may also be more...

Clonazepam Clonazepam, known also as Klonopin, is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Clonazepam is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies more...

Fluoxetine Fluoxetine is used as treatment for major depressive disorder, treatment of binge-eating and vomiting in patients with moderate-to-severe bulimia nervosa; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); panic disorder with or more...

Prozac Prozac, also called Fluoxetine, is used to treat mental depression. It is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac belongs to a group of medicines known as Selective Serotonin more...

Wellbutrin Wellbutrin, or Bupropion, is an antidepressant, and a stop smoking adjunct that is used to relieve mental depression or as one part of a program to help you stop smoking. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medicatio more...

Sertraline Sertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. more...

Zoloft Zoloft, sometimes called Sertraline, is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Zocor belongs to a group of medicines kno more...

Celexa Celexa, also called Citalopram, is used to treat mental depression. Celexa belongs to a group of medicines known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain. more...

Escitalopram Escitalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety. It is used to treat anxiety and major dep more...

Lexapro Lexapro, or Escitalopram, is used to treat mental depression. Lexapro belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the more...

Effexor Effexor, often known as Venlafaxine, is an Antidepressant, an Antianxiety, and Antipanic Agent, and is used to treat mental depression. It is also used to treat certain anxiety disorders or to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Be sure to tell your docto more...

Klonopin Klonopin, known also as Clonazepam, is one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines that are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. Klonopin is used to relieve anxiety, and to treat panic disorder. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies yo more...

Methylphenidate Concerta, also known as Methylphenidate, belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy by increasing attention and decreasing restlessn more...

Ritalin Methylphenidate belongs to the group of medicines called Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin increases attention and decreases restlessness, and is used as part of a larger treatme more...

Venlafaxine Venlafaxine is in a class of drugs called antidepressants. It works by altering chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, or anxiety. Indications for its use are major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder more...

Cymbalta Cymbalta, sometimes known as Duloxetine, is used to treat mental depression, and pain caused by nerve damage associated with diabetes. Cymbalta belongs to a group of medicines known as Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs). T more...

Duloxetine Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. It is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and for the management of pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropat more...

Olanzapine Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication. It used to treat symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and manic depression. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. However, olanzapine is not for use in psychotic conditio more...

Zyprexa Zyprexa, sometimes called Olanzapine, is used to treat psychotic mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the agitation that occurs with schizophrenia and bipolar mania. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whethe more...

Remeron Remeron, called Mirtazapine, is used to treat mental depression . Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are, or becom more...

Abilify Abilify is one of a group of medicines called antipsychotics. It is also known as Aripiprazole, and is used to schizophrenia, and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication more...

Amitriptyline Amitriptyline, also called Elavil, is a Tricyclic Antidepressant used to relieve mental depression. It is also an anitbulimic, an antienuretic, an antineuralgic, and an antiulcer agent. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it i more...

Anafranil Anafranil belongs to the family of tricyclic antidepressants and is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Generically prescribed as clomipramine, it is also used to treat symptoms related to panic attacks, arm more...

Aripiprazole Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication, indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia, acute and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic depression), and maintenance therapy for bipolar I disorder. It works by changing the actions of ch more...

Buspar Also referred to as Buspirone, BuSpar is used to treat certain anxiety disorders. Though it is not known exactly how BuSpar works to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, it is thought to work by decreasing the amount of a chemical known as serotonin in certai more...

Buspirone Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medicine that works by affecting chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Buspirone is used to reduce fear, tension, and anxiety associated with anxiety disorders. Special precautions: befor more...

Clomipramine As with all tricyclic antidepressants, Clomipramine carries a wide range of side effects and potential drug interactions. Patients are encouraged to notify their doctor of all related side effects they experience as well as discuss even subtle chan more...

Concerta Also known as Methylphenidate, Concerta belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy by increasing attention and decreasing restlessne more...

Elavil Elavil is the brand name for the generic drug amitriptyline. Other brand names for this medication are Endep and Vanatrip. Elavil is a tricylic antidepressant. Elavil affects chemicals in the brain that can become unbalanced and cause depression. more...

Lithium Lithium is used to treat the manic stage of bipolar disorder. Lithium is used to reduce the frequency and severity of manic states. Lithium may also reduce the frequency and severity of depression in bipolar disorder. It is not known how Lithium works more...

Mirtazapine Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. It is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activ more...

Nefazodone Nefazodone is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. more...

Paroxetine Paroxetine belongs to the family of antidepressants known as SSRI. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors encourage proper communication in the brain’s chemical make up by producing more serotonin and creating a stronger signal to the brain’s receptors. more...

Paxil CR Paxil CR is the brand name for the medication paroxetine. Other brand name packagings of parozetine are Paxil and Pexeva. This medication is an antidepressant of the group referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil CR impact more...

Phenergan Phenergan, also called Promethazine, is a Phenothiazine-derivative antihistamine used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine that can cause itching, s more...

Promethazine Promethazine, one of a group called Phenothiazines, is used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders, including schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Some are used also to control agitation in certain patients, severe nausea and vomiting, se more...

Risperdal Risperdal, or Risperidone, is an antipsychotic, and is used to treat symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your d more...

Risperidone Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain. It also used for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder. It may be used for purposes other than those listed in this more...

Serzone Serzone, sometimes called Nefazodone, is used to treat mental depression. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or food, preservatives, or dyes. Tell your doctor immediately if you are, or become pregnant, or more...

Temazepam Temazepam, one of a group of drugs known as Benzodiazepines, is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. Temazepam is used as an Amnestic, an Anitanxiety Agent, Anticonvulsant, an Antipanic and Antitremor Agent, a Sedative, and Muscle Relaxant. It is us more...

Tofranil Tofranil is a member of the tricyclic family of psychotropic medications designed to treat serious disorders that cause harm to the patient. Behaviors such as cutting, self burning, self mutilation, and hair pulling are all disorders that can benefit from more...

Trazodone Trazodone belongs to the group of medicines known as antidepressants. It is used to relieve mental depression and the depression that sometimes occurs with anxiety. Be sure to tell your doctor of any allergies you have whether it is to medication or fo more...

Wellbutrin SR Wellbutrin SR is the brand name for the generic drug bupropion. Other brand name packagings for this drug are Zyban SR, Wellbutrin SR XL, and Wellbutrin SR SR. This medication is an antidepressant, used to treat anxiety, seasonal affective disorder and more...

Zyban Zyban is an antidepressant used to treat seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder. Both of these disorders lead to serious mood swings, non-functional depression, and suicidal tendencies. Seasonal depressive disorder is known to ca more...