Chapter 16: Chapter 16
MedicalNewsToday uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. Privacy Policy.
More information
What is depression and what can I do about it?
Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP — Written by Laura Goldman on November 22, 2019
Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Types
Diagnosis
Support hotline
Is it genetic?
Is it a disability?
Is it curable?
Triggers
Risk factors
Statistics
Sadness, feeling down, and having a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities are familiar feelings for all of us. But if they persist and affect our lives substantially, the issue may be depression.
Depression is the main cause of disabilityTrusted Source worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can affect adults, adolescents, and children.
In this article, learn what depression is and what causes it. We also describe the types, their treatments, and more.
Definition
A person with depression may experience persistent sadness.
Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.
Major life events, such as bereavement or the loss of a job, can lead toTrusted Source depression. However, doctors only consider feelings of grief to be part of depression if they persist.
Depression is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. It consists of episodes during which the symptoms last for at least 2 weeks. Depression can last for several weeks, months, or years.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of depression can include:
a depressed mood
reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
a loss of sexual desire
changes in appetite
unintentional weight loss or gain
sleeping too much or too little
agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
slowed movement and speech
fatigue or loss of energy
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide
Find out more about recognizing the hidden signs of depression.
In females
Depression is nearly twice as commonTrusted Source among women as men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Below are some symptomsTrusted Source of depression that tend to appear more often in females:
irritability
anxiety
mood swings
fatigue
ruminating (dwelling on negative thoughts)
Also, some types of depression are unique to females, such as:
postpartum depression
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
In males
Around 9% of men in the United States have feelings of depression or anxiety, according to the American Psychological Association.
Males with depression are more likely than females to drink alcohol in excess, display anger, and engage in risk-taking as a result of the disorder.
Other symptoms of depression in males may include:
avoiding families and social situations
working without a break
having difficulty keeping up with work and family responsibilities
displaying abusive or controlling behavior in relationships
Learn more about the symptoms of depression in men.
In college students
Time at college can stressful, and a person may be dealing with other lifestyles, cultures, and experiences for the first time.
Some students have difficulty coping with these changes, and they may develop depression, anxiety, or both as a result.
Symptoms of depression in college students may include:
difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
insomnia
sleeping too much
a decrease or increase in appetite
avoiding social situations and activities that they used to enjoy
In teens
Physical changes, peer pressure, and other factors can contribute to depression in teenagers.
They may experience some of the following symptoms:
withdrawing from friends and family
difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
feeling guilty, helpless, or worthless
restlessness, such as an inability to sit still
In children
The CDC estimate that, in the U.S., 3.2%Trusted Source of children and teens aged 3–17 have a diagnosis of depression.
In children, symptoms can make schoolwork and social activities challenging. They may experience symptoms such as:
crying
low energy
clinginess
defiant behavior
vocal outbursts
Younger children may have difficulty expressing how they feel in words. This can make it harder for them to explain their feelings of sadness.
Causes
The medical community does not fully understand the causes of depression. There are many possible causes, and sometimes, various factors combine to trigger symptoms.
Factors that are likely to play a role include:
genetic features
changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels
environmental factors
psychological and social factors
additional conditions, such as bipolar disorder
Treatment
Psychotherapy may help a person manage their symptoms of depression.
Depression is treatable, and managing symptoms usually involves three components:
Support: This can range from discussing practical solutions and possible causes to educating family members.
Psychotherapy: Also known as talking therapy, some options include one-to-one counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Drug treatment: A doctor may prescribe antidepressants.
Medication
Antidepressants can help treat moderate-to-severe depression.
Several classes of antidepressants are available:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
tricyclic antidepressants
atypical antidepressants
selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Each class acts on a different neurotransmitter or combination of neurotransmitters.
A person should only take these medications as their doctor prescribes. Some drugs can take a while to have an impact. By stopping the drug, a person may not experience the benefits that it could offer.
Some people stop taking medication after symptoms improve, but this can lead to a relapse.
Raise any concerns about antidepressants with a doctor, including any intention to stop taking the medication.
Here, learn more about antidepressants and how they can help.
Medication side effects
SSRIs and SNRIs can have side effects. A person may experience:
nausea
constipation
diarrhea
low blood sugar
weight loss
a rash
sexual dysfunction
Find out more about the possible side effects of antidepressants here.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requireTrusted Source manufacturers to add warnings to the packaging of antidepressant drugs.
The warnings should indicate that, among other risks, these medications may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment.
Natural remedies
Some people use natural remedies, such as herbal medicines, to treat mild-to-moderate depression.
However, since the FDA do not monitor herbal remedies, manufacturers may not be truthful about the quality of these products. They may not be safe or effective.
The following are some of the more popular herbs and plants that people use to treat depression:
St. John’s wort: This is not suitable for people who have or may have bipolar disorder. Learn more here.
Ginseng: Practitioners of traditional medicine may use this to improve mental clarity and reduce stress. Find out more here about ginseng.
Chamomile: This contains flavonoids that may have an antidepressant effect. For more information about chamomile, click here.
Lavender: This may help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Learn more here about lavender.
It is essential to speak to a doctor before using any type of herbal remedy or supplement to treat depression. Some herbs can interfere with the action of drugs or otherwise make symptoms worse.
Supplements
A person may take the herbs above as supplements to treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression. Other types of supplements may also help treat these symptoms.
It is important to remember that the FDA do not monitor supplements to ensure that they are effective or safe.
Nonherbal supplements that may help treat depression include:
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe): This is a synthetic form of a natural chemical in the body.
5-hydroxytryptophan: This may help boost serotonin, the neurotransmitter in the brain that affects a person’s mood.
Some research has suggested that SAMe may be as helpful as the prescription antidepressants imipramine and escitalopram, but more investigation is necessary.
Learn more about how herbs and supplements may help relieve depression.
Food and diet
Eating a lot of sugary or processed foods can lead to various physical health problems. Results of a 2019 studyTrusted Source suggest that a diet that includes many of these types of food could affect the mental health of young adults.
The study also found that eating more of the following foods helped reduce depression symptoms:
fruit
vegetables
fish
olive oil
Can other foods worsen or improve depression symptoms? Find out here.
Psychotherapy
Psychological, or talking, therapies for depression include CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving treatment, among others.
For some forms of depression, psychotherapy is usually the first-line treatment, while some people respond better to a combination of psychotherapy and medications.
CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy are the two main types of psychotherapy for depression. A person may have CBT in individual sessions with a therapist, in groups, over the telephone, or onlineTrusted Source.
Interpersonal therapy aims to help people identify:
emotional problems that affect relationships and communication
how these issues also affect their mood
how all of this may be changed
Exercise
Aerobic exercise raises endorphin levels and stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is linked with mood. This may help relieve mild depression.
Brain stimulation therapies
Brain stimulation therapies are another treatment option. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic pulses to the brain, and this may help treat major depression.
If depression does not respond to drug treatment, the person may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. This may be effective if psychosis occurs with depression.
Types of depression
There are several forms of depression. Below are some of the most common types.
Major depression
A person with major depression experiences a constant state of sadness. They may lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy.
Treatment usually involves medication and psychotherapy.
Persistent depressive disorder
Also known as dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder causes symptoms that last for at least 2 years.
A person with this disorder may have episodes of major depression as well as milder symptoms.
Bipolar disorder
Depression is a common symptom of bipolar disorder, and research shows that people with this disorder may have symptoms around half of the time. This can make bipolar disorder hard to distinguish from depression.
What does bipolar disorder involve, and what types are there? Find out here.
Psychotic depression
Some people experience psychosis with depression.
Psychosis can involve delusions, such as false beliefs and a detachment from reality. It can also involve hallucinations — sensing things that do not exist.
Postpartum depression
After giving birth, many women experience what some people call the “baby blues.” When hormone levels readjust after childbirth, changes in mood can result.
Postpartum depression, or postnatal depression, is more severe.
There is no single cause for this type of depression, and it can persist for months or years. Anyone who experiences ongoing depression after delivery should seek medical attention.
Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern
Previously called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this type of depression is related to the reduction in daylight during the fall and winter.
It lifts during the rest of the year and in response to light therapy.
People who live in countries with long or severe winters seem to be affected more by this condition.
Diagnosis
If a person suspects that they have symptoms of depression, they should seek professional help from a doctor or mental health specialist.
A qualified health professional can rule out various causes, ensure an accurate diagnosis, and provide safe and effective treatment.
They will ask questions about symptoms, such as how long they have been present. A doctor may also conduct an examination to check for physical causes and order a blood test to rule out other health conditions.
What is the difference between situational and clinical depression? Find out here.
Tests
Mental health professionals often ask people to complete questionnaires to help assess the severity of their depression.
The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, for example, has 21 questions. The scores indicate the severity of depression among people who already have a diagnosis.
The Beck Depression Inventory is another questionnaire that helps mental health professionals measure a person’s symptoms.
Support hotline
National hotlines provide free, confidential assistance from trained professionals 24 hours a day. They may benefit anyone with depression who wants or needs to talk about their feelings.
Some of the support hotlines available include:
Samaritans: This nonprofit organization offers emotional support to anyone who has feelings of depression or loneliness or who is considering suicide. Call or text 877-870-4673 (HOPE) to contact them.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK) to speak with someone from this national network of local crisis centers.
Lifeline Chat: This is an online chat service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Call 911 or the local emergency number.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
Listen to the person without judgment.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
Is depression genetic?
A person with a parent or sibling who has depression is two-to-three times more likely than the general public to develop the condition.
However, many people with depression have no family history of it.
A recent study suggests that susceptibility to depression may not result from genetic variation. The researchers acknowledge that while depression could be inherited, many other issues also influence its development.
Learn more about whether depression has a genetic link.
Is it a disability?
Depression is the leading cause of disabilityTrusted Source around the world, according to the WHO.
In the U.S., the Social Security Administration consider depressive, bipolar, and related disorders to be disabilities. If a person’s depression prevents them from working, they may qualify for social security disability insurance benefits.
The person must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for disability benefits. For more information, visit the administration’s website.
Is it curable?
While there is no cure for depression, there are effective treatments that help with recovery. The earlier treatment starts, the more successful it may be.
Many people with depression recover after following a treatment plan. Even with effective treatment, however, a relapse may occur.
To prevent relapse, people who take medication for depression should continue with treatment — even after symptoms improve or go away — for as long as their doctor advises.
Find some tips to help prevent depression from returning.
Triggers
Triggers are emotional, psychological, or physical events or circumstances that can cause depression symptoms to appear or return.
These are some of the most common triggers:
Stressful life events, such as loss, family conflicts, and changes in relationships.
Incomplete recovery after having stopped treatment too soon
Medical conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Find out more about depression triggers.
Risk factors
Some people have a higher risk of depression than others.
Risk factors include:
experiencing certain life events, such as bereavement, work issues, changes in relationships, financial problems, and medical concerns
experiencing acute stress
having a lack of successful coping strategies
having a close relative with depression
using some prescription drugs, such as corticosteroids, some beta-blockers, and interferon
using recreational drugs, such as alcohol or amphetamines
having sustained a head injury
having had a previous episode of major depression
having a chronic condition, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease
living with persistent pain
Statistics
During any given year in the U.S., major depression affects over 16.1 million people aged 18 or older, or around 6.7% of the adult population.
According to the CDC, 3.2%Trusted Source of children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 years — about 1.9 million individuals — have received a diagnosis of depression.
The CDC also note that 7.6%Trusted Source of people aged 12 years or over in the U.S. have depression in any 2-week period.
Read the article in Spanish.
ADVERTISEMENT
Last medically reviewed on November 22, 2019
BipolarDepressionMental HealthPsychology / Psychiatry
26 sourcescollapsed
RELATED COVERAGE
What to know about mental health among bisexual individuals
Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC
How prevalent are mental health conditions in the bisexual population? Read on to learn more about mental health statistics and conditions in bisexual…
READ MORE
Bupropion hydrochloride ER oral tablets
Medically reviewed by Dana Kim, PharmD
Bupropion hydrochloride ER oral tablets are generic drugs used to treat certain types of depression. Learn about dosage, side effects, uses, and more.
READ MORE
What to know about high functioning anxiety
Some people define themselves as having high functioning anxiety and often don't show any signs of anxiety. However, they may still face challenges.
READ MORE
What to know about rumination disorder
Medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP
Rumination disorder is a condition that causes regurgitation of food during or after eating. Learn about the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and…
READ MORE
What to know about living with psoriasis
Psoriasis can affect physical, mental, and social health. Learn about lifestyle tips and self-care techniques that may help people manage this…
READ MORE
Get our newsletter
Keep up with the ever-changing world of medical science with new and emerging developments in health.
Enter your email
Your privacy is important to us
Editorial articles
Newsletters
Ad Policy
Contact us
Privacy Settings
All news topics
Knowledge Center
About us
Privacy
Terms
© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
AboutCareersAdvertise with us
OUR BRANDS
Healthline
Medical News Today
Greatist
Psych Central
Sign In
Join
General
Residents and Fellows
Medical Students
International
International Resident-Fellows
close menu
Home
Psychiatrists
COVID-19 / Coronavirus
Structural Racism Task Force
Education
Practice
Diversity & Health Equity
Awards & Leadership Opportunities
Advocacy & APAPAC
Meetings
Search Directories/Databases
International
Registry
Residents & Medical Students
Residents
Medical Students
Patients & Families
What Is Psychiatry?
Find a Psychiatrist
Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Dissociative Disorders
Eating Disorders
Gender Dysphoria
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Personality Disorders
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Schizophrenia
View More Topics »
About APA
APA's Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals
Meet Our Organization
Read APA Organization Documents and Policies
Work at APA
APA Headquarters
Contact Us
Newsroom
News Releases
Message from the President
Reporting on Mental Health Conditions
APA Blogs
Annual Meeting Press Registration
Goldwater Rule
Advocacy & APAPAC
APA Sites
APA Publishing
APA Learning Center
APA Foundation
APA Annual Meeting
Psychiatric News
PsychiatryOnline
Workplace Mental Health
Melvin Sabshin, M.D. Library & Archives
As described in the Privacy Policy of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), this website & application utilize cookies. By closing this message, continuing the navigation or otherwise continuing to view the APA's websites & applications, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the APA's Privacy Policy, including the use of cookies. Read Our Privacy Policy
I agree
Depression
Depression
What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression.
Also, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.
Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. Depression can occur at any time, but on average, first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some studies show that one-third of women will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. There is a high degree of heritability (approximately 40%) when first-degree relatives (parents/children/siblings) have depression.
Depression Is Different From Sadness or Grief/Bereavement
The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to endure. It is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response to such situations. Those experiencing loss often might describe themselves as being “depressed.”
But being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process is natural and unique to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression. Both grief and depression may involve intense sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. They are also different in important ways:
In grief, painful feelings come in waves, often intermixed with positive memories of the deceased. In major depression, mood and/or interest (pleasure) are decreased for most of two weeks.
In grief, self-esteem is usually maintained. In major depression, feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing are common.
In grief, thoughts of death may surface when thinking of or fantasizing about “joining” the deceased loved one. In major depression, thoughts are focused on ending one’s life due to feeling worthless or undeserving of living or being unable to cope with the pain of depression.
Grief and depression can co-exist For some people, the death of a loved one, losing a job or being a victim of a physical assault or a major disaster can lead to depression. When grief and depression co-occur, the grief is more severe and lasts longer than grief without depression.
Distinguishing between grief and depression is important and can assist people in getting the help, support or treatment they need.
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.
Several factors can play a role in depression:
Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
How Is Depression Treated?
Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.
Before a diagnosis or treatment, a health professional should conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including an interview and a physical examination. In some cases, a blood test might be done to make sure the depression is not due to a medical condition like a thyroid problem or a vitamin deficiency (reversing the medical cause would alleviate the depression-like symptoms). The evaluation will identify specific symptoms and explore medical and family histories as well as cultural and environmental factors with the goal of arriving at a diagnosis and planning a course of action.
Medication: Brain chemistry may contribute to an individual’s depression and may factor into their treatment. For this reason, antidepressants might be prescribed to help modify one’s brain chemistry. These medications are not sedatives, “uppers” or tranquilizers. They are not habit-forming. Generally antidepressant medications have no stimulating effect on people not experiencing depression.
Antidepressants may produce some improvement within the first week or two of use yet full benefits may not be seen for two to three months. If a patient feels little or no improvement after several weeks, his or her psychiatrist can alter the dose of the medication or add or substitute another antidepressant. In some situations other psychotropic medications may be helpful. It is important to let your doctor know if a medication does not work or if you experience side effects.
Psychiatrists usually recommend that patients continue to take medication for six or more months after the symptoms have improved. Longer-term maintenance treatment may be suggested to decrease the risk of future episodes for certain people at high risk.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” is sometimes used alone for treatment of mild depression; for moderate to severe depression, psychotherapy is often used along with antidepressant medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be effective in treating depression. CBT is a form of therapy focused on the problem solving in the present. CBT helps a person to recognize distorted/negative thinking with the goal of changing thoughts and behaviors to respond to challenges in a more positive manner.
Psychotherapy may involve only the individual, but it can include others. For example, family or couples therapy can help address issues within these close relationships. Group therapy brings people with similar illnesses together in a supportive environment, and can assist the participant to learn how others cope in similar situations .
.Depending on the severity of the depression, treatment can take a few weeks or much longer. In many cases, significant improvement can be made in 10 to 15 sessions.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that has been most commonly reserved for patients with severe major depression who have not responded to other treatments. It involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. A patient typically receives ECT two to three times a week for a total of six to 12 treatments. It is usually managed by a team of trained medical professionals including a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and a nurse or physician assistant. ECT has been used since the 1940s, and many years of research have led to major improvements and the recognition of its effectiveness as a mainstream rather than a "last resort" treatment. .
Self-help and Coping
There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feeling and improves mood. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce symptoms of depression.
Depression is a real illness and help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression will overcome it. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, a first step is to see your family physician or psychiatrist. Talk about your concerns and request a thorough evaluation. This is a start to addressing your mental health needs.
Related Conditions
Peripartum depression (previously postpartum depression)
Seasonal depression (Also called seasonal affective disorder)
Bipolar disorders
Persistent depressive disorder (previously dysthymia) (description below)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (description below)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (description below)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. A woman with PMDD has severe symptoms of depression, irritability, and tension about a week before menstruation begins.
Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability or anger, depressed mood, and marked anxiety or tension. Other symptoms may include decreased interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy or easy fatigue, changes in appetite with specific food cravings, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, or a sense of being overwhelmed or out of control. Physical symptoms may include breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a sensation of “bloating,” or weight gain.
These symptoms begin a week to 10 days before the start of menstruation and improve or stop around the onset of menses. The symptoms lead to significant distress and problems with regular functioning or social interactions.
For a diagnosis of PMDD, symptoms must have occurred in most of the menstrual cycles during the past year and must have an adverse effect on work or social functioning. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is estimated to affect between 1.8% to 5.8% of menstruating women every year.
PMDD can be treated with antidepressants, birth control pills, or nutritional supplements. Diet and lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol, getting enough sleep and exercise, and practicing relaxations techniques, can help.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is similar to PMDD in that symptoms occur seven to 10 days before a woman’s period begins. However, PMS involves fewer and less severe symptoms than PMDD.