Symptoms and causes of depression, and its diagnosis and management

Depression is a common condition. It presents differently in each person, but common symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, and reduced motivation and energy. Diagnostic tools are available but, as they do not capture all the factors that affect depression, full clinical assessments are needed. Misdiagnosis is common. Causes of depression may vary but may relate to situational, genetic, biological, environmental or psychological factors. It often occurs alongside other mental health conditions or long-term physical conditions. Treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the episode, and a stepped-care approach is recommended. Depression can be recurrent, so treatment should focus on avoiding relapse.

In this article…

• The symptoms and possible causes of depression, including comorbidities

• How depression is diagnosed and categorised, and issues with the process

• Treatments for depression and how relapses can be prevented