Depression

Everyone occasionally feels sad or blue. Brief feelings of sadness, upset or discouragement are a normal part of life, especially after disappointments or losses. However, when the feelings of sadness become overwhelming, last for more than a couple of weeks and interfere with a person's ability to function then the person may be suffering from the disorder called depression.

• About Depression
  What is depression? How common is it and what causes it?
  
  
• Diagnosis and Types of Depression
  Although depression is one of the most common and treatable of disorders, it is often overlooked.
  
  
• Treatment Options
  Good news: Depression is one of the most treatable psychiatric disorders.
  
  
• Managing Depression with Psychotherapy
  Psychotherapy, delivered with or without medication, can be effective in managing depression.
  
  
• College Students and Depression
  A significant segment of college students experience a major depressive episode.
  
  
• Can One Depression Lead to Another?
  A look at how the sluggish economy can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Color My World: A Local Success Story
  Judy Bellamy's world was as gray as a New England 
  winter day until she found the long-needed help that 
  changed her life.

Information in this section is provided by Rhode Island Hospital psychiatrist Mark Zimmerman, MD. The psychiatry department's services include the MIDAS Project, an ongoing clinical research study involving the integration of research assessment methods into routine clinical practice.

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