A constant sense of hopelessness and despair is a sign you may have major depression, also known as clinical depression.

In major depression disorder (MDD), there are lower levels of chemicals in the brain, also called neurotransmitters. The newer second-generation antipsychotics, like Rexulti (brexpiprazole), block chemicals in the brain in a different way to help improve symptoms but also reduce the risk of side effects. 

Major depressive disorder and dysthymia overlap in some ways. But there are key differences.

Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, is a mental health condition that has a variety of symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, feeling worthless, and having little interest in activities, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and suicidal thoughts.Vraylar is a second-generation antipsychotic, which is a class of medicines used to treat psychiatric conditions.

Treatments that target NMDA receptors help strengthen connections between brain cells by controlling the release of glutamate, that affects mood, memory, and thinking.

Psychomotor retardation is one of the main features of major depressive disorder (MDD) or, more simply, depression.

Depression can be severe enough that you’re unable to work anymore, or you’re unable to work at the pace you once were.

It’s possible to live a full and healthy life with depression (also called clinical depression or major depressive disorder).

Your treatment plan for depression will depend on what type you have and how severe it is.

Depression can make you feel helpless. Taking charge of your treatment is one way to feel in control again. Here are some tips.

Psychotherapy is another tool in your toolkit to manage depression. And it works for lots of people.

Psychodynamic therapy helps patients explore the full range of their emotions, including feelings they may not be aware of.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of talk therapy that for some people can work as well or better than meds.

Interpersonal therapy, or IPT, is a short-term, focused treatment for depression.

It's easy to get flustered when you're first meeting with a doctor about your depression. Here's how to prepare.

Some people with depression prefer non-drug approaches to help them manage their condition and feel better.

If your depression is mild, you may find that you get enough relief from nondrug treatment like therapy and lifestyle changes.

Millions of people have tried St. John's wort, an herbal remedy, as an alternative or natural treatment for depression.

Studies show that curcumin may ease inflammation. And there's growing evidence that inflammation is linked to depression.

Some people are even turning to acupuncture to treat their mental health issues, including depression.

Studies show that yoga may help people who have depression, but its effect on anxiety disorders isn’t clear.

Meditation can help you manage depression symptoms. As a regular practice, it can help you reduce stress and anxiety.

Phototherapy, or light therapy, uses ultraviolet rays to treat a variety of health conditions, including depression.

Prescription meds that lift your mood are called antidepressants. It may take a while until you find one that's a good fit.

Many researchers believe that the benefits of antidepressants stem from how they affect certain brain circuits and chemicals.

Many people who could benefit from an antidepressant never try one, often because of fears about them, experts say.

Here are answers to common questions about antidepressants.

It’s important to know the signs that an antidepressant medication you’re taking may not be right for you.

The most common antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are similar SSRI medications that treat depression.

Two common drugs that can help treat depression are fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro).

If you take Lexapro for depression, you may wonder if it’s OK to have a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine once in a while.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were some of the first medications to treat depression.

Antidepressants can bring relief from many symptoms of depression. But side effects are often part of the package.

Most NDRI side effects are mild and usually get better after you’ve taken it for a few weeks.

Side effects are one of the main reasons that people with depression stop taking their medicine during their recovery.

Your doctor prescribed an antidepressant. As soon as you feel better, you might assume you no longer need the medicine.

You may feel like your depression treatment isn't working at all. If so, you could have treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Here are 10 questions to ask your doctor, with some answers you could expect to hear.

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for clinical depression. On its own, it may not be enough to treat severe depression.

Researchers are working on new treatments for depression. These can offer hope to people who haven't been able to get relief.

Most brain stimulation therapies are new or being tested. But researchers think they may help treatment-resistant depression.

Brain stimulation techniques can be used to treat major depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) uses painless, magnetic pulses to help lessen the symptoms of depression.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat those with treatment-resistant depression.

There is no universally agreed upon approach to controlling treatment-resistant depression, also referred to as TRD.

In cases of severe depression or treatment-resistant depression, some people need to stay in the hospital for a short time.

Depression can make you feel powerless. But some simple lifestyle changes can help you get back on track.

There are several strategies and treatments that can help you manage your depression symptoms.

Even if you're already getting depression treatment with medicine and therapy, tending to your inner self can help you.

Without treatment, your depression can affect your work performance. You may not be engaged or may miss work.

Getting a good night's sleep can be an important part of your plan to manage depression.

When something's on your mind, you'll feel better when you get it out. All the more so if you're recovering from depression.

Depression can have a huge effect on your relationships. When you withdraw from life, you may push away the people you love.

Stressful events, like a breakup, can trigger depression. You can have depression-like symptoms without having a mood disorder.

For many people, the holidays is a time filled with sadness, self-reflection, loneliness, and anxiety.

Unfortunately, there's no specific diet that's been proven to relieve depression.

Many studies show that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.

Depression can sometimes be like other chronic illnesses that need ongoing treatment. This is called maintenance treatment.

Changing your lifestyle can have a big effect on your depression. However, it's not always easy to change our ways.

Does depression keep you from feeling in control of your days? You may find that having a routine helps with your symptoms.

For many people, depression can become a chronic or lifelong illness, with several relapses or recurrences.

The more you know about depression complications, the more you'll understand why it's important to not let it go untreated.

As a condition, depression doesn’t always fly solo. In fact, depression is actually a risk factor for many health problems.

Depression doesn't just cause physical symptoms; it can also increase your risk for -- or may worsen -- physical illnesses. 

It’s important to get help for depression. That’s because repeat episodes seem to damage your brain more and more over time.

If you are clinically depressed, it’s not uncommon to also have sexual problems.

Suicide can be preventable. And that starts with knowing what to look for and what to do.

The support and involvement of family and friends can be crucial in helping someone who is depressed.

Helping a loved one deal with depression can be the key to their recovery. It isn't always going to be easy.

Caring for someone you love with depression can lead to a lot of extra stress in your life.

Living with a chronic illness like depression can feel overwhelming. That's why it's important to seek depression support.

Peer support workers are people who are in recovery from mental health issues and are now doing well.

 Here is a selection of professional organizations that can help people gain a better understanding of living with depression.

The Affordable Care Act covers free depression screening, as well as help for treatment with counseling and medicine.

Whether you're newly diagnosed with depression or already in treatment, learn how to make the most of your doctor appointment.