(Source: Medical News Today. November 22, 2019)
Depression is the main cause of disability Trusted 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 to Trusted 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 common Trusted Source among women as men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Below are some symptoms Trusted Source of depression that tend to appear more often in females:
• irritability
• anxiety
• mood swings
• fatigue
• ruminating (dwelling on negative thoughts)
Also, some types Trusted Source 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 Trusted Source 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.
Please indicate the following statements are Yes, No or Not Given according to the passage above. Write Y, N or NG
respectively.
Yes (Y) if the statement agrees with the passage above
No (N) if the statement contradicts with the passage above
Not Given (NG) if the statement is not mentioned in the passage above