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35,847 claims
Brain stimulation treatments are sometimes recommended by specialists to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments.
Brain stimulation is sometimes recommended by a specialist to treat severe depression that has not responded to other treatments.
Policy · Policy statement · From Treatment - Depression in adults, [page]
Mindfulness is recommended by NICE as an option for treating less severe depression.
Group mindfulness is recommended by NICE as an option for treating less severe depression.
Policy · Policy statement · From Treatment - Depression in adults, [page]
Vortioxetine is recommended by NICE for treating adults with a first or recurrent major depressive episode.
Vortioxetine (Brintellix or Lundbeck) is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for treating adults who are having a first or recurrent major depressive episode, if the current episode has not responded to 2 other antidepressants.
Policy · Policy statement · From Treatment - Depression in adults, [page]
Confidentiality is maintained during discussions with a GP unless there's a significant risk of harm.
Any discussion you have with a GP will be confidential. This rule will only ever be broken if there's a significant risk of harm to either yourself or others, and if informing a family member or carer would reduce that risk.
Service · Procedural statement
A GP will use a questionnaire to assess the symptoms of depression during diagnosis.
A GP may use a questionnaire to assess your symptoms.
Service · Procedural statement · From Diagnosis - Depression in adults, [page]
A GP will conduct tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms when diagnosing depression.
There are no physical tests for depression, but a GP may examine you and carry out some urine or blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid.
Service · Procedural statement · From Diagnosis - Depression in adults, [page]
Individuals should seek help from a GP if they experience symptoms of depression for more than two weeks.
If you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day for more than 2 weeks, you should seek help from a GP.
Service · Policy statement · From Diagnosis - Depression in adults, [page]
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause depression in some individuals.
In some people an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause depression.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Severe head injuries can trigger mood swings and emotional problems, potentially leading to depression.
Head injuries are also an often under-recognised cause of depression. A severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Longstanding or life-threatening illnesses can increase the risk of developing depression.
You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease, cancer or a condition that causes long-term pain.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Alcohol consumption affects brain chemistry and increases the risk of developing depression.
"Drowning your sorrows" with a drink is also not recommended. Alcohol affects the chemistry of the brain, which increases the risk of depression.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Cannabis consumption, especially among teenagers, is linked to an increased risk of depression.
There's evidence that it can also bring on depression, particularly in teenagers.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for stress can result in a spiral leading to depression.
When life is getting them down, some people try to cope by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Feeling lonely increases the risk of developing depression.
Feeling lonely, caused by things such as becoming cut off from your family and friends, can increase your risk of depression.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Menopause can trigger depression, particularly in the first few years.
Sometimes menopause can trigger depression, particularly in the first few years.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Postnatal and antenatal depression can occur due to hormonal changes, life responsibilities, and stress.
Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression. Sometimes depression starts before you give birth. Depression in pregnancy is known as antenatal depression.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Having a family history of depression increases the likelihood of developing it, but does not guarantee it.
If someone in your family has had depression in the past, such as a parent, sister or brother, it's more likely that you'll also develop it. But depression is usually caused by a combination of triggers such as life events, so having a family history of depression does not always mean that you'll develop it.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of developing severe depression.
It's thought that your chance of getting severe depression may be partly affected by the genes you inherit from your parents.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
The risk of depression increases with age, according to some studies.
Some studies have also suggested that you're more likely to get depression as you get older, and that it's more common in people who live in difficult social and economic circumstances.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]
People may experience a 'downward spiral' of events leading to depression, such as relationship breakdown followed by isolation and increased alcohol consumption.
People often talk about a "downward spiral" of events that leads to depression. For example, if your relationship with your partner breaks down, you're likely to feel low, you may stop seeing friends and family and you may start drinking more.
Context · Observational claim · From Causes - Depression in adults, [page]