Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Depression?
A psychiatrist (a doctor who treats mental health conditions) can treat depression. So can a psychologist or another mental health provider. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is depression?
Depression is more than a feeling of being sad or irritable for a few days. It is a serious mood disorder, a health problem that affects your emotions.
Doctors also call it major depressive disorder or clinical depression. The two most common types are major depression and persistent depressive disorder. Major depression means a low mood or loss of interest that lasts at least two weeks and affects daily life. Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia) has milder symptoms that last longer, usually at least two years.
Symptoms
Depression does not look the same in everyone, and it does not always look like sadness. Symptoms are ongoing and affect daily life. They can include:
- Feeling sad or "empty".
- Losing interest in favorite activities.
- Sleeping too much or not enough.
- Feeling very tired.
- Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty.
- Aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Thoughts of death or suicide (see "When to see a doctor" for what to do right away)
A child may seem more irritable than sad. Teens may act out or sleep too much. Men may seem angry or irritable instead of sad.
Causes and who gets it
Experts do not know the exact cause. Genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors can all play a part. Sometimes there is no clear cause. Depression can happen at any age and can affect anyone, but it is more common in women.
Your risk may be higher if a close relative has depression or another mental health disorder. Trauma or stressful life events may raise the risk even more. Depression may also be brought on by:
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Medical problems, such as an underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain.
- Stressful life events, such as the death or illness of someone close to you, or divorce.
How doctors diagnose it
Talk to your health care provider or a mental health provider. They may ask about your symptoms and family history. For major depression, symptoms must occur most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. One symptom must be a low mood or a loss of interest in most activities.
Your provider may also do a physical exam and order blood and urine tests. These checks look for other health problems that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders.
Treatment
Depression can be treated. It may need long-term treatment. Most treatments include medicines, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both.
Antidepressants are medicines that help control symptoms. Doctors often use two kinds, called SSRIs and SNRIs. You may need to try several medicines to find the one that works best. A medicine may take a few weeks to work and can have side effects. Do not stop taking it without talking with your provider first.
Children, teens, and young adults should be watched closely for suicidal behavior, especially in the first few months of these medicines.
Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, can help you change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. One type, cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches you to fight off negative thoughts.
If treatment is not working or depression is severe, other options may help. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses a mild electric current. You are under general anesthesia, which means medicine puts you to sleep. It is most often used for severe depression that is not getting better with other treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) uses magnetic waves to relieve depression. You do not need anesthesia for it.
When to see a doctor
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you are concerned about your safety. If someone you know has tried to end their life, call 911 right away and do not leave the person alone.
Contact your provider right away if you hear voices that do not come from people around you. Also call if depression disrupts work, school, or family life. Call too if your medicine seems not to work or causes side effects. Do not stop it on your own.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do a first evaluation, check for other health problems with similar symptoms, and help you follow up on treatment. They can also refer you to a mental health provider.
Common questions
Is depression just feeling sad?
No. Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. Depression is different. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working.
Can depression be treated?
Yes. Treatment often includes medicines, with or without talk therapy. Sometimes talk therapy is used alone. The choice depends on how severe it is and what you and your provider prefer.
Can depression be prevented?
Most cases cannot be prevented. Still, healthy habits can help your mental health over time. These include regular exercise, a consistent sleep schedule, and controlling stress.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Depression
- MedlinePlus - Major depression
- National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
