Depressive Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Depressive Disorders?
A psychiatrist (a doctor who treats mental health conditions) can diagnose and treat depressive disorders. So can other mental health providers. 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 are depressive disorders?
Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but those feelings usually pass with time. Depression is different. Depressive disorders can cause severe symptoms. They affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working.
The two most common types are major depression and persistent depressive disorder. Major depression means a low mood or loss of interest. It lasts at least two weeks and affects daily life. Persistent depressive disorder is a long-lasting, low-level depression. It is not as severe, but it may last longer. A diagnosis needs symptoms for two years or more.
Other types exist. Seasonal affective disorder comes and goes with the seasons. Depression with psychosis is severe. It also brings delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). Bipolar disorder, sometimes called manic depression, is a mood disorder that can cause intense mood swings.
Symptoms
The type and number of symptoms can vary, and they do 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.
- Pulling away from family and friends.
- Thoughts of death or suicide (see "When to see a doctor" for what to do right away)
Some medicines and health problems can cause symptoms like depression. A child may seem more irritable than sad. Men may seem angry or irritable instead of sad.
Causes and who gets it
Research suggests that genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. It is more common in women. Your risk may be higher if a close relative has it. Trauma or stressful life events may raise your risk even more.
Other mental health problems may occur with depression. So may long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. This may make the other condition or the depression worse.
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 medical tests. These checks look for other health problems that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders.
Treatment
Depression may need long-term treatment. Most treatments include medicines, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or both. Antidepressants may help control symptoms. You may need to try several to find the one that works best. They can take time to work and can have side effects. Do not stop taking your medicine without first talking with your provider.
Talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a mental health provider can help you change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Other options may be tried if treatment is not working or depression is severe. One is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It uses a mild electric current. You are under general anesthesia, which means medicine puts you to sleep. Another is rTMS, short for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. It uses magnetic waves to relieve depression. Light therapy has been shown to work for seasonal affective disorder.
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 feel you may hurt yourself or someone else, or if you have a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion. If someone you know has tried to end their life, call 911 right away and do not leave the person alone. Get help at the earliest sign of a problem.
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 and check for other health problems with similar symptoms. They can help you follow up on treatment and refer you to a mental health provider.
Common questions
How is persistent depressive disorder different from major depression?
Persistent depressive disorder has milder symptoms than major depression, but they last longer. Major depression symptoms last at least two weeks. Persistent depressive disorder symptoms last two years or more.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. It usually starts in late fall and early winter and goes away during spring and summer.
Can another health problem cause symptoms like depression?
Yes. Some medicines and health problems can cause symptoms like depression. Viruses and thyroid disorders are examples. This is one reason your provider may order tests.
What is depression with psychosis?
Depression with psychosis is a severe form of depression. It also brings delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that is not there).
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health - Depression
- National Institute of Mental Health - Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymic Disorder)
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.
