Major Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Major Depression?
A primary care doctor or a psychiatrist (a doctor who treats mental health conditions) can diagnose and treat major depression. A therapist can give talk therapy, which is counseling. 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 major depression?
Major depression is a mood disorder. It occurs when feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration get in the way of your life over a long period of time. Doctors also call it major depressive disorder or clinical depression. Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. It is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms of major depression can include:
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or guilty.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
- Feeling very tired and low on energy.
- Trouble focusing.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- A sudden change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression does not look the same in everyone. In teens, problems with school, behavior, or alcohol or drug use can all be signs. If depression is very severe, a person may have hallucinations or delusions, which are false beliefs.
Causes and who gets it
Health care providers do not know the exact causes of depression. Genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors may play a role. Anyone can develop depression, including children and teens. It is more common in women. You may be at higher risk if a close relative has it. Trauma or stressful life events may raise your risk even more.
Depression may be brought on by:
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Medical problems, such as an underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain.
- Some medicines, such as steroids or beta-blockers.
- Stressful life events, such as the death of someone close, divorce, or childhood abuse or neglect.
How doctors diagnose it
If you think you have depression, talk to your health care provider or a mental health provider. Your provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Your symptoms must occur most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. One of them must be a low mood or a loss of interest in most activities. Blood and urine tests may be done to check for other medical conditions with similar symptoms.
Treatment
Depression can be treated. The choice of treatment depends on how severe the depression is and what you or your provider prefer. Treatment often includes medicines, with or without talk therapy.
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat depression. It may take a few weeks before you feel better. Do not stop taking your medicine or change the amount without talking to your provider. Children, teens, and young adults should be watched closely for suicidal behavior, especially in the first few months after starting medicine for depression. St. John's wort, an herb, can change the way other medicines work, including antidepressants, so talk to your provider before trying it.
Talk therapy is counseling to talk about your feelings and thoughts and learn how to deal with them. If medicine is not helping or depression is severe, your provider may suggest brain stimulation treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
If you are thinking about suicide or are very depressed and cannot function, you may need to be treated in a hospital.
When to see a doctor
If you are thinking about hurting yourself or others, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away. You can also call 911 or go to the emergency room. Do not wait. 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.
- You have frequent crying spells with little or no reason.
- Depression is disrupting work, school, or family life.
- You think your medicine is not working or is causing side effects.
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. Such a doctor can ask about your symptoms, check for other medical causes, and talk with you about treatment.
Common questions
Is major depression the same as feeling sad?
No. Everyone feels sad or low sometimes, but these feelings usually pass with time. Major depression is different because its symptoms affect daily activities and last for at least two weeks.
Can major depression be treated?
Yes. Depression can be treated. Treatment often includes medicines, talk therapy, or both. The best choice depends on how severe it is and what you prefer.
How long does an antidepressant take to work?
It may take a few weeks before you feel better. Give the medicine time to work and keep taking it as directed. If it is not working or causes side effects, tell your provider, and do not stop it on your own.
Can major depression be prevented?
Most cases of depression cannot be prevented. Healthy habits can still help your mental health over time, such as regular exercise, a steady sleep schedule, and controlling stress.
What should I do if I have thoughts of suicide?
Call or text 988 right away. You can also call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Major depression
- MedlinePlus - 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.
