epression is a serious D

medical condition

that affects the body,

mood, and thoughts.

It affects the way one

eats and sleeps. It

affects how one thinks about things, and one's

self-perception. A depressive disorder is not the

same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of

personal weakness or a condition one can will

or wish away. People with a depressive illness

cannot merely “pull themselves together” and

get better. Without treatment, symptoms can

last for weeks, months, or years. However,

appropriate treatment, often involving

medication and/or short-term psychotherapy,

can help most people who suffer from

depression.
2

“I can remember it started with a loss of interest in basically

everything that I like doing. I just didn’t feel like doing

anything. I just felt like giving up. Sometimes I didn’t even

want to get out of bed.”

SRene Ruballo, Police Officer

 Depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic

background, socioeconomic status, or gender; however, large-scale

research studies have found that depression is about twice as

common in women as in men. In the United States, researchers 1,2

estimate that in any given one-year period, depressive illnesses

affect 12 percent of women (more than 12 million women) and

nearly 7 percent of men (more than six million men). But important 3

questions remain to be answered about the causes underlying this

gender difference. We still do not know if depression is truly less

common among men, or if men are just less likely than women to

recognize, acknowledge, and seek help for depression.

 In focus groups conducted by the National Institute of Mental

Health (NIMH) to assess depression awareness, men described their

own symptoms of depression without realizing that they were

depressed. Notably, many were unaware that “physical” symptoms,

such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain, can be

associated with depression. In addition, men were concerned that

seeing a mental health professional or going to a mental health

clinic would have a negative impact at work if their employer or

colleagues found out. They feared that being labeled with a

diagnosis of mental illness would cost them the respect of their

family and friends, or their standing in the community.

 Over the past 20 years, biomedical research, including genetics

and neuroimaging, has helped to shed light on depression and other

mental disordersSincreasing our understanding of the brain, how its

biochemistry can go awry, and how to alleviate the suffering caused
3

by mental illness. Brain imaging technologies are now allowing

scientists to see how effective treatment with medication or

psychotherapy is reflected in changes in brain activity. As research 4

continues to reveal that depressive disorders are real and treatable,

and no greater a sign of weakness than cancer or any other serious

illness, more and more men with depression may feel empowered to

seek treatment and find improved quality of life.

Types of Depression

Just like other illnesses, such as heart disease, depression comes in

different forms. This booklet briefly describes three of the most

common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types,

there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and

persistence.

 Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested

by a combination of symptoms (see symptoms list below) that

interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once

pleasurable activities. A major depressive episode may occur only

once; but more commonly, several episodes may occur in a lifetime.

Chronic major depression may require a person to continue

treatment indefinitely.

A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic

disorder), involves long-lasting, chronic symptoms that do not

seriously disable, but keep one from functioning well or feeling

good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive

episodes at some time in their lives.

 Another type of depressive illness is bipolar disorder (or

manic-depressive illness). Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling

mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression), often

with periods of normal mood in between. Sometimes the mood

switches are dramatic and rapid, but usually they are gradual. When
4

in the depressed cycle, an individual can have any or all of the

symptoms of depression. When in the manic cycle, the individual

may be overactive, over-talkative, and have a great deal of energy.

Mania often affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways

that cause serious problems and embarrassment. For example, the

individual in a manic phase may feel elated, full of grand schemes

that might range from unwise business decisions to romantic sprees

and unsafe sex. Mania, left untreated, may worsen to a psychotic

state.

Symptoms of Depression and Mania

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every

symptom. Some people experience only a few; some people suffer

many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also

over time.

Depression

P Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.

P Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.

P Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

P Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were

once enjoyable, including sex.

P Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed down.”

P Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

P Trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.

P Changes in appetite and/or weight.

P Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.

P Restlessness or irritability.

P Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive

disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine

treatment.
5

“You don’t have any interest in thinking about the future,

because you don’t feel that there is going to be any future.”

SShawn Colten, National Diving Champion

“I wouldn’t feel rested at all. I’d always feel tired. I could get

from an hour’s sleep to eight hours sleep, and I would always

feel tired.”

SRene Ruballo, Police Officer

Mania

P Abnormal or excessive elation.

P Unusual irritability.

P Decreased need for sleep.

P Grandiose notions.

P Increased talking.

P Racing thoughts.

P Increased sexual desire.

P Markedly increased energy.

P Poor judgment.

P Inappropriate social behavior.

Co-Occurrence of Depression with

Other Illnesses

Depression can coexist with other illnesses. In such cases, it is

important that the depression and each co-occurring illness be

appropriately diagnosed and treated.

Research has shown that anxiety disordersSwhich include

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive

disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety

disorderScommonly accompany depression. Depression is 5,6
6

especially prevalent among people with PTSD, a debilitating

condition that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or

ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.

Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal

assaults such as rape or mugging, natural disasters, accidents,

terrorism, and military combat. PTSD symptoms include:

re-experiencing the traumatic event in the form of flashback

episodes, memories, or nightmares; emotional numbness; sleep

disturbances; irritability; outbursts of anger; intense guilt; and

avoidance of any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. In one

NIMH-supported study, more than 40 percent of people with PTSD

also had depression when evaluated at one month and four months

following the traumatic event.7

Substance use disorders (abuse or dependence) also

frequently co-occur with depressive disorders. Research has 5,6

revealed that people with alcoholism are almost twice as likely as

those without alcoholism to also suffer from major depression. In 6

addition, more than half of people with bipolar disorder type I (with

severe mania) have a co-occurring substance use disorder.8

Depression has been found to occur at a higher rate among

people who have other serious illnesses such as heart disease,

stroke, cancer, HIV, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. Symptoms of

6,9

depression are sometimes mistaken for inevitable accompaniments

to these other illnesses. However, research has shown that the

co-occurring depression can and should be treated, and that in many

cases treating the depression can also improve the outcome of the

other illness.

Causes of Depression

Substantial evidence from neuroscience, genetics, and clinical

investigation shows that depressive illnesses are disorders of the
7

brain. However, the precise causes of these illnesses continue to be a

matter of intense research.

Modern brain-imaging technologies reveal that, in depression,

neural circuits responsible for the regulation of moods, thinking,

sleep, appetite, and behavior fail to function properly, and critical

neurotransmittersSchemicals that brain cells use to communicateS

are out of balance. Studies of brain chemistry, including the effects

of antidepressant medications, continue to inform our

understanding of the biochemical processes involved in depression.

In some families, depressive disorders seem to occur

generation after generation; however, they can also occur in people

with no family history of these illnesses. Genetics research 10

indicates that risk for depression results from the influence of

multiple genes acting together with environmental or other

nongenetic factors.

Very often, a combination of genetic, cognitive, and

environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive

disorder. Trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, a 11

financial problem, or any stressful change in life patterns, whether

the change is unwelcome or desired, can trigger a depressive episode

in vulnerable individuals. Later episodes of depression may occur

without an obvious cause.

Men and Depression

Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United

States suffer from a depressive disorder every year. Research and 3

clinical evidence reveal that while both women and men can develop

the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience

depression differently and may have different ways of coping with

the symptoms. Men may be more willing to acknowledge fatigue,

irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep
8

disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and

excessive guilt. Some researchers question whether the standard 12,13

definition of depression and the diagnostic tests based upon it

adequately capture the condition as it occurs in men.13

“I’d drink and I’d just get numb. I’d get numb to try to numb

my head. I mean, we’re talking many, many beers to get to

that state where you could shut your head off, but then you

wake up the next day and it’s still there. Because you have to

deal with it, it doesn’t just go away. It isn’t a two-hour movie

and then at the end it goes ‘The End’ and you press off. I mean

it’s a twenty-four hour a day movie and you’re thinking there

is no end. It’s horrible.”

SPatrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired

 Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug

abuse or dependence in their lifetime; however, there is debate 14

among researchers as to whether substance use is a “symptom” of

underlying depression in men or a co-occurring condition that more

commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance use can mask

depression, making it harder to recognize depression as a separate

illness that needs treatment.

Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or

seeking appropriate treatment, men may turn to alcohol or drugs

when they are depressed, or become frustrated, discouraged, angry,

irritable, and, sometimes, violently abusive. Some men deal with

depression by throwing themselves compulsively into their work,

attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family, and

friends. Other men may respond to depression by engaging in

reckless behavior, taking risks, and putting themselves in harm’s

way.
9

“When I was feeling depressed I was very reckless with my

life. I didn’t care about how I drove. I didn’t care about

walking across the street carefully. I didn’t care about

dangerous parts of the city. I wouldn’t be affected by any

kinds of warnings on travel or places to go. I didn’t care. I

didn’t care whether I lived or died and so I was going to do

whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. And when you take

those kinds of chances, you have a greater likelihood of

dying.”

SBill Maruyama, Lawyer

 More than four times as many men as women die by suicide

in the United States, even though women make more suicide

attempts during their lives. In addition to the fact that men 15,16

attempt suicide using methods that are generally more lethal than

those used by women, there may be other factors that protect

women against suicide death. In light of research indicating that

suicide is often associated with depression, the alarming suicide 17

rate among men may reflect the fact that men are less likely to seek

treatment for depression. Many men with depression do not obtain

adequate diagnosis and treatment that may be life saving.

More research is needed to understand all aspects of

depression in men, including how men respond to stress and

feelings associated with depression, how to make men more

comfortable acknowledging these feelings and getting the help they

need, and how to train physicians to better recognize and treat

depression in men. Family members, friends, and employee

assistance professionals in the workplace also can play important

roles in recognizing depressive symptoms in men and helping them

get treatment.
10

Depression in Older Men

Men must cope with several kinds of stress as they age. If they have

been the primary wage earners for their families and have identified

heavily with their jobs, they may feel stress upon retirementSloss of

an important role, loss of self-esteemSthat can lead to depression.

Similarly, the loss of friends and family and the onset of other

health problems can trigger depression. 

Depression is not a normal part of aging. Depression is an 18

illness that can be effectively treated, thereby decreasing

unnecessary suffering, improving the chances for recovery from

other illnesses, and prolonging productive life. However, health care

professionals may miss depressive symptoms in older patients.

Older adults may be reluctant to discuss feelings of sadness or grief,

or loss of interest in pleasurable activities. They may complain 19

primarily of physical symptoms. It may be difficult to discern a

co-occurring depressive disorder in patients who present with other

illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer, which may cause

depressive symptoms or may be treated with medications that have

side effects that cause depression. If a depressive illness is

diagnosed, treatment with appropriate medication and/or brief

psychotherapy can help older adults manage both diseases, thus

enhancing survival and quality of life.

“As you get sick, as you become drawn in more and more by

depression, you lose that perspective. Events become more

irritating, you get more frustrated about getting things done.

You feel angrier, you feel sadder. Everything’s magnified in an

abnormal way.”

SPaul Gottlieb, Publisher
11

Identifying and treating depression in older adults is critical. 

There is a common misperception that suicide rates are highest

among the young, but it is older white males who suffer the highest

rate. Over 70 percent of older suicide victims visit their primary care

physician within the month of their death; many have a depressive

illness that goes undetected during these visits. This fact has led to 20

research efforts to determine how to best improve physicians’

abilities to detect and treat depression in older adults.21

Approximately 80 percent of older adults with depression

improve when they receive treatment with antidepressant

medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In addition, 22

research has shown that a combination of psychotherapy and

antidepressant medication is highly effective for reducing

recurrences of depression among older adults. Psychotherapy alone 23

has been shown to prolong periods of good health free from

depression, and is particularly useful for older patients who cannot

or will not take medication. Improved recognition and treatment of 18

depression in later life will make those years more enjoyable and

fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, and his family and

caregivers.

Depression in Boys and

Adolescent Males

Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken

very seriously. Research has revealed that depression is occurring

earlier in life today than in past decades. In addition, research has 24

shown that early-onset depression often persists, recurs, and

continues into adulthood, and that depression in youth may also

predict more severe illness in adult life. An NIMH-sponsored study 25

of 9- to 17-year-olds estimates that the prevalence of any depressive

disorder is more than 6 percent in a six-month period, with 4.9
12

percent having major depression. Before puberty, boys and girls 26

are equally likely to develop depressive disorders. After age 14,

however, females are twice as likely as males to have major

depression or dysthymia. The risk of developing bipolar disorder 27

remains approximately equal for males and females throughout

adolescence and adulthood.

The depressed younger child may say he is sick, refuse to go

to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. The

depressed older child may sulk, get into trouble at school, be

negative and grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Signs of depressive

disorders in young people are often viewed as normal mood swings

typical of a particular developmental stage. In addition, health care

professionals may be reluctant to prematurely “label” a young

person with a mental illness diagnosis. However, early diagnosis

and treatment of depressive disorders are critical to healthy

emotional, social, and behavioral development. Depression in young

people frequently co-occurs with other mental disorders, most

commonly anxiety, disruptive behavior, or substance abuse

disorders, as well as with other serious illnesses such as

diabetes.28,29

 Among both children and adolescents, depressive disorders

confer an increased risk for illness and interpersonal and

psychosocial difficulties that persist long after the depressive

episode is resolved; in adolescents, there is also an increased risk for

substance abuse and suicidal behavior. Unfortunately, these 25,30,31

disorders often go unrecognized by families and physicians alike.

Although the scientific literature on treatment of children and

adolescents with depression is far less extensive than that for

adults, a number of recent studies have confirmed the short-term

efficacy and safety of treatments for depression in youth. An

NIMH-funded clinical trial of 439 adolescents with major depression

found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the 
13

most effective treatment. Additional research is needed on how 32

best to incorporate these treatments into primary care practice.

Bipolar disorder, although rare in young children, can appear

in both children and adolescents. The unusual shifts in mood, 33

energy, and functioning that are characteristic of bipolar disorder

may begin with manic, depressive, or mixed manic and depressive

symptoms. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who

have the illness. Twenty to 40 percent of adolescents with major

depression go on to reveal bipolar disorder within five years after

the onset of depression.

Depression in children and adolescents is associated with an

increased risk of suicidal behaviors. This risk may rise, 25,34

particularly among adolescent males, if the depression is

accompanied by conduct disorder and alcohol or other substance

abuse. In 2002, suicide was the third leading cause of death 35

among young males, age 15 to 24. NIMH-supported researchers 36

found that among adolescents who develop major depressive

disorder, as many as 7 percent may die by suicide in the young

adult years. Therefore, it is important for doctors and parents to 25

take seriously any remarks about suicide.

 NIMH researchers are developing and testing various

interventions to prevent suicide in children and adolescents. Early

diagnosis and treatment, accurate evaluation of suicidal thinking,

and limitations on young people’s access to lethal agentsSincluding

firearms and medicationsSmay hold the greatest suicide prevention

value.

Suicide

“You are pushed to the point of considering suicide, because

living becomes very painful. You are looking for a way out.

You’re looking for a way to eliminate this terrible psychic pain.
14

And I remember, I never really tried to commit suicide, but I

came awful close, because I used to play matador with buses.

You know, I would walk out into the traffic of New York City,

with no reference to traffic lights, red or green, almost hoping

that I would get knocked down.”

SPaul Gottlieb, Publisher

 Sometimes depression can cause people to feel like putting

themselves in harm’s way, or killing themselves. Although the

majority of people with depression do not die by suicide, having

depression does increase suicide risk compared to people without

depression.

If you are thinking about suicide, get help immediately:

P Call your doctor’s office.

P Call 911 for emergency services.

P Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

P Ask a family member or friend to take you to the hospital or call

your doctor.

P Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be

connected to a trained counselor at the suicide crisis center

nearest you.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Treatment

“Your tendency is just to wait it out, you know, let it get

better. You don’t want to go to the doctor. You don’t want to

admit to how bad you’re really feeling.”

SPaul Gottlieb, Publisher
15

The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a

physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as

some medical conditions such as a viral infection, thyroid disorder,

or low testosterone level can cause the same symptoms as

depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities

through examination, interview, and lab tests. If no such cause of

the depressive symptoms is found, the physician should do a

psychological evaluation or refer the patient to a mental health

professional.

A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history

of symptoms: i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted,

their severity, and whether the patient had them before and, if so, if

the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given. The

doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has

thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include

questions about whether other family members have had a

depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have

received and if they were effective. Last, a diagnostic evaluation

should include a mental status examination to determine if speech,

thought patterns, or memory has been affected, as sometimes

happens with depressive disorders.

Treatment choice will depend on the patient’s diagnosis,

severity of symptoms, and preference. There are a variety of

treatments, including medications and short-term psychotherapies

(i.e., “talk” therapies), that have proven effective for depressive

disorders. In general, severe depressive illnesses, particularly those

that are recurrent, will require a combination of treatments for the

best outcome.

Medications

There are several types of medications used to treat depression.

These include newer antidepressant medications–chiefly the
16

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)–and older ones, the

tricyclics and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The SSRIs

(and other newer medications that affect neurotransmitters such as

dopamine or norepinephrine) generally have fewer side effects than

tricyclics. Sometimes the doctor will try a variety of antidepressants

before finding the most effective medication or combination of

medications for the patient. Sometimes the dosage must be

increased to be effective. Although some improvements may be seen

in the first couple of weeks, antidepressant medications must be

taken regularly for three to four weeks (in some cases, as many as

eight weeks) before the full therapeutic effect occurs.

Patients often are tempted to stop medication too soon. They

may feel better and think they no longer need the medication, or

they may think it isn’t helping at all. It is important to keep taking

medication until it has a chance to work, though side effects (see

section on Side Effects, pages 19-20) may appear before

antidepressant activity does. Once the person is feeling better, it is

important to continue the medication for at least four to nine

months to prevent a relapse into depression. Some medications

must be stopped gradually to give the body time to adjust, and

many can produce withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.

Therefore, you should never discontinue your medication

without first talking to your doctor. For individuals with bipolar

disorder and those with chronic or recurrent major depression,

medication may have to be maintained indefinitely.

Recently, concerns have been raised that the use of

antidepressant medications themselves may induce suicidal

behavior in youths. In fact, following a thorough and comprehensive

review of all the available published and unpublished controlled

clinical trials of antidepressants in children and adolescents, the

FDA has adopted a “black box” label on SSRI medications to warn

the public about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts (suicidal

ideation) or behavior (“suicidality”) in children and adolescents
17

treated with these medications. However, studies show that there

are substantial benefits from medication treatment for adolescents

with moderate and severe depression, including many with suicidal

ideation. Parents and children should work with their health care

provider to determine the best and most appropriate treatment. 

For more information, visit the NIMH website at

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/

antidepressant_child.cfm.

 Medications for depressive disorders are not habit-forming.

Nevertheless, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed

for more than a few days, doctors must carefully monitor these

treatments to determine if the patient is getting the most effective

dosage. The doctor should check regularly the dosage of each

medicine and its effectiveness.

For the small number of people for whom MAO inhibitors are

the best treatment, it is necessary to avoid certain foods that contain

high levels of tyramine, including many cheeses, wines, and pickles,

as well as medications such as decongestants. The interaction of

tyramine with MAOIs can bring on a hypertensive crisis (a sharp

increase in blood pressure) that can lead to a stroke. The doctor

should furnish a complete list of prohibited foods, and the patient

should carry it at all times. Other forms of antidepressants require

no food restrictions. Efforts are underway to develop a “skin patch”

system for one of the newer MAOIs, selegiline. If successful, this

may be a more convenient and safer medication option than the

older MAOI tablets.

Medications of any kindS prescribed, over-the-counter,

or borrowedS should never be mixed without consulting a

doctor. Health professionals who may prescribe a medication, such

as a dentist or other medical specialist, should be told of all the

medications the patient is taking. Some medications, although safe

when taken alone, can cause severe and dangerous side effects if

taken in combination with others.
18

AlcoholSincluding wine, beer, and hard liquorSor street drugs

may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be

avoided. However, doctors may permit people who have not had a

problem with alcohol abuse or dependence to use a modest amount

of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants.

 Antianxiety drugs or sedatives are not antidepressants. They

are sometimes prescribed along with antidepressants, but they are

not effective when taken alone for a depressive disorder. Stimulants,

such as amphetamines, are also not effective antidepressants, but

they are used occasionally, under close supervision, in medically ill

depressed patients.

Lithium has for many years been the treatment of choice for

bipolar disorder, as it can be effective in smoothing out the mood

swings common to this illness. Doctors must carefully monitor its

use as the range between an effective dose and a toxic one is small.

If a person has preexisting thyroid, kidney, or heart disorders or

epilepsy, lithium may not be recommended. Fortunately, other

medications have been found to be of benefit in controlling mood

swings. Among these are two mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants,

valproate (Depakote®) and carbamazepine (Tegretol®). Both of

these medications have gained wide acceptance in clinical practice,

and the Food and Drug Administration has approved valproate for

first-line treatment of acute mania. Other anticonvulsants that are

being used now include lamotrigine (Lamictal®), and topiramate

(Topamax®); however, their role in the treatment of bipolar disorder

is not yet proven and remains under study.

Most people who have bipolar disorder take more than one

medication. In addition to lithium and/or an anticonvulsant, doctors

often prescribe a medication for accompanying agitation, anxiety,

depression, or insomnia. Finding the best possible combination of

these medications is of utmost importance to the patient and

requires close monitoring by the physician. 
19

Questions about any medication prescribed, or problems

that may be related to it, should be discussed with your

doctor.

Side Effects

Before starting a new medication, ask the doctor to tell you about

any side effects you may experience. Antidepressants may cause

mild and, usually, temporary side effects (sometimes referred to as

adverse effects) in some people. Typically, these are annoying, but

not serious. However, any unusual reactions or side effects, or those

that interfere with functioning, should be reported to the doctor

immediately.

The most common side effects of the newer antidepressants

(SSRIs and others) are:

P Headache S will usually go away.

P Nausea S also temporary, but even when it occurs, it is

short-lived after each dose.

P Insomnia and nervousness (trouble falling asleep or waking

often during the night) S may occur during the first few weeks

but are usually resolved over time or with a reduction in dosage.

P Agitation (feeling jittery) S notify your doctor if this happens for

the first time after the drug is taken and is persistent.

P Sexual problems S consult your doctor if the problem is

persistent or worrisome. Although depression itself can lower

libido and impair sexual performance, SSRIs and some other

antidepressants can provoke sexual dysfunction. These side

effects can affect more than half of adults taking SSRIs. In men,

common problems include reduced sexual drive, erectile

dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation. For some men, dosage

reductions or acquired tolerance to the medication reduce sexual

dysfunction symptoms. Although changing from one SSRI to

another has generally not been shown to be beneficial, one
20

study showed that citalopram (Celexa®) did not seem to cause

sexual impairment in patients who had experienced such events

with another SSRI.37

Some clinicians treating men with antidepressant-associated

sexual dysfunction report improvement with the addition of

bupropion (Wellbutrin®) or sildenafil (Viagra®) to ongoing 38 39

treatment. Be sure to discuss the various options with your doctor

and inquire about other interventions that can help.

 Tricyclic antidepressants have different types of side effects:

P Dry mouth S drinking sips of water, chewing sugarless gum,

and cleaning teeth daily is helpful.

P Constipation S adding bran cereals, prunes, fruit, and

vegetables to your diet should help.

P Bladder problems S emptying the bladder may be troublesome,

and the urine stream may not be as strong as usual; notify your

doctor if there is marked difficulty or pain. This side effect may

be particularly problematic in older men with enlarged prostate

conditions.

P Sexual problems S sexual functioning may change; men may

experience some loss of interest in sex, difficulty in maintaining

an erection or achieving orgasm. If they are worrisome, discuss

these side effects you’re your doctor.

P Blurred vision – will pass soon and will not usually necessitate

a new glasses prescription.

P Dizziness S rising from the bed or chair slowly is helpful.

P Drowsiness as a daytime problem – usually passes soon. If you

feel drowsy or sedated you should not drive or operate heavy

equipment. The more sedating antidepressants are generally

taken at bedtime to help sleep and minimize daytime

drowsiness.
21

Psychotherapies

Several forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term (10-20

weeks) therapies, can help people with depressive disorders. Two of

the short-term psychotherapies that research has shown to be

effective for depression are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and

interpersonal therapy (IPT). Cognitive-behavioral therapists help

patients change the negative thinking and behavior patterns that

contribute to, or result from, depression. Through verbal exchange

with the therapist, as well as “homework” assignments between

therapy sessions, CBT helps patients understand their depression

and resolve problems related to it. Interpersonal therapists help

patients work through disturbed personal relationships that may be

contributing to or worsening their depression. Psychotherapy is

offered by a variety of licensed mental health providers, including

psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health

counselors.

For many depressed patients, especially those with moderate

to severe depression, a combination of antidepressant medication

and psychotherapy is the preferred approach to treatment. Some

psychiatrists offer both types of intervention. Alternatively, two

mental health professionals may collaborate in the treatment of a

person with depression; for example, a psychiatrist or other

physician, such as a family doctor, may prescribe medication while

a nonmedical therapist provides ongoing psychotherapy.

“You start to have these little thoughts, ‘Wait, maybe I can get

through this. Maybe these things that are happening to me

aren’t so bad.’ And you start thinking to yourself, ‘Maybe I can

deal with things for now.’ And it’s just little tiny thoughts until

you realize that it’s gone and then you go, ‘Oh my God, thank

you, I don’t feel sad anymore.’ And then when it was finally

gone, when I felt happy, I was back to the usual things that I
22

was doing in my life. You get so happy because you think to

yourself, ‘I never thought it would leave.’”

SShawn Colten, National Diving Champion

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is another treatment option that

may be particularly useful for individuals whose depression is

severe or life threatening, or who cannot take antidepressant

medication. ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant

medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms. The exact

mechanisms by which ECT exerts its therapeutic effect are not yet

known.40

In recent years, ECT has much improved. Before treatment,

which is done under brief anesthesia, patients are given a muscle

relaxant. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to

deliver electrical impulses. The stimulation causes a brief (about 30

seconds) generalized seizure within the brain, which is necessary for

therapeutic efficacy. The person receiving ECT does not consciously

experience the electrical stimulus.

A typical course of ECT entails six to 12 treatments,

administered at a rate of three times per week, on either an inpatient

or outpatient basis. To sustain the response to ECT, continuation

treatment, often in the form of antidepressant and/or mood stabilizer

medication, must be instituted. Some individuals may require

maintenance ECT (M-ECT), which is delivered on an outpatient basis

at a rate usually of one treatment weekly, tapered off to bi-weekly to

monthly for up to one year.

The most common side effects of ECT are confusion and

memory loss for events surrounding the period of ECT treatment.

The confusion and disorientation experienced upon awakening after

ECT typically clear within an hour. More persistent memory

problems are variable and can be minimized with the use of modern
23

treatment techniques, such as application of both stimulus

electrodes to the right side of the head (unilateral ECT). A recent 40,41

study showed no adverse cognitive effects of M-ECT after one year.42

Herbal Therapy

In the past several years, there has been an increase in public

interest in the use of herbs for the treatment of both depression and

anxiety. The extract from St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), a

wild-growing plant with yellow flowers, has been used extensively

in Europe as a treatment for mild to moderate depression, and it

now ranks among the top-selling botanical products in the United

States. Because of the increase in Americans’ use of St. John’s wort

and the need to answer important remaining questions about the

herb’s efficacy for long-term treatment of depression, the National

Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a clinical trial to determine

whether a well-standardized extract of St. John’s wort is effective in

the treatment of adults suffering from major depression of moderate

severity. The trial found that St. John’s wort was no more effective

for treating major depression of moderate severity than an inert pill

(placebo). Another study is underway looking at St. John’s wort for 43

the treatment of minor depression.

Research from NIH has shown that St. John’s wort interacts

with some drugs including certain drugs used to control HIV

infection. The Food and Drug Administration issued a Public Health

Advisory on February 10, 2000, which stated that the herb appears

to affect an important metabolic pathway that many prescription

drugs use to treat conditions such as heart disease, depression,

seizures, certain cancers, and rejection of organ transplants. The

same pathway is also responsible for the effectiveness of oral

contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. Using the herb may limit the

effectiveness of these medications. People taking HIV medications

should be especially careful since St. John’s wort may reduce the
24

HIV medication levels in the bloodstream and could allow the AIDS

virus to rebound, perhaps in a drug-resistant form. Health care

providers should alert their patients about these potential drug

interactions, and patients should always consult their health care

provider before taking any herbal supplement.

How to Help Yourself if You Are

Depressed

“It affects the way you think. It affects the way you feel. It

just simply invades every pore of your skin. It’s a blanket that

covers everything. The act of pretending to be well was so

exhausting. All I could do was shut down. At times you just say

‘It’s enough already.’”

SSteve Lappen, Writer 

Depressive disorders can make one feel exhausted, worthless,

helpless, and hopeless. It is important to realize that these negative

views are part of the depression and do not accurately reflect the

actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to

take effect. In the meantime:

P Engage in mild exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or

participate in religious, social, or other activities.

P Set realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of

responsibility.

P Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do

what you can as you can.

P Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is

usually better than being alone and secretive.

P Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
25

P Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.

Feeling better takes time. Often during treatment of depression,

sleep and appetite will begin to improve before depressed mood

lifts.

P Postpone important decisions. Before deciding to make a

significant transition–change jobs, get married or

divorced–discuss it with others who know you well and have a

more objective view of your situation.

P Do not expect to ‘snap out of’ a depression. But do expect to feel

a little better day-by-day.

P Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking

as your depression responds to treatment.

P Let your family and friends help you.

How Family and Friends Can Help

The most important thing anyone can do for a man who may have

depression is to help him get to a doctor for a diagnostic evaluation

and treatment. First, try to talk to him about depressionShelp him

understand that depression is a common illness among men and is

nothing to be ashamed about. Perhaps share this booklet with him.

Then encourage him to see a doctor to determine the cause of his

symptoms and obtain appropriate treatment.

Occasionally, you may need to make an appointment for the

depressed person and accompany him to the doctor. Once he is in

treatment, you may continue to help by encouraging him to stay

with treatment until symptoms begin to lift (several weeks) or to

seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. This may also

mean monitoring whether he is taking prescribed medication and/or

attending therapy sessions. Encourage him to be honest with the

doctor about his use of alcohol and prescription or recreational 
26

drugs, and to follow the doctor’s orders about the use of these

substances while on antidepressant medication.

The second most important thing is to offer emotional support

to the depressed person. This involves understanding, patience,

affection, and encouragement. Engage him in conversation and

listen carefully. Do not disparage the feelings he may express, but

point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about

suicide. Report them to the depressed person’s doctor. In an

emergency, call 911. Invite him for walks, outings, to the movies,

and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused.

Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure,

such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not

push him to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person

needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase

feelings of failure.

Do not accuse the depressed person of laziness or of faking

illness, or expect him ‘to snap out of it.’ Eventually, with treatment,

most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring

him that, with time and help, he will feel better.

Where to Get Help

If unsure where to go for help, talk to people you trust who have

experience in mental health, for example, a doctor, nurse, social

worker, or religious counselor. Ask their advice on where to seek

treatment. If there is a university nearby, its departments of

psychiatry or psychology may offer private and/or sliding-scale fee

clinic treatment options. Otherwise, check the Yellow Pages under

“mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,”

“crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or

“physicians,” for phone numbers and addresses. In times of crisis,

the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide
27

temporary help for a mental health problem, and will be able to tell

you where and how to get further help.

Listed below are the types of people and places that will make

a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services.

P Family doctors

P Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists,

social workers, or mental health counselors

P Religious leaders/counselors

P Health maintenance organizations

P Community mental health centers

P Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics

P University- or medical school-affiliated programs

P State hospital outpatient clinics

P Social service agencies

P Private clinics and facilities

P Employee assistance programs

P Local medical and/or psychiatric societies

 

Within the Federal government, the Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a “Services

Locator” for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs

and resources nationwide. Visit their Web site at

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/ 

or call 1-800-789-2647 (toll-free).

Conclusion

A man can experience depression in many different ways. He may

be grumpy or irritable, or have lost his sense of humor. He might

drink too much or abuse drugs. It may be that he physically or

verbally abuses his wife and his kids. He might work all the time, or

compulsively seek thrills in high-risk behavior. Or, he may seem
28

isolated, withdrawn, and no longer interested in the people or

activities he used to enjoy.

Perhaps this man sounds like you. If so, it is important to

understand that there is a brain disorder called depression that may

be underlying these feelings and behaviors. It’s real: scientists have

developed sensitive imaging devices that enable us to see depression

in the brain. And it’s treatable: more than 80 percent of those

suffering from depression respond to existing treatments, and new

ones are continually becoming available and helping more people.

Talk to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling, and ask for

help.

Or perhaps this man sound like someone you care about. Try

to talk to him, or to someone who has a chance of getting through

to him. Help him to understand that depression is a common illness

among men and is nothing to be ashamed about. Encourage him to

see a doctor and get an evaluation for depression.

For most men with depression, life doesn’t have to be so dark

and hopeless. Life is hard enough as it is; and treating depression

can free up vital resources to cope with life’s challenges effectively.

When a man is depressed, he’s not the only one who suffers. His

depression also darkens the lives of his family, his friends, virtually

everyone close to him. Getting him into treatment can send ripples

of healing and hope into all of those lives.

Depression is a real illness; it is treatable; and men can have

it. It takes courage to ask for help, but help can make all the

difference.

“And pretty soon you start having good thoughts about

yourself and that you’re not worthless and you kind of turn

your head over your shoulder and look back at that, that

rutted, muddy, dirt road that you just traveled and now you’re 
29

on some smooth asphalt and go, ‘Wow, what a trip. Still got a

ways to go, but I wouldn’t want to go down that road again.’”

SPatrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired

For Further Information

National Institute of Mental Health

Public Information and Communications Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Toll-Free: 1-866-227-NIMH (-6464)

Phone: 1-301-443-4513

FAX: 1-301-443-4279

TTY: 1-301-443-8431

TTY toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov

E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov

For information about the Real Men Real Depression (RMRD)

campaign, e-mail menanddepression@mail.nih.gov or visit the

RMRD Web site at www.menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov.

This publication is also available in Spanish.

Visit the NIMH Website at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/ for

information that supplements this publication.

For information on organizations and related resources for

depressive disorders, go to MedLinePlus®, a service of the U.S.

National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health,

at the following site:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/depression.html.
30

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_________________________________________

The following staff of the NIMH Public Information and Communications

Branch were contributing writers and editors of this booklet: Rayford Kytle,

Margaret Strock, Melissa Spearing, Clarissa Wittenberg, Daisy Whittemore,

Ruth Dubois, Lisa D. Alberts, Jennifer K. Loukissas, and James Petersen.

Scientific review was provided by Matthew V. Rudorfer, M.D., and Jane L.

Pearson, Ph.D., of NIMH.

This publication is in the public domain and may be used and

reprinted without permission from the NIMH. Citation of NIMH as

the source is appreciated.

9/2005