Depression is very responsive to treatment. Most people will feel markedly improved within 6-8 weeks of treatment. Another form of the disorder is manic-depression in which a person swings between excessive euphoria and depression. The exact cause of depression is not known. People suffering from depression may have recurring, unexplained pain in certain parts of their bodies.
Depressed people have difficulty in maintaining normal relationships with other people.
When symptoms are relatively mild, psychotherapy or medication may be used to treat depression. Counseling can give you some support and help you feel less like you are out of control, a victim, or going crazy. The most common psychotherapies used to treat depression are cognitive behavioral treatment and interpersonal psychotherapy. During counseling sessions, the therapist can help you identify unrealistic views of yourself, your relationships, the world, and the future. There are many different types of antidepressant medications.