There are effective medications and psychological treatments, which often are used in combination. In serious depression, medication is usually required. The majority of clinical depressions, including the most severe, improve with treatment, usually within weeks. Continued treatment will prevent recurrence. Depression is often unrecognized when it co-occurs with other medical, psychiatric, or substance abuse disorders.
Symptoms of depression affect thoughts, feelings, body, and behaviors.
Without treatment, the symptoms can last for months, years, or a lifetime. Some depressive episodes occur suddenly for no apparent reason. Some are triggered by a stressful experience. Some people's symptoms are so severe they are unable to function as usual. Others have ongoing, chronic symptoms that do not interfere with functioning, but keep them from feeling really well.