Treatment is often necessary and many times crucial to recovery.
Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, becoming a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. The onset of depression is occurring earlier in life than in previous years, with women nearly twice as likely than men to develop major depression. The following are the most common symptoms of major depression. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. For a diagnosis of major depression to be made, an individual must exhibit five or more of these symptoms during the same two-week period.