Knowing What to Expect:
Diagnosis and Treatment of
Depression
What is Depression?
Everyone feels unhappy at times. It is normal to feel sad after a disappointment or a loss. But,
depression is more than those brief periods of sadness. Depression is a medical disorder that lasts
longer than normal bouts of the “blues.”
Symptoms of Depression include 5 or more of these symptoms lasting two or more weeks:
 Feelings of sadness or emptiness
 Feeling tired
 Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
 Difficulty concentrating
 Appetite and weight changes (increase or decrease)  Sleep disturbances (sleeping less or more
than usual)
 Feelings of mental/physical slowness or agitation
 Thoughts of death/suicide
 Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or guilt
What Causes Depression?
Depression can have more than one cause including:
heredity, past experiences, biology, or recent
stressful events. An imbalance in the chemicals in
the brain that control mood can cause depression.
How is Depression Treated?
According to the National Institute of Mental
Health and the American Psychiatric Association,
depression
can
be
treated
effectively
with
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal
Therapy, medication, or a combination of therapy
and medication. Treatment may include one or more
of the following:

Antidepressant Medication
to correct imbalances in the chemicals in the
brain that control mood
Seeking Help
1.
When you go to see the behavioral health
practitioner for the first time, be prepared
to provide information about your physical
health and any current medications you are
taking, including vitamins and herbs. Also,
write down instructions your practitioner
gives you.
Do not be afraid to ask
questions if you don’t understand something.
2.
Come to an agreement with your practitioner
on your treatment plan. Follow the treatment
plan. Even though you may be feeling better,
symptoms may come back if treatment is not
completed.
3.
Do things to help yourself:
 Take an active role in your treatment. Start
by learning as much as you can about
depression.
 Psychotherapy (Individual, Family, Group)
 Keep a Daily Activities Log to help you
to help you:
recognize which activities affect your mood
- Achieve improved mood and a complete remission
and monitor your compliance with your
of symptoms (for mild depression)
treatment activities.
- Understand which factors in your life may be
 Keep a record of the medications you take and
causing the depression
what effect they have on your mood.
Learn how to manage the symptoms of
 In most cases, medication should be continued
depression
for at least 6–9 months.
Do not stop
Learn how to change your way of thinking
medication without talking to your physician.
about depression
 Follow the recommendations of your PCP or
behavioral health practitioner. Keep all
 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
scheduled appointments.
to relieve symptoms quickly when depression is
 Tell your doctor about any medication side
severe and endangers the patient’s health. ECT
effects you experience.
is usually used only after medication has failed
 Take care of yourself with a balanced diet,
to relieve the symptoms of depression.
moderate exercise and regular bedtimes, and
Additional Resources
by reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and
illegal drugs.
Self-Help, Support Groups, and other Resources to provide emotional support.
found on numerous web sites and at national phone numbers, such as:
Resources can be
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
1.800.950.NAMI
Web site: www.nami.org
National Institute of Mental Health
1.866.615.6464
Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Association
1.800.969.6642
Web site: www.nmha.org
National Depressive and Manic Depressive
Association
1.800.826.3632
Webreferences
site: www.ndmda.org
Information contained in this document is taken from the
listed. It is developed for use by the
general public and is not intended as medical/clinical advice or treatment. If you feel you may have
symptoms of Depression, you should consult your doctor or behavioral health professional. Only your
healthcare practitioner can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. Any references in this material
to other organizations or companies, including their Web sites, is not an endorsement or warranty of
services, information or products provided by those organizations or companies. For more information about
your behavioral health benefits, call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on
your healthcare identification card.
CIGNA Behavioral Health, 2004