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Major depression - Prevention

Alternative Names

Depression - major; Unipolar depression; Major depressive disorder

Prevention:

You may be able to avoid some episodes of depression by:

  • Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and caffeine
  • Exercising regularly
  • Learning how to relax and manage stress
  • Maintaining good sleep habits

Counseling may help you through times of grief, stress, or low mood. Family therapy may be particularly important for teens who feel blue.

The elderly, or others who feel socially isolated or lonely can try volunteering or getting involved in group activities.

Medications and psychiatric counseling may prevent depression from returning. Some episodes of depression are not preventable.

  • Reviewed last on: 1/20/2009
  • Paul Ballas, DO, Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson Uniersity Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Mood disorders. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2004:chap 74.

US Preventive Services Task Force. Guide to clinical preventive services: screening for depression, recommendations and rationale. 2002;136. Accessed October 17, 2008.

Conway MW, Miller MN. Mood disorders. In: Rakel P, Bope ET, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 281.

American Psychiatric Association. Practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. 2nd ed. September 2007. Accessed October 27, 2008.

Schiffer RB. Psychiatric disorders in medical practice. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 420.

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