Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood. Depression is now recognized in children and adolescents, although sometimes it has more of a symptom of irritability than low mood. Many chronic mood disorders in adults begin with high levels of anxiety in children. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. Conducted research shows that it is based on a combination of factors: genetic, biological, environmental and psychological. Depression, especially in middle-aged or older people, can co-occur with other serious medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Sometimes medications taken for these physical conditions can cause side effects that contribute to depression. A physician experienced in treating these complex diseases should help develop the best treatment strategy, reducing possible negative influences. Risk factors include: Personal or family history of depression, Life changes, trauma or stress, Certain medical conditions and medications. Signs and Symptoms A person suffering from depression experiences some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, almost every day, and for at least two weeks: A persistently sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, Increased irritability, Feelings of guilt. , worthlessness or helplessness, Loss of interest or enjoyment in hobbies and activities, Decreased energy or fatigue, Slow movement or speech, Anxiety, Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, Difficulty sleeping, waking up early or drowsiness, Changes in appetite or weight, Thoughts about death or suicide, suicide attempt, Body pain, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that are not relieved even by treatment. Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others may have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, as well as their duration, will vary depending on the person and his or her specific illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the disease. If you experience these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, you should first seek help from your GP. It is especially important to talk to a therapist if you: - have symptoms of depression that are not improving - find that your mood is affecting your work, other interests and relationships with family and friends - have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Sometimes when you're in this state, it can be difficult to imagine that treatment will actually help. But the sooner you seek treatment, the faster your health will improve. There are no physical tests for depression, but your GP may examine you and do some urine or blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid. The main way your doctor will tell if you have depression is by asking you questions about your overall health and how your feelings are affecting you mentally and physically. Try to be as open and honest as possible with your answers. Describing your symptoms and how they affect you will help determine whether you have depression and how severe it is. Any discussion with the therapist will be confidential. In parallel or after the diagnosis of the body, recommendations will be given, a referral to a specialist for psychotherapeutic or drug treatment.