Glossary for Depression-Related Terms

Here is a glossary of terms regarding depression and some of its treatments:

Anti-Depressant: A drug used in order to treat all types of depression.

Bipolar Disorder: Also known as manic disorder, this is an illness in which a person suffers episodes of altering mood phases, from depressed to high

Chronic Depression: A consistent depressive state that one is diagnosed with after being depressed for over 2 years.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): A directory constructed by the American Psychiatric Association that classifies mental disorders and is for all ages.

Food and Drug Administration(FDA): A nationwide agency responsible for protecting American Public Health by testing food and drugs for both humans and animals.

MDE: A major depressive episode, in which one loses interest in normally exciting activities and experiences drastic mood swings consistently.

Mood Stabilizers: A psychiatric drug used to regulate behavioral shifts and mood swings.

Neurotransmitters: Chemically transmitted messages across synapses between neurons. An extreme imbalance in these neurotransmitters may result in the mood swings associated with depression.

Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter antecedent accountable for a euphoric feeling by triggering dopamine, another neurotransmitter that makes the person feel good.

Phototherapy: The usage of ultraviolet light in order to treat SAD.

Postpartum Depression: A depression women may have when they are close to giving birth.

Psychiatrist: A physician that focuses on preventing and treating mental disorders.

Psychologist: A physician that intends on studying about the behavior and mind of humans.

Psychotherapy: The usage of psychology in order to treat mental illnesses.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A type of depression that results in certain seasons with a lack of sunlight, especially during the winter.

Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is commonly hypothesized to cause depression when lacking.

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