A depression is said to be endogenous if it occurs without a particular bad event, stressful situation or other definite, outside cause being present in the person's life. Endogenous depression usually responds well to medication. Some authorities do not consider this to be a useful diagnostic category.

How long the mood lasts: A bad mood is usually gone in a few days, but depression lasts for two weeks or longer. How much it interferes with your life. A bad mood does not keep you from going to work or school or spending time with friends. Depression can keep you from doing these things and may even make it difficult to get out of bed.

Very common. One in six New Zealanders will experience depression at some time in their lives. It is most common in 16-24 year olds, but can happen at any age.

Depression is not often recognised or treated. Different types of depression require different types of treatments. This may include physical exercise and other self help strategies for preventing and treating mild depression, through to counselling and drug treatments for more severe types of depression.

Manic Depression is an older term for what is now more commonly called Bipolar Disorder. There is no other difference in the meaning.

middot; Occurrence: Postpartum depression develops in approximately 10% of all postpartum women. The greatest risk occurs at approximately 4 weeks after delivery. middot; Contributing factors: Risks for postpartum depression include primiparity (first pregnancy), history of postpartum depression, lack of social support, and lack of stable relationships.

There is no universal cure for depression. Often, in order to overcome depression, several forms of treatment must be employed. This is primarily due to the complex and unique nature of depression.

Just as there is no single universal cure for depression, there is no single cause either. The medical community agrees that there are potentially several causes that may result in depression. In the most general terms, depression is thought to be caused by a combination of physiological, social and genetic factors.

Today, the standard treatment consists of antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, or both. Fortunately, most depressed people can be treated effectively, but too often, depression is left unrecognized and untreated. For angina patients, depression, anxiety, and stress make the heart work harder, which in turn can worsen angina pain or discomfort. That's why it's especially important for patients and their caregivers to remain alert for the warning signs above.

Depression and PMS are different. Nonetheless, some studies have shown that women with PMS may also be genetically predisposed to depression. There is evidence that antidepressants, bright-light treatments, or counseling may help.