Overview
What is Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)?
Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide — affecting over 56 million people in India alone. It is characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue and a range of emotional, cognitive and physical symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. Depression is not weakness — it is a medical condition with a strong neurobiological basis, highly responsive to evidence-based treatment including antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.
Major Depression
Persistent depressive episodes
Profound low mood and loss of interest lasting 2+ weeks, significantly impairing daily functioning.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Chronic low-grade depression
Milder but chronic depression lasting 2+ years — also known as dysthymia.
Postpartum Depression
Depression after childbirth
Affecting 10–15% of new mothers in India; requires specialist treatment including mother and infant care.
Seasonal Depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Depression triggered by seasonal light changes; more common in northern India.
Treatment-resistant Depression
Not responding to first-line treatment
Depression that has not responded to two or more adequate antidepressant trials — requires specialist management.
Depression with Psychosis
Severe depression with delusions
Major depression with psychotic features — delusions or hallucinations — requires combined antidepressant and antipsychotic treatment.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms
Recognising the signs early leads to better outcomes. Common indicators include:
Persistent low mood, sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
Significant fatigue and loss of energy
Sleep disturbances — insomnia or excessive sleeping
Appetite changes — significant weight loss or gain
Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
When to seek depression treatment
Depression is highly treatable but rarely resolves fully without professional support. Seek specialist help if:
- Low mood has persisted for more than two weeks
- You have lost interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Depression is affecting work, relationships or daily life
- You are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Previous antidepressants or therapy have not provided relief
Treatment
Treatment approach at Athena
All treatment programs are personalised, evidence-based and delivered with complete confidentiality.
Evidence-based depression treatment
Antidepressant Therapy & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
The most effective treatment for depression combines antidepressant medication with structured psychotherapy. CBT is the gold-standard psychological treatment — it addresses the negative thought patterns and behaviours that maintain depression, producing lasting change beyond the medication period.
1
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — severity assessment (PHQ-9), medical history and treatment history
2
Antidepressant medication selection and initiation with close monitoring
3
Individual CBT — challenging negative automatic thoughts and behavioural activation
4
Relapse prevention planning and long-term maintenance strategies
1
Psychiatric assessment & diagnosis
Detailed evaluation using PHQ-9, ICD-11 criteria and medical screening.
2
Antidepressant medication
Personalised selection of SSRIs, SNRIs or other antidepressants with regular review.
3
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Individual therapy addressing depressive thought patterns and behavioural withdrawal.
4
Behavioural activation
Structured activity scheduling to break the depression-withdrawal cycle.
5
Relapse prevention & maintenance
Ongoing psychiatric support and skills to prevent depressive episodes long-term.
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions — with the right care, full recovery is achievable.
Our Specialists
Doctors treating this condition at Athena
Dr. Ashish Mittal
MBBS, MD Psychiatry (AIIMS Delhi) · 23+ years
Depression & Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Dr. Tanul jain
MBBS, MD Psychiatry · 12+ years
Depression & Drug and Addiction Treatment
Aarti Singh
M.Phil.Clinical Psychology · 12+ years
Depression & Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Available At
Treatment centers across India
Gurgaon Center
Haryana
Inpatient · Outpatient · CBT
Noida Center
Uttar Pradesh
Outpatient · Therapy
Delhi Center
Delhi NCR
Outpatient · Day Care
Guwahati Center
Assam
Outpatient
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does depression treatment take?+
Mild depression may improve within 6–8 weeks of treatment. Moderate to severe depression typically requires 3–6 months. Long-term maintenance treatment is recommended for recurrent depression.
Do antidepressants cause dependency?+
No. Antidepressants are not addictive in the traditional sense — they do not cause craving or compulsive use. They should be tapered gradually under medical guidance when stopping to avoid discontinuation symptoms.
Can depression be treated without medication?+
Mild depression can often be treated with psychotherapy alone. Moderate to severe depression typically requires a combination of medication and therapy for the best outcomes.
What is the difference between sadness and depression?+
Sadness is a normal emotional response to difficult events and resolves naturally. Depression is a clinical disorder — persistent, pervasive, significantly impairing functioning and not attributable to a specific life event.
Is postpartum depression treatable?+
Yes, highly treatable. Postpartum depression responds well to a combination of antidepressant medication (safe while breastfeeding under guidance) and psychotherapy. Early treatment is critical for both mother and infant wellbeing.
Related Conditions
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Schizophrenia Treatment
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