There are many types of depression, from mild to severe. One of the most severe types is major depression which is known by the appearance of five or more depressive symptoms that interfere with a persons common behavior

At first, a person may not be concluded to have major depression as he is observed to have mild symptoms. But eventually as he possess more distinguishing characteristics in a gradual manner and these symptoms lasts for more than two weeks, he can be diagnosed with such illness.

Some of the symptoms that can appear are irrational anxiety, sadness and low moods, changes in appetite, sleeping disorders, loss of interest in any activity, slow physical response and strong thoughts of death. If this symptoms persist the person have to be treat it.

Due to psychological trauma, a person can experience major depression at least once in his lifetime. But there is a possibility that this will recur after a few years of no episodes especially if there is a triggering life event that would cause another episode.

Nevertheless, major depression can also occur even if there is no major life crisis. In which case, the cause could be biological based on genetic disposition since family history of depression is contributory to such illness.

People may have biological make-up that makes them prone to major depression. Some triggering effect to the illness would be chronic stress, drug abuse, alcoholism, major loss or change and even medications for heart disease and cancer. This shows that major depression can be cause both psychologically and biologically.

Major depression is very much treatable. There are many types of treatment for major depression but the treatment depends on the severity and behaviors displayed by the patient. So far there are three well-established types of treating depression.

First is psychotherapy which is composed of cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy deals with the negative thoughts and behavioral patterns of depressed person while interpersonal therapy improves and assists the person with interpersonal roles and relationship that may be related to the cause of depression.

The second treatment is through medication. Studies show that depression is the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect the person's mood. These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine which can be corrected with antidepressant medicines.

Lastly, electroconvulsive therapy is also an effective treatment to major depression and other severe types. If the two former types do not improve the condition of the patient especially if there is psychosis behavior displayed, electroconvulsive therapy may be recommended.