Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps, but true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a long period of time. [1]

The three most common forms of depression are: major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder.

Some more typical symptoms of depression can include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable.
• Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed down.”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
• Changes in appetite and/or weight.
• Restlessness or irritability.
• Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment. [2]

Developing new medicines to treat depression is a long and complex process, but an essential one in finding new and innovative treatments.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is currently conducting clinical research studies for the use of an investigational treatment for patients with depression If you would like to see if you or someone you know may qualify to participate in these studies, click on the button below.

[1] nlm.nih.gov
[2] nimh.nih.gov