Testing for anxiety or depression should be offered periodically — perhaps for months to years — to patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), not just in the early period after ... “Unspecified depressive disorder” is used when someone displays depressive symptoms, but there isn’t enough information for a specific diagnosis. Depressive symptoms can be complex and may not clearly ...

Understanding the Context

WHO fact sheet on depression, providing information on prevalence, symptoms, prevention and contributing factors, diagnosis and treatment, and WHO's work in the area. Depressive disorder, or depression, is a common mental health condition that can happen to anyone. It is characterized by a low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. This is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life.

Key Insights

Depressive episodes last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. People with depression may ...