Depression
Persistent low mood and loss of interest that affects daily functioning.
About this condition
Depression is more than feeling low. It involves persistent low mood or loss of interest lasting at least 2 weeks, usually with changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, poor concentration, guilt and hopelessness. It ranges from mild to severe and can occur alongside long term physical illness, chronic pain or anxiety.
Treatment is well evidenced and most people improve with therapy, medication or both. Where several adequate courses of treatment have not worked, the term treatment resistant depression is sometimes used, and specialist psychiatric input becomes important. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your GP, NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 now.
Treatments people usually try first
These are the treatments commonly offered in the UK for this condition. A specialist doctor will want to know which of them you have tried, and what happened.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling
- SSRI antidepressants such as sertraline or fluoxetine
- SNRI or other antidepressants including mirtazapine
- Combination or augmentation treatment under psychiatric care
- Structured exercise and social prescribing
- Referral to secondary care mental health services
Could medical cannabis be appropriate?
People with this condition sometimes ask whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for them. That is a question for a specialist doctor, who will look at your diagnosis, your history and everything you have already tried before saying anything either way.
Medical cannabis is an unlicensed prescription only medicine in the UK. It is considered only where a diagnosed condition has not responded adequately to conventional treatment, and it is never a first step. We cannot tell you in advance what might be prescribed, and UK law does not allow us to describe or advertise any medicine on this website.
What we can do is assess you properly and be honest with you. If a specialist doctor does not think this route is right for you, they will say so, and they will explain why.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and eligibility.
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